NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
Étude de l’infection au Cryptococcus chez la souris transgénique exprimant le génome du VIH-1

Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii is the most frequent cause of AIDS-associated cyptococcosis worldwide, in sharp contrast to Cryptococcus gattii which usually infects immunocompetent individuals. To understand the mechanisms which cause differential susceptibility to these cryptococcal species in HIV infection, we established and characterized a novel model of cryptococcosis in CD4C/HIVMutA transgenic (Tg) mice expressing HIV-1 gene products and developing an AIDS-like disease. The objectives are to demonstrate significant differences in survival, inflammatory response and lung cell recruitment in Tg mice compared to non-Tg mice when inoculated with different species of Cryptococcus. Tg mice infected with C. neoformans strains H99 or C23 consistently displayed reduced survival and an increase of systemic dissemination compared to non-Tg mice, in contrast with Tg mice infected with C. gattii strains R265 or R272. Histopathologic examination of lungs of Tg mice infected with H99 showed a minimal inflammatory cell response, in contrast with the non-Tg mice infected with H99. In the case of R265, both types of mice failed to induce a strong inflammatory response. Finally, expression of the HIV-1 transgene increased the percentage of pulmonary interstitial macrophages and polymorphonuclear cells, while reducing CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes, independently of cryptococcal infection. This model therefore provides a powerful new tool to further investigate the immunopathogenesis of cryptococcosis in the specific context of HIV-infection.

Keyphrases: Cryptococcosis, Animal model, HIV-1
Le patrimoine numérique, le Web et la mort

Study of the available literature at Université de Montréal about digital legacy, digital personal archives in the perspective of death. Document management, inventory and digital will. Viewpoint of the relatives, access and treatment of the digital legacy, role of Web in mourning process and commemoration. Avenues of future.

Keyphrases: Web
Du langage cinématographique à la musique acousmatique : écritures et structures

Is it possible to organize the electroacoustic musical form in the same way as the cinema structures its moving pictures? Such is the question which summarizes the main part of my project of research: Du langage cinématographique à la musique acousmatique : Écritures et structures (the film language in the acousmatic music: writings and structures). Further to an exhaustive study of the processes of the realization of a film work, I tried to establish relations of equivalences with each of the relative step to the elaboration of an electroacoustic work. Of recording of sounds by the "sound-shootings" by way of the classification, treatment, mixing, editing until the performance at the concert of the finished work, every stage of the visual lexicon offers concrete and structurally relevant stowages to the conception of a musical work. This typology of the common techniques of realization between these two similar medias in a realistic and concrete practice then allows trying something new in a composition musical approach by the addition of technical and abstract tools. The results of this research are realized by the composition of three electroacoustic works. Each of them, by the context of their genesis, investigate specific parameters of this initially visual grammar.

Keyphrases: Creation, Research, Musical and cinematic syntax, Analysis/synthesis, Electroacoustic editing
La politesse dans la communication interculturelle : les stratégies de politesse utilisées par les coréens apprenant le français comme langue seconde lors des situations de demande

The aim of this study is to investigate request strategies that Korean learners of French use in request situations. The role played by the learners’ first language and their culture of origin in making these choices will also be explored.   Three groups of respondents participated in this study: 30 native Korean speakers living in Seoul, Korea, 30 Korean French learners in Montreal, Canada, and 30 French native speakers living in Montreal. Data collected from native speakers of both Korean and French were used to create baseline data reflecting first and second language norms respectively. Four data collecting methods were used: the Discourse Completion Test (DCT); an assessment questionnaire evaluating situational factors such as intimacy, the social power between interlocutors and the degree of imposition of requests; the multiple choice questionnaire (MCQ); and a semi-constructed interview. The responses obtained from the written DCT were analysed using the coding scheme elaborated in the Cross-Cultural Speech Act Realization Project (CCSARP) (Blum-Kulka, House, & Kasper, 1989).  The results of the study showed that the Korean French learners estimated situational factors like intimacy and the relative social power that they feel with interlocutors in a manner similar to that of the French native speakers. However, in many situations, the Korean learners of French tended to estimate that a request represented a greater imposition than either group of native speakers. Further, while the Korean French learners frequently used indirect strategies as the French native speakers used them, they showed a tendency towards pragmatic transfer from their first language (L1), using direct strategies more frequently than their native French-speaking counterparts. Moreover, as the Korean French learners used downgraders far less frequently, their semantic formulas were more direct and less polite than the ones used by French native speakers. Concerning supportive moves, the Korean French learners showed a different tendency from the two groups of native speakers, in that they used some categories of supportive moves more frequently. The correlation analysis between the results of the assessment questionnaire about situational factors and the politeness strategies used by respondents revealed that the Korean learners and the French native speakers used more downgraders when they have less social power than the hearer.   Finally, the implications of these findings as relates to the pedagogical and didactic aspects of politeness in French as a second language classroom are examined.

Keyphrases: CCSARP, Politeness strategies, Korean learners, French as second language, Request speech act, Pragmatic transfer, Interlanguage pragmatics
La construction du sens des expériences interculturelles au sein d’une organisation multinationale : une étude de cas

As globalization expands, the intercultural dimensions of organizations and organizational communication draw more and more scholars and practitioners’ attention.  Along these lines, this study describes how managers of a multinational organization make sense of their intercultural experiences in everyday work life and their views on the intercultural aspect of the company, using an interpretive perspective.  Current research identifies a number of themes as central to intercultural communication: context, message flux and language (Hall, 1976, 1990).  This study revisits these constructs from the standpoint of the theory of sensemaking developed by Karl E. Weick (1995), on the basis of which managers’ accounts of their daily experiences of intercultural communication are examined.  From interview data, the study shows how the issue of interculturality, although regarded as important and as a valuable asset of the organization, is not consequential for the daily communication practices of most managers in the case under study.  It is however quite influential for HR and PR management because of the very nature of their activities.   Results also suggest that the intercultural dimension of a multinational organization is experienced in slightly different ways depending on the framing of the organization’s identity.  From the standpoint of its region or country of origin, the organization is framed as “local” and domestic.  From the perspective of its many relations with its divisions around the world, the organization’s identity tends to be framed as “multinational” and, finally, from the standpoint of the host country, the organization’s identity is framed as “foreign”.  These framings are consequential for the definitions and meanings of intercultural communication managers make out of the intercultural dimension of the organization.   Keywords: intercultural experiences, intercultural communication, sensemaking, multinational organization.

Keyphrases: intercultural experiences, intercultural communication, sensemaking, multinational organization
Développement d’une méthode de simulation multi-échelle pour l’étude des grandes transformations dans les protéines

Proteins accomplish their function inside cells by means of conformational changes. Each protein class may be characterized by a specialized structure shared by its members with some variability. EF-hands proteins present a special motif which transforms itself while binding or unbinding the calcium ion. This structure allows Troponin C domains to open and close as it modulates the muscular fibers contraction. A similar mechanism allow Calmodulin to manage the activity of a diversity of protein channels. Computational techniques may help discover how these transformations occur. The main project of this thesis was the development of a multi-scale computational method for the simulation of complex motions inside a protein. The multi-scale approach is designed to adapt and change all along the simulation. The method, holographic ART, explore conformational space by generating swiveling and rotation of atomic ensembles, leaded by non biased atomistic forcefields. This determines at each step the overall motion, keeping a complete spatial representation, but with minimal local fluctuations computation. The multi-scale representation is combined with a unbiased open ended algorithm for identifying transitions states, ART nouveau, which guides the molecular trajectory from state to state. Applied to several proteins, the method was able to generate transforma- tion trajectories between distant conformations known from NMR and crystallography techniques. The use of a complete spatial representation throughout the simulation allows the method to capture atomistic details of each event. The purpose, the intervention order, as well as cooperativity between some residues and sub-structures involved in the EF-hand pair mechanism have been explored more in detail and an intermediate state is proposed.

Keyphrases: Multi-scale, Troponine, Troponin, Cooperativity, Proteins, Calmodulin
Modulation du système glutamatergique pendant l’apprentissage moteur : une étude de spectroscopie par résonance magnétique fonctionnelle

The present study explored motor learning-related functional changes in putaminal combined glutamate and glutamine (Glx) and γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) signal. It was hypothesized that Glx concentrations would specifically increase during and after learning of a sequential finger tapping task (sFTT), as compared to execution of a simple motor task designed to elicit minimal learning. Learning of sFTT is known to evolve in an initial fast progressing stage during the first practice session (fast learning stage), followed by a slower progression during later sessions (slow learning stage). It is also thought to depend on both on-line (during practice sessions) acquisition and off-line (between practice sessions) consolidation processes to create, transform and assure retention of a motor skill memory trace. A body of data implicates glutamatergic neurotransmission, especially through its N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDAR) and metabotropic (mGluR) receptors, in many memory systems, some of which apply to motor learning and striatal-dependant learning. Moreover, some animal studies suggest that Glx concentrations can be upregulated in relation to memory acquisition and/or consolidation. Our MRS acquisitions, of which the quality happened to be sufficient only for Glx quantification, allowed the detection of an augmentation in putaminal Glx occurring after motor task execution. However, our data could not ascribe this modulation specifically to motor learning related plastic changes, at the exclusion of simple neural activation related to motor execution. Nevertheless, the interpretation of the non-significant interaction, showing a larger Glx change in response to the simple motor task compared to sFTT, leads to the possibility that the detected glutamatergic plasticity may be specifically associated to the slow learning phase. We therefore suggest that testing this alternate hypothesis in a second experiment, using an MRS technique with more sensibility to Glx could yield more convincing results.

Keyphrases: Glutamate, Consolidation, Magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Neural plasticity, Motor sequence learning
Caractérisation du décalage du cadre de lecture de la protéine ataxine-3

Coding CAG repeat disorders have been associated with nine neurodegenerative disorders. Our group has previously shown that during the translation of mutant ataxine-3 (Atx3), the protein involved in Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 3 (SCA3), a ribosomal frameshift occurs and leads to the reading of a GCA frame rather than a CAG frame. This new reading frame causes the production of polyalanine in the polyglutamine peptide which increases its toxicity. Ribosomal frameshifts are known to occur in all organisms but little is known about this phenomenon in human. To study ribosomal frameshift along the ATXN3 transcript, we generated a transgenic Drosophila model in which we looked at the toxicity of the mRNA. Also, we developed a toeprinting assay to precisely evaluate where the change of reading frame occurs along the mRNA. Our results suggest that the toxicity observed in our Drosophila model results from the production of polyalanine and not from the presence of the mRNA per se. Moreover, the change in reading frame seems to occur at the 48th CAG codon and this pausing of the ribosome also occurs in other polyQ tracts. Because CAG repeat disorders share many characteristics, an alteration of the frameshift could alleviate symptoms of SCA3 patients as well as of many other diseases with coding CAG repeats.

Keyphrases: Neurodegeneration, Ribosomal frameshifting, Ataxine-3, Ataxin-­3, Drosophila model
Développement d’une grille pour l’analyse de la culture e-learning dans des forums de discussion en ligne

The reality of a globally interconnected knowledge society is now possible by the continuous advances in Information and Telecommunications Technology (ICT) in which broadband availability has made possible for people to meet, discuss, learn, and innovate in virtual spaces: anywhere and anytime. For this society, the education system has no boundaries with virtual spaces used by educators and students alike to learn and exchange knowledge: the knowledge and role of the teachers in this case is fundamental to the successful development of this society. As such, distance learning is increasingly used for training teachers not only in ICT but also in the use of pedagogical tools that can improve the in-class learning. With the limited availability of physical exchanges, developing countries are main beneficiaries of distance education as it not only provides high quality learning as it attracts worldwide experts in its forums at a fraction of the costs when compared to the traditional face-to-face training but also allows for modeling best teaching practices that can maximize the benefits of ICT in the education system. In this sense, the ICT training of teachers in distance learning courses allows for a wide range and a high qualitative exchange in these discussion forums, which is a clear advantage for developing countries. The evaluation of learning achieved in the forums, however, remains a complex problem. Different models and assessment procedures have been proposed in a wide range of literature but none have specifically addressed the e-learning culture as defined by the model IntersTICES (Viens, 2007 ; Viens and Peraya, 2005). The aim of this research is to develop an analytical framework for the e-learning culture using the contents of discussion forums for training activities in distance learning courses. In developing this analytical framework, we reviewed and used a combination of models identified in the literature and categorized key concepts and indicators for a value analysis methodology and a function analysis system technique. As result, we developed the framework and tested it with experts in the field. This process allowed us to develop an analytical and operational framework supported by a solid theoretical basis.

Keyphrases: Formation aux TIC, Distance learning, E-learning culture, On-line discussion, Development and research, Analytical framework, ICT training
La pertinencia del corpus literario en el aula de ELE : una propuesta basada en la descripcion, la narracion y la argumentacion

Teaching Spanish as a Second Language (ELE) and using literature as a didactic tool has never been an educational activity which received much support, in theory or in practice, it has rather been avoided. Most often, it has been relegated to a “cultural” sample at the end of the units in the ELE manuals, as “extra” material which the teacher did not really know what to do with. In recent years, these views have changed radically and many authors have claimed their teaching and learning potential.  This thesis follows this tendency and claims the use of literary texts (TL) for the didactic potential they carry. It proposes a series of didactic activities, supported by literary texts, to strengthen the skills of discourse at the descriptive, the narrative and the argumentative level in teaching ELE to college and university students in Quebec (Canada), taking into account the criteria set by Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, the Plan curricular of the Instituto Cervantes and the Program of the Ministry of Education of Quebec. First, it offers a brief tour exposing the different currents and pedagogical approaches in the teaching of ELE and the various treaties and studies postulating the use of literary texts for this purpose.

Keyphrases: Spanish foreign language, Literary text, Cooperative learning, Communicative approach, Activities for description, narration and argumentation
L’étude du processus psychologique présent lors de l’entraînement délibéré chez des patineurs artistiques élites

Deliberate practice plays an important role in the development of sport excellence. This practice is described as being aimed at the improvement of performance and requires a high level of effort and concentration and is not inherently enjoyable. The quantitative aspect  of deliberate practice has been explored in several studies, but very few studies have examined the qualitative side of this process. Thus, the goal of the present study is to describe precisely what deliberate training is and the psychological  process underlying it.  To reach those goals, semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve elite Quebec figure skaters . Data analyse, using grounded theory, demonstrate that high quality training is the result of a dynamic interaction among many factors related to the athletes, their environment, the content of their training and their psychological state. Specifically, confidence, focus, motivation and positive attitude are psychological skills that can affect performance. In fact, the results show that an important process occurred during deliberate training. First, cognitive and behavioral strategies such as mental imagery, goal setting and routine are used by athletes to prepare themselves to train. Then, when the athletes' psychological state is negatively affected, they use different strategies to try to optimize this state.  If these strategies are efficient, they help maintain the quality of training and the athletes experience the perception of having progressed technically, mentally, and emotionally.

Keyphrases: Sport psychology, deliberate training, psychological skills, figure skating
Thérapie prolongée au mesylate d'imatinib avant la chirurgie pour les tumeurs stromales gastrointestinales avancées : résultats d'une étude prospective de phase II

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common mesenchymal malignancy of the GI tract. The current standard of care for GIST is surgical complete resection with negative margins. The agent response rate as well as survival advantages obtained with imatinib mesylate in patients with metastatic and/or non-resectable GIST has lead clinicians to evaluate this therapy as neoadjuvant treatment in patients with locally advanced or metastatic but potentially resectable GIST. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of neoadjuvant use of imatinib mesylate until maximal clinical response in potentially resectable GIST patients (locally advanced or metastatic), in order to provide preliminary data regarding the efficacy of this approach in the surgical treatment of GIST at high-risk of incomplete microscopic (R1) or macroscopic (R2) margins. A prospective multicenter phase II trial was designed. Fourteen consecutive patients diagnosed with advanced GIST received imatinib at dose of 400 mg/d to 600 mg/d, given from 6 to 12 months prior to surgery. Amoung the 14 patients included, 11 underwent surgery and had a complete microscopic resection (R0). After a median follow-up of 48 months, all operated patients were alive and 7 without evidence of recurrence. The prolonged use (12 months) of neoadjuvant imatinib is feasible, safe, eficient ans associated with low toxicity. Furthermore, it is associated with a high rate of microscopic resection (R0) and a less extensive surgical approach. Phase III study with higher cohorts are necessary to confirm our primary results.

Keyphrases: GIST, Gastrointestinal stromal tumor, Imatinib Mesylate, Neoadjuvant, Preoperative, Surgery, Chemotherapy
L’idée d’un «premier niveau de réflexion» chez Karl Rahner : concept-clé d’une proposition de réforme des études théologiques à l’école de Saint Ignace

At the start of his Foundations of Christian Faith, Karl Rahner informs the reader that his proposed introduction to the idea of Christianity unfolds on a “first level of reflection” (erste Reflexionsstufe), as he labels it. Although he very clearly differentiates this level from that of the sciences in their usual sense, he does not provide a formal definition of the former, opting rather to implement it in his own work. Considering the importance this alternative “plan” for the understanding and the justification of the Christian faith had for Rahner, it is strangely interesting to note that practically no echo of this matter is found in subsequent literature (as stated by Max Seckler in 1984, and again, Karl H. Neufeld in 2006). The present study is devoted, precisely, to this question of the “first level of reflection”. Following our literature review, we will present the key moments in the development of Rahner’s concept, from his articles on the formation of priests in a pluralistic context to his Foundations of Christian Faith. Next, we will demonstrate how Rahner's reference to Newman's illative sense, though challenged (when not neglected) by commentators, could be a means of interpreting the notion this thesis is concerned with, insofar as the illative sense (and the Grammar of Assent) may shed light on the “first level of reflection” (and Foundations), and visa-versa. Ultimately, we will see how this reference to Newman paves the way to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, who was to be, for Rahner, not only a spiritual master, but also a theo-logical master. Therefore, what appeared to be a simple didactical opening statement reveals itself to be, from then on, a fundamental characterization of theology as understood by Rahner.

Keyphrases: Karl Rahner, John Henry Newman, Karl Rahner, first level of reflection, Christianity, understanding of faith, justification of faith, fundamental theology, epistemology, John Henry Newman, Ignatius of Loyola, existential knowledge