NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
Perceptions de néphrologues transplanteurs et référents face à la quantification du risque immunologique global en transplantation rénale

Background: The overwhelming scarcity of organs within renal transplantation forces researchers and transplantation teams to seek new ways to increase efficacy. The Groupe de recherche transdisciplinaire sur les prédicteurs du risque immunologique is attempting to put in place a scientifically precise method for determining the global immunological risk (GIR) of rejection for each patient waiting for a renal transplant. The quantification of the GIR is based on scientific factors, such as biological, immunological, clinical and psychosocial. The precise and global determination of the GIR could change the way patients are selected for renal transplantation. This selection will be based thus on scientific and quantifiable criteria. The advantages of the use of this method for selecting potential allograft recipients could be improvement in the efficacy of the process and the individualization of immunosuppressive therapy. In spite of these numerous advantages, this approach raises several ethical questions to explore with nephrologists working in kidney transplantation.  Aims of the study: The aims of this study is to explore the views of transplant and referring nephrologists on the use of personalized medicine tools to develop a new method for selection potential recipients of a renal allograft. The results of this research could contribute to determine the acceptable use of this method in renal transplantation and to study the link between science and medicine. Methods: Twenty-two semi-directed interviews, using short clinical vignettes, were conducted with nephrologists in the province of Quebec between June 2007 and July 2008. The semi-directed interviews were analyzed qualitatively using the content and thematic analysis method described by Miles and Huberman. Results: The results demonstrate a general acceptance of this approach amongst the participants. Knowledge of each patient’s immunological risk could improve treatment and the post-graft follow-up. On the other hand, the possibility that patients might be excluded from transplantation poses a significant ethical issue. It could be more effective than the method presently used. The method must be validated scientifically, and must leave a role for clinical judgment.  Conclusions: The use of personalized medicine within transplantation must be in the best interests of the patient. However, in spite of the use of such scientific data, a place must be retained for the clinical judgment that allows a physician to make decisions based on medical data, professional expertise and knowledge of the patient. An ethical reflection is necessary in order to focus on the possibility of patients being excluded, as well as on the resolution of the equity/efficacy dilemma.

Keyphrases: Étude qualitative, Kidney transplantation, Selection of patients, Personalized medicine, Scientificity, Ethical issues, Narrativity, Integrated empirical ethics, Qualitative methodology, Bioethics
Calculs de modèles d'atmosphères hors-ETL avec métaux pour les étoiles de type sdO : le cas particulier de SDSS J1600+0748

We present our new grids of model atmospheres and spectra for hot subdwarf O (sdO) stars: standard NLTE H+He models with no metals, NLTE line-blanketed models with C+N+O, and NLTE line-blanketed models with C+N+O+Fe. Using hydrogen and helium lines in the optical range, we make detailed comparisons between theoretical spectra of different grids in order to characterize the line blanketing effects of metals. We find these effects to be dependent on both the effective temperature and the surface gravity. Moreover, we find that the helium abundance also influences in an important way the effects of line blanketing on the resulting spectra: a low helium abundance (log N(He)/N(H) < -1.5) leads to relatively large effects, while a high helium abundance tends to reduce their magnitudes. We also find that the addition of Fe (solar abundance) leads only to incremental effects on the atmospheric structure and, hence, on the model line profiles of H and He as compared to the case where the metallicity is defined by C+N+O (solar abundances). We use our grids to perform fits on a 9 Å resolution, high S/N (180) optical spectrum of SDSS J160043.6+074802.9, this (currently) unique pulsating sdO, that we gathered at the Bok Telescope. Our best and most reliable result is based on the fit achieved with NLTE synthetic spectra that include C, N, O, and Fe in solar abundances, leading to the following parameters : Teff = 68 500 ± 1770 K, log g = 6.09 ± 0.07, and log N(He)/N(H) = -0.64 ± 0.05 (formal fitting errors only). This combination of parameters, particularly the comparatively high helium abundance, implies that line blanketing effects due to metals are not very large in the atmosphere of this sdO star.

Keyphrases: stars : subdwarfs, stars : atmsophere, stars : SDSS J160043.6+074802.9
Autonomie et reconnaissance

The notion of personal autonomy plays a central role in contemporary political theories and especially in theories of justice. Generally speaking, the dominant liberal paradigm defines individual agency in a purely rationalistic manner. Against this tradition, the present study argues for the necessity of rethinking and redefining this rationalistic concept of autonomy in light of psychological and philosophical developments that have complicated our understanding of subjectivity. For this purpose, the concept of relational autonomy, developed by feminist authors and some theorists of recognition, is most promising. This study proceeds via a critique of Rawlsian political liberalism, and aims to show that a relational understanding of autonomy is necessary to explain motivations for social cooperation and to understand justice and injustice in a way that corresponds to lived social experience.

Keyphrases: Political philosophy, Moral psychology, Autonomy, Relational autonomy, Recognition, Social cooperation, Justice, Justice
Caractérisation de nouveaux analogues des cannabinoides

This thesis aims to assess the pharmacological effects of new synthetic cannabinoid analogs. A long-standing goal in cannabinoid research has been the discovery of potent synthetic analogs of the natural substances that might be developed as clinically useful drugs. This requires, among other things, that they be free of the psychotropic effects that characterize the recreational use of Cannabis. An important driving force for this goal is the long history of the use of Cannabis as a medicinal agent especially in the treatment of pain and inflammation. Among the many pharmacological effects of cannabinoids, two are of great therapeutic value: the anti-proliferative effect on tumor cells and anti-angiogenic effect. In this thesis, the study of these two effects has been conducted on tumoral and endothelial culture cell. The proliferation tests on both types of cells showed no cytotoxicity. This allowed further study of the anti-angiogenic effect, and ended the study of anti-tumoral effect. Inhibition of angiogenesis has been investigated by performing recolonization tests of a denuded area on endothelial cell monolayer and microtubules formation tests on gel matrix. This effect could not be evaluated because of contamination problems; however, some molecules show anti-migration effects. The absence of cytotoxicity and structural analogy with -tetrahydrocannabinol encourages the investigation in pharmacological effects of these new synthetic molecules. It would also be interesting to study in a doctoral thesis, the molecular mechanisms of action involved.

Keyphrases: Cannabinoides, Cannabinoids, Cells, Receptors, Proliferation, Tumors, Angiogenesis
Étude des résultats des traitements psychosociaux auprès de jeunes adultes présentant un premier épisode psychotique : influence des traits de personnalité

The aim of this thesis was to elucidate the link between personality traits based on the Five Factor Model of personality and therapeutic outcomes of two group treatments for first episode psychosis: cognitive behavior therapy and skills training for symptom management. One hundred and twenty-nine individuals with first episode psychosis were recruited to participate in a randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized to one of two group treatments or to a wait-list control group. Measures pre- and post-treatment included the shorter version of the Revised NEO personality Inventory (Costa & McCrae, 1992), measures of Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale-Expanded (Lukoff et al., 1986; Ventura et al., 1993) and the shorter version of the Cybernetic Coping Scale coping strategies (Edwards & Baglioni, 1993).  In the first article, personality profiles and stability over time of personality traits of individuals with a first episode of psychosis were investigated. Results showed that individuals with a first episode of psychosis present with different personality profiles. Moreover, personality traits of the first episodes showed stability over time. In the second article, personality profiles and predictive value of personality traits or profiles on therapeutic outcomes of treatments for first episode psychosis were investigated. Results revealed also different personality profiles, none specifically linked to psychotic symptoms. No links could be demonstrated between personality traits and symptom improvements but personality traits and profiles were linked to therapeutic improvements in active coping strategies. In the last article, predictive value of personality traits on therapeutic outcomes accordingly to specific group treatments for first episode psychosis was investigated. Results showed links between personality traits, symptoms and coping outcome measures, according to specific group treatments. Personality traits were particularly linked to therapeutic improvements in active coping strategies.  In sum, this thesis contributed to the field of personality traits in those with a first episode psychosis by investigating the pertinence of personality traits in the choice of psychosocial treatments and highlighting the need for further study considering individual differences in psychosis. Clinical implications are discussed and recommendations for clinical research offered.

Keyphrases: NEO-PI-R, Coping Outcome, First-episode Psychosis, Psychosis, NEO-PI-R, Personality traits, Symptoms Outcome
Statutory, judicial, and administrative stays in immigration matters

The vast majority of cases heard and determined by the Federal Court of Canada relate to immigration law; approximately 80% of the cases adjudicated by the Federal Court of Canada are immigration matters.   Most immigration cases that reach the Federal Court of Canada eventually result in the individual’s removal.  A motion for a stay of removal is generally the last recourse a person can seek in order to avoid or, at least, delay his or her removal from Canada.  Nearly 800 such motions were adjudicated by the Federal Court of Canada in 2008.   Despite such a considerable number of cases and the important role these proceedings play in a person’s life, no author has ever attempted to organize and present the legislative and jurisprudential rules that govern stays.  No books, articles or commentaries have been written to analyze the cases rendered on motions for a stay of removal.  No document compiling decisions relating to stay of removal has ever been prepared.  Similarly, universities and other institutions do not offer courses or professional development training on this subject. The law relating to stays consists exclusively of cases decided by the Federal Court. A lawyer is expected to prepare a stay motion almost intuitively.  Yet, the urgent nature of these proceedings makes it practically impossible for inexperienced counsel to conduct adequate research and properly represent the interests of their client.  Hence, many strong cases are lost due to a lack of experience and inadequate preparation.  Many excellent lawyers practicing immigration law refuse to introduce such proceedings before the Federal Courts because they are not familiar with the principles governing stays. The law of stays in an immigration context resembles a legal patchwork because the case law is often inconsistent and at times contradictory.  This book organizes, presents, and explains, in a clear and concise manner, the law of stays.  In particular, this book examines the three types of stays: legislative, administrative and judicial. Judges and practitioners alike will find this quick reference tool very useful when dealing with motions for a stay of removal.

Keyphrases: stay, removal, deportation, immigration, immigration, injunction, Toth, Toth, PRRA, Federal Court, litige, litigation
Sécurité et reconstruction d’après-guerre : l’action policière et militaire internationale

Security sector reform is central to post conflict reconstruction and the restoration of rule of law. Often initiated by international actors, these reforms are essential to social and economic development in societies coming out of conflicts. The primary objective of this thesis is to determine whether international police and military coordination has an impact on security sector reform’s success in United Nations peace operations. The main hypothesis follows: police-military coordination in peace operations, supported by cooperation between police and military offices inside the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), fosters security sector reform success. It is the United Nations bureaucratic culture that influences the level and the quality of cooperation between police and military agencies inside the DPKO. This will be tested through a qualitative analysis of security sector reform programs implemented by the United Nations in Haiti, from 1993 to 1997 and 2004 to nowadays. The quality of coordination between police and military on the ground depends more on internal factors to the mission than on initiatives fostered by UN headquarters. Furthermore, police-military coordination fosters some aspects of security sector reform, like the professionalization of local police and security restoration.

Keyphrases: coordination, Security sector reform, coordination, police, military, Department of Peace Keeping Operations, Haiti, United Nations, bureaucratic culture
Un oeil sur la langue : aspects neuro-cognitifs du processus de la navigation chez l'aveugle-né

Vision is a very important tool for navigation in general. Due to compensatory mechanisms people who are blind from birth are not handicapped in spatio-cognitive abilities, nor in the formation of novel spatial maps. Despite the growing volume of studies on brain plasticity and navigation in the blind, the compensatory neural substrates or the preservation of this function remain unclear. We have recently demonstrated (article 1) by using volumetric analysis techniques (Voxel-Based Morphometry) that early blind individuals (EB) show a reduction of the posterior end of the hippocampus on the right side. This cerebral structure is important for the formation of cognitive maps. How do EB form maps of their environment with a significantly reduced posterior right hippocampus? To answer this question we chose to exploit a sensory substitution device that could potentially serve navigation in EB. This tongue display unit (TDU) is capable of transmitting pictorial imagery in the form of electricity on the tongue. Before asking our participants to navigate using the TDU, it was necessary to ascertain that they could really « see » objects in the environment using the TDU. We thus evaluated the « visuo »-tactile acuity (article 2) of EB compared to sighted blindfolded participants using the TDU. Participants later learned to negotiate a path through an obstacle course (article 3). Their task consisted of pointing to (detection), and avoiding (negotiation) obstacles while advancing through the hallway. We demonstrated that despite a reduced right posterior hippocampus, and an iii atrophied visual system (Ptito et al., 2008) EB not only were able to accomplish this task, but had a better performance than the blindfolded sighted controls. To determine what the neural correlates of navigation in EB are, we devised an fMRI compatible virtual route task conveyed through the tongue (article 4). Participants had to learn to navigate the routes and recognize them. We showed that EB use another cortical network involved in cognitive mapping than the sighted when recognizing routes on the tongue. We have emphasized neural networks connecting parietal and frontal cortices since they are re-enforced in EB. These results show that the tongue can be used as a portal to the brain by transferring pictorial information from the visual environment of participants, allowing the elaboration of strategies to avoid obstacles and move around in their environment.

Keyphrases: navigation, Cross-modal plasticity, Early blind, sensory substitution, virtual environment, hippocampus, parahippocampus, visual cortex, human
Posthumanité et subjectivité transcendante 
dans l’œuvre de Philip K. Dick

This thesis examines the problematic of posthumanity in three novels by Philip K. Dick: The Three Stigmata Of Palmer Eldritch, Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep and Ubik. I shall argue that the notion of “transcendent subjectivity” is central to Dick’s conceptualization of the posthuman and that the novelist’s engagement with this notion enables a shift in his writing towards a more spiritual or mystical vision. Dick’s vision of the posthuman had a profound impact on cyberpunk authors such as William Gibson, Bruce Sterling and Neil Stephenson. The questioning of the posthuman is a recurring strategy in the work of these writers.

Keyphrases: Philip K. Dick, Palmer Eldritch, Wilbur Mercer, Ubik, transcendent subjectivity, posthuman
Développement de l'identité professionnelle d'enseignantes débutantes en contexte de relation mentorale

Between 15% and 20% of Québec teachers abandon the profession before reaching five years of practice (Martel & Ouellette, 2003).  The difficulties encountered can disturb their integration and slow down the development of their professional identity (Baillauquès & Breuse, 1993). Some school boards offer supportive measures, in which mentoring is one of the most popular forms.    The goal of our research was to gain a better understanding of the teacher mentoring relationship and identify which of its characteristics are favourable to the development of beginning teachers’ professional identity.  The two concepts are related based on the works of Houde (1995) and of Gohier, Anadón, Bouchard, Charbonneau, & Chevrier (2001).  Our analysis focused on the characteristics of the mentoring relationship, the mentor’s functions, and the development of the beginning teacher’s senses of self-efficiency, recognition, and belonging to the profession.  Five interviews were conducted with novice elementary teachers from the Montréal area having experienced a mentor relationship lasting one year.  The data was analysed qualitatively.  The results show that the participants perceive mentoring to be favourable to the development of the feeling of self-efficiency.  However, feelings of recognition and belonging to the profession are attributed to experience and sociability.  A portrait of the mentor and some conditions for the success of the relation are also exposed.   The fact that only elementary-level mentees have been interviewed presents a limitation. Any generalization is impossible but the results can serve for other studies about professional identity or for the development of teacher induction and mentor training programs.

Keyphrases: teacher induction, beginning teacher, novice teacher, mentoring, professional development, professional identity
La ritournelle et le galop dans la musique romantique et le cinéma moderne

Through an investigation of the concepts of the refrain and the gallop put forward by Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari, this dissertation explores the function of musical temporality in modern cinema.  The concept of temporality will be brought to light in three parts. The first will expound on the different forms of temporal articulation through a reexamination of Romantic music. With the figure of the misunderstood, reclusive, exiled composer and the use of the fragment, it will be seen that Romantic music features characters that are Earthbound and found territories. The next part, recognizing the importance of understanding the mechanics of cinematic music, presents a vital examination of the various theories on the subject and their conclusions. From this theoretical investigation, it will be necessary to understand that the classical functions attributed to cinematic music fall short of fully explaining the mechanics of music in modern cinema. Indeed, this is because there is a new issue driving the images. These films, just like Romantic music, convey the passage of time. The final part shows that at the intersection of the concepts of Romantic music and the music of modern cinema, it is through the refrain and the gallop that the filmic musicality reveals a new temporality in the images.

Keyphrases: Deleuze, Guattari, Rosen, Fragments, Territories, Esthetics, Character, Landscape, Time, Fragments, Cinema, Refrain, Gallop