NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
Examen de la mémoire épisodique dans le trouble cognitif léger : effet modérateur des comorbidités vasculaires

Vascular burden (presence of vascular diseases and/or cerebrovascular diseases) increase cognitive deficits in older adults and have been associated with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s diseases. However, only a few studies have examined the impact of vascular burden on cognitive functioning in persons with mild cognitive impairment (herein referred to as MCIs). Individuals with MCI are a target population for research since they are at high risk of developing dementia. Understanding the factors that influence MCIs cognition is thus a priority. This thesis aims to identify the impact of vascular burden on MCI’s cognition. First, a summary of the literature concerning vascular health and cognitive functioning in the elderly is presented here (Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4). Then, three studies that represent the core of this thesis are exposed. The first one aims to identify which cognitive functions are affected by vascular burden in MCIs (Chapter 5). In the second one, we assess strategic and non strategic memory processes in MCI with and without vascular burden (Chapter 6). Finally, in the last study, we assess binding and sensitivity to proactive interference in MCIs who progress to dementia, and MCIs  who remain stable in a  three-year follow-up (Chapter 7). This latter study also assesses which brain changes influence binding and interference capacity in MCIs and which factors predict progression to dementia.  Results of this thesis first revealed that vascular burden plays an important role in cognitive heterogeneity of MCIs. First, MCIs who present a high vascular burden have more executive deficits. Second, those same MCIs run a greater risk of  being clinically classified as amnestic multiple domain MCIs  (memory impairment plus impairment in at least one cognitive domain, whereas MCIs with no vascular burden  run a greater risk of being classified as amnestic single domain MCIs (isolated memory impairment) (Chapter 7). In the second article of this thesis, we showed that MCIs with vascular burden have memory impairment restricted to strategic memory processes. When only the results of MCIs who progressed to dementia were analysed, a similar pattern of memory impairment was found, since MCIs with vascular burden were less impaired in non strategic than strategic processes, whereas both processes were impaired in MCIs with no vascular burden (Chapter 8). Finally, MCIs who progressed to dementia, and those who remained stable after a three-year follow-up, showed binding difficulties and vulnerability to proactive interference.  This difference was particularly evident when only MCI progressors were compared to healthy controls. In summary, vascular burden plays a role in the cognitive heterogeneity of MCI.

Keyphrases: Cognition, Vascular burden, Mild cognitive impairment, Vascular dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Episodic memory, Executive function
Rôle de la Prohibitine et de la sumoylation dans la pathogenèse de l’ostéoarthrose

Despite intensive efforts, the aetiology of Osteoarthritis (OA) remains elusive, however, genetic factors have been found to be strong determinants of the disease. Recent studies in Dr. Moreau’s lab have demonstrated an aberrant nuclear accumulation of PHB-1, a ubiquitous protein implicated in multiple cellular processes, in human OA articular chondrocytes. Moreover, we have shown that PHB-1 is part of a repressor complex that binds to the promoter of Pitx1 transcription factor, through the recognition of an E2F-like binding site which could contribute to OA onset. The role of Pitx1 and PHB-1 in OA pathogenesis is not clear, the goal of this study was to characterize PHB-1 nuclear accumulation in OA chondrocytes and to determine the molecular mechanisms by which PHB-1 accumulates in the nucleus of OA chondrocytes. In our studies we used U2Os and C28/I2 as well as human chondrocytes obtained from OA and control patients. Our data confirmed that PHB-1 accumulates in the nucleus of about 55  percent of   OA patients and that this accumulation correlates with an increased in sumoylation of the proteins in the nuclear fraction of OA chondrocytes. Present findings suggest that increased sumoylation could trigger PHB-1 nuclear accumulation through binding of PHB-1 to a sumoylated protein via a SUMO interacting motif (SBM) mapped to residus 76 to 79 of PHB-1. Moreover, these results demonstrate that sumoylated proteins accumulate in PML nuclear bodies in the nucleus of OA chondrocytes, suggesting the recruitment of SUMO-interacting proteins in PML bodies of arthritic chondrocytes. Further studies are needed to identify the potential sumoylated proteins which are interacting with PHB1.

Keyphrases: Chondrocytes, PHB-1, Sumoylation, Osteoarthritis, Chondrocytes, Sumoylation, Nuclear import
« Resolution Search » et problèmes d’optimisation discrète

The combinatorial nature of discrete optimization problems often makes them diffi- cult to solve. Consider for instance integer linear programming problems, which are commonly solved using a Branch-and-Bound approach. An alternative approach, Resolution Search, was proposed by Chvátal in 1997 for solving 0-1 optimization problems, but remains little known to this day and as such has seen few practical applications. This thesis attempts to remedy this state of affairs, with partial success. Its first contribution consists in the generalization of Resolution Search to any discrete optimization problem, while introducing new definitions and concepts. Next, we tried to validate this approach by attempting to solve well-known problems efficiently with it. Although our research did not succeed in this respect, it lead us to new methods for solving the generalized assignment and uncapacitated facility location problems. After presenting these methods, this thesis concludes with a summary of our attempts at practical application of Resolution Search, along with further perspectives on this matter.

Keyphrases: Resolution Search, discrete optimization, generalized assignment, uncapacitated facility location
Le cinéma omnistéréo ou l'art d'avoir des yeux tout le tour de la tête

This thesis deals with aspects of shooting, projection and perception of stereo panoramic cinema, also called omnistereo cinema. It falls largely in the field of computer vision, but it also in the areas of computer graphics and human visual perception.  Omnistereo cinema uses immersive screens to project videos that provide depth information of a scene all around the spectators. Many challenges remain in omnistereo cinema, in particular shooting omnistereo videos for dynamic scenes, polarized projection on highly reflective screens making difficult the process to recover their shape by active reconstruction, and perception of depth distortions introduced by omnistereo images.  Our thesis addressed these challenges by making three major contributions. First, we developed the first mosaicing method of omnistereo videos for stochastic and localized motions. We developed a psychophysical experiment that shows the effectiveness of the method for scenes without isolated structure, such as water flows. We also propose a shooting method that adds to these videos foreground motions that are not as constrained, like a moving actor. Second, we introduced new light patterns that allow a camera and a projector to recover the shape of objects likely to produce interreflections. These patterns are general enough to not only recover the shape of omnistereo screens, but also very complex objects that have depth discontinuities from the viewpoint of the camera. Third, we showed that omnistereo distortions are negligible for a viewer located at the center of a cylindrical screen, as they are in the periphery of the visual field where the human visual system becomes less accurate.

Keyphrases: cinema, omnistereo, immersion, immersion, panoramic, stereo, computer vision, visual perception, active reconstruction, psychophysic experiment
Évaluation de la validité prédictive de la Statique-99R et de ses dimensions

The aims of the current paper were to identify dimensions of the Static-99R, the most commonly used sex-offender actuarial scale, and to test their predictive validity. Exploratory factor analysis extracted three dimensions from the scale: sexual deviance, antisocial orientation and detachment. Cox regression analyses revealed that different actuarial factors predicted different recidivism outcomes: sexual deviance only predicted sexual recidivism, while antisocial orientation only predicted non sexual violent recidivism and general recidivism. Detachment had an inconsistent predictive validity. ROC curve analyses indicated that the latest Static-99 revision, the Static-99R, outperformed its predecessor in virtually every way. These same analyses revealed that the scale was as effective with rapists as with child molesters.

Keyphrases: Sex offenders, Static-99, Dimensions, Dimensions, Factor analysis, Predictive validity
Une analyse interactionnelle des émotions dans les institutions totales : 
le cas de l’émission radiophonique du centre de détention de Montréal

The main topic of this master’s thesis is the expression of emotions in a prison environment. The radio show « Souverains Anonymes » was selected as a case study for this work. In this study, I analyzed in detail the expression of emotions in a setting considered as being supposedly hostile, i.e., the prison environment.  I started from the literature devoted to emotions and total institutions in order to develop a new approach based on the interactional analysis of the expression of emotions in an environment, that, because of its rigidity and coercive character, is a priori not conducive to such expressions. The data from which I conducted my analysis were taken from a documentary titled « Hommes de passage » directed by Bruno Boulianne and produced by the National Film Board of Canada.   Four relevant excerpts were chosen in this documentary to analyze visible moments of emotion. Data were also collected based on a one-day observation of the preparation of the radio show, an observation that was recorded through note taking. Finally, a second day of observation allowed me to complete and confirm the results of my analyses. Through the analysis of these data (video and observation), I try to better understand how and in what interactional circumstances prisoners express and speak about their emotions  As we will see through the analyses I propose, prisoners tend to express emotions when they deal with questions related to their respective identities. It is an identity they long for, either one they would like to recover or one they would like to gain. This identity quest undertakes several aspects with, among others, references to morale, family or even prison walls. The expression of emotions and identity appear to be inextricably linked in their discourse.

Keyphrases: Souverains Anonymes, Total institutions, Emotions, Souverains Anonymes, Expression of emotions, Identity
Caractérisation clinique et moléculaire de nouvelles translocations chromosomiques ciblant le gène RUNX1 dans les leucémies aiguës de l’adulte

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a genetically heterogeneous disease characterized by frequent rearrangements of the RUNX1 gene located at chromosomal band 21q22. In this subtype of leukemias, t(8;21)(q22;q22) and t(3;21)(q26;q22) translocations are among the most studied rearrangements, being respectively associated with a favourable and poor prognosis. However, approximately half of RUNX1 translocations remain uncharacterized at the clinical and molecular levels at the present time. The main objectives of this thesis are to characterize four novel RUNX1 translocations in adult patients with acute leukemias and to study the expression profiles of specific transcriptional targets of RUNX1 fusions involved in self-renewal or differentiation of hematopoietic cells.  Using molecular techniques, we identified CLCA2 and SV2B genes as novel fusion partners of RUNX1 in t(1;21)(p22;q22) and t(15;21)(q26;q22) translocations. We also described the recurrence of the USP42 and TRPS1 genes involved in t(7;21)(p22;q22) and t(8;21)(q23.3;q22) translocations. Chimeric fusion proteins, truncated isoforms of RUNX1, alteration of RUNX1 transcripts expression and overexpression of the fusion partner were possible outcomes of these various fusions, thus demonstrating the diversity of RUNX1 alterations in acute leukemias. Genomic breakpoints of the recurrent RUNX1-UPS42/USP42-RUNX1 and RUNX1-TRPS1/TRPS1-RUNX1 fusions were cloned and analyzed revealing typical signatures of the non-homologous end joining recombination mechanism at fusion junctions. Since variation in the structure and composition of these junctions was observed, we proposed that distinct cellular machineries would be involved in the genesis of these abnormalities. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed on primary leukemic cells expressing these rare RUNX1 fusions. We demonstrated, for the first time, that similar downregulation of CEBPA and upregulation of JUP, an effector of the Wnt pathway, are detected in most samples studied presenting either recurrent or rare RUNX1 fusions. Despite an overexpression of JUP detected in each RUNX1 positive sample studied, other targets of the Wnt pathway like CCND1 and MYC genes were differently expressed in these cells, thus confirming the heterogeneity of this group of leukemias.  Our expression data show that similar transcriptional targets, activated or repressed, are detected in cells expressing either chimeric or truncated RUNX1 proteins and establish the first molecular evidences suggesting that the recurrent RUNX1-RUNX1T1 and four rare RUNX1 fusions share common molecular deregulations. As relapse frequently occurs in RUNX1 positive leukemias, JUP overexpression could be of particular interest with regard to targeted-therapy, as demonstrated by previous work showing potential benefits of inhibiting the Wnt pathway in other genetic groups of acute leukemias.

Keyphrases: RUNX1, CEBPA, JUP, RUNX1, acute leukemia, JUP, CEBPA
Exposition au bruit dans une installation gazière

The study aims to evaluate workers'noise exposure from an onshore gas platform in Algeria, and to emphasize the determinants influencing the exposure. Exposure groups were formed based on their work category and job location. Two sampling strategies were followed. The first was according to the international standard ISO 9612: 2009, and the second, according to the AIHA random strategy. For both strategies, the noise level (Lex, 8h, levels of exposure to noise ratio (A) for a working day of 8-hour) for operators and supervisors was usually > 85 dB(A) whereas the noise level for the technicians exposed in the distributed control system (DCS) was < 85 dB(A) at all times. The three HEG belonging to the maintenance technician group regularly exceeded the reference value of 85 dB(A). We concluded that employees working on the gas platform are exposed to significant noise level, and are at risk of developing hearing problems

Keyphrases: dose, installation gazière, noise, exposure, gas, turbo compressor, professional, work hygiene, onshore gas platform
Élections expérimentales : la désertion stratégique et la participation sous différents modes de scrutin

This thesis focuses on the relationship between the electoral system and two important behaviors of civic life: participation in an election and the strategic desertion of the preferred candidate. These topics are addressed in very important books in political science. From theory (Duverger, 1954; Downs, 1957) to empirical research using surveys (Abramson, 2010; Blais, 2010), various methodologies have been used to better explain voter's choices. My contribution to knowledge is the use of experimental methods to better understand both similarities and differences in voter behavior under the plurality system (PLU) and the proportional representation (PR) system and the individual level mechanisms that produce these similarities and differences.    The core of the thesis consists of three articles summarized below:   Article 1. Experimental elections conducted in Montreal, Paris and Brussels estimate the direct influence of the voting system on the voters' decision whether to vote or not, and vote for their preferred party or another party. In all, 16 groups of 21 voters take part in elections under different electoral systems. The systems are simple plurality and proportional representation. Preferences are randomly assigned and known by all participants. Our results indicate that voting is globally not more sincere and that voter turnout is not higher under the proportional system. However, we observe less desertion of small parties under the proportional system.   Article 2. We perform a laboratory experiment to explain why voters sometimes vote for a party other than the preferred one. The main conclusion of the paper is that in addition to voter preferences, perceptions of winning chances and belief in the possibility of affecting the outcome are key factors in the voter’s decision to vote sincerely or not. When they desert their first choice, voters consider their preferences and the viability of the alternatives. Voters who like to take risks are more prone to desert.    Article 3. This paper examines the decision to vote or not in experimental elections. We replicate the important findings of Duffy and Tavits (2008) with a different design. Our results support their finding, that is, turnout is affected by the belief that one's vote counts and overestimation of the probability that one's vote counts does not decrease completely over time. Going beyond previous research, we also find that turnout is not higher under a proportional system than under a plurality system, and beliefs about being in a pivotal disposition have a greater impact on turnout among the risk averse.

Keyphrases: Electoral systems, Strategic voting, Turnout, Experimental methodology, Voting behaviour, Single member plurality, Proportional representation system
À l’écoute du soignant : relation de soins et considérations éthiques dans la pratique des soins psychiatriques communautaires

Resistance to or non-compliance with medical interventions on the part of people presenting with severe and persistent manifestations of a psychiatric disorder, such as schizophrenia, will be the context in which to develop a formal distinction between the concepts of treatment and care, and subsequently between the consent to treatment and consent to care as separate forms of consent. The practice of first line community psychiatry will serve as a starting point to raise interesting challenges from an ethical standpoint. This thesis will explore the ethical implications of consent within a therapeutic relationship. Discussion around a specific model of crisis intervention characterized by a multidisciplinary approach will lead to the categorization of ethical problems and the formalization of a problem-solving model. A three-fold approach to ethical problems will be presented in terms of issues, dilemmas and ethical challenges. Crisis intervention will be categorized into four increasing levels of intensity based on the subjective assessment of a person in crisis and their capacity to establish and maintain a therapeutic rapport with a caregiver, throughout and beyond the crisis. Parallels between psychiatric and palliative care will be established in order to question the concepts of suffering and pain and to stress the importance of setting distinctions, once again, between care and treatment. The rapport that can develop between a caregiver and a person cared for will be presented as an opportunity to normalize a specific therapeutic rapport and value a perceived state of suffering calling for change, a condition that requires not treatment, but rather caring. These considerations will lead to the identification of a new goal for the caregiver, that is, to preserve the therapeutic rapport. A transition from the primum non nocere to a primum non excludere, i.e., “first, do not exclude “will serve as a motto to provide guidance towards a more authentic consent to care.

Keyphrases: Consent, Compliance, Treatment and care, Clinical Ethics, Care giver/client relationship, Crisis Intervention, Palliative Care, Pain, Suffering
Linear block copolymers of L–lactide and 
2–dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate : synthesis and properties

Multi–functional amphiphilic block copolymers have much promise for various high technology applications thanks to the controlled stimuli–responsive self–assembly into well–organized structures on the micro– and nanometer scales. The formation of well–ordered nanopatterns in films and/or in bulk provides a competitive substitute to nanolithography and is useful in the design and engineering of nanomembranes and nanoporous materials. Solution self–assembly in selective solvents, including pH and temperature sensitivity, can be tuned to match the needs of different biomedical applications, such as drug encapsulation/delivery, tissue engineering, etc.  In this context, block copolymers of L–lactide (LLA) and 2–dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) are of great interest. Since the control over self–assembly of block copolymer systems is enabled on a molecular level, it is of great importance to prepare well–defined block copolymers with predictable block lengths and low polydispersity. Thus, a major part of the research in this study was devoted to developing optimal synthetic procedures with detailed characterization of linear di– and triblock copolymers of LLA and PDMAEMA. A simple tool to determine homo–PLLA impurity was developed, which helped to determine and explain several undesired routes. The latter includes possible involvement of the bifunctional initiator used, and an alternative bifunctional initiator/catalyst system was proposed. Racemization of LLA by (P)DMAEMA moieties was observed during LLA polymerization thus limiting the utilization of PDMAEMA–first approach for the preparation of PLLA–b–PDMAEMA. Thermal and crystallization studies, including on quaternized block copolymers, revealed a significant retardation effect of the PDMAEMA block on the crystallization kinetics. The blocks were found to be miscible in the melt at low molecular weights, and maintained partial miscibility after quaternization. Depending on the length and the quaternization degree of PDMAEMA, PLLA crystallization was studied in a templated, soft or hard confinement environment. Crystalline lamellae twisting observed in certain diblock copolymers was facilitated in triblock copolymers, where the formation of banded spherulites was observed in all thermal conditions used.

Keyphrases: L–lactide, Avrami, Block copolymer, L–lactide, Methacrylate, Tin octoate, Crystallization, Avrami, Spherulite, Bifunctional Initiator, One–pot Synthesis