NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
Ambitions stratégiques indiennes et dérives perceptuelles : la rivalité sino-indienne contemporaine

This thesis seeks to understand the process of India strategic choice based on the perceived threat of China. According to a neoclassical realism framework, the study of the effect of sys-temic and domestic constraints shows a paradox in India strategic intentions. India is lock in a defensive posture by the systemic pressure of China rise in a post-Cold War era, although its desire to project his power lead by its perception, ideas, and strategic culture shows a progres-sive shift for an offensive posture.   India perceives China threat in dissonance with the strategic aims of China. It is focusing on specific signals and indices in order to justify the perceived threat. This is why China’s ambi-guity toward its diplomatic discourse concerning Arunachal Pradesh and its presence in the Indian Ocean creates an increase Chinese threat and therefore a more aggressive response. India’s strategic response must cope with the changes in China’s relative power. Without the necessary relative capacity, India chooses a strategy between emulation defined by a pursuit of armaments logic in order to keep the technologic parity and engagement for the purpose of defusing the rivalry and avoiding a pre-emptive reaction from China. Traditionally defensive India’s strategic culture progressively transforms itself under the influence of the Hindu na-tion building that clash with the nehruvian nationalism. The aggressive Indian strategic pref-erences principally show themselves in the multidirectional clash of India and China spheres of influence in Asia.

Keyphrases: Chine, Strategic choices, Neoclassical realism, Military doctrine, India, China, Enduring rivalry
Systématique moléculaire et biogéographie de trois genres malgaches menacés d'extinction Delonix, Colvillea et Lemuropisum (Caesalpinioideae: Leguminosae)

This thesis discusses the phylogenetic, geographic, and historic relationships of the eleven species of the afro-madagascan genus Delonix, as well as the endemic, monospecific genera Colvillea and Lemuropisum. The intergeneric and interspecific relationships of these taxa are unresolved which limits the evaluation of taxonomic changes suggested by some studies and of conflicting biogeographical hypotheses regarding plant dispersal around Madagascar. These species are all endangered, therefore a better understanding of their evolutionary pattern would benefit conservation efforts in Madagascar. The objective of this thesis is to reconstruct a phylogeny using multiple loci from two distinct genomes, and to use it to reconstruct the ancestral geographic range of species and estimate the times of divergence of the lineages. Results indicate that genus Delonix is not supported as monophyletic and a taxonomic revision is necessary. The exact position for Colvillea is ambiguous and suggests hybridization or incomplete lineage sorting for this taxon. Species evolved mostly during the Miocene from southern Madagascan ancestors. The phylogeny shows two clades associated with the geographic distribution of species, opposing the widespread species to the rare and mostly southern, endemic, spiny thicket species. The different hypotheses that could explain the Miocene long distance dispersal of the two African Delonix species from Madagascar are discussed. We recommend that conservation efforts should focus on past and present biotic and abiotic interactions in the Madagascar spiny thicket, considering that this unique habitat is an evolutionary cradle for at least three genera.

Keyphrases: Delonix, Colvillea, Lemuropisum, low copy nuclear genes, phylogeny, biogeography, taxonomy, Madagascar, dispersion longue distance, long distance dispersal, conservation
Pandémie H1N1 : comparaison Canada-France des enfants hospitalisés en Soins Intensifs Pédiatriques Étude épidémiologique descriptive à partir de 2 cohortes
nationales

Background: The pandemic influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 resulted in a large number of admissions to pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). The objective of the study was to compare the incidence and mortality rate of children admitted to PICU in autumn 2009 between France and Canada, two countries that essentially differed by their population immunization to this virus (first pandemic wave in summer and vaccine coverage >50% in Canada; no wave in summer and vaccine coverage of 18% in France). Methods: We compared two national cohorts that included all patients with documented H1N1pdm09 infection, admitted to a PICU in Canada and in France between October 1st 2009 and January 31st 2010. Results: In Canada, 160 children (incidence=2.63/100,000 children) in 6 weeks were hospitalized in PICU compared to 125 children (incidence=1.15/100,000) in 11 weeks in France (p<0.001). Prior vaccination was under 25% among critically ill children in both countries. Severity of illness at PICU admission and mortality rates were similar in Canada and France (6.5%, vs 4.4 p=0.45, respectively). In Canada, H1N1pdm09 vaccination was associated with a decreased risk of requiring invasive ventilation (Odd Ratio 0.30, 95%Confidence Interval 0.11-0.83, p=0.02). In Canada as compared to France, median PICU length of stay and invasive ventilation durations were shorter (2.9 vs 3 days, p=0.03 and 4 vs 6 days, p=0.02, respectively). Conclusion: Critically ill Canadian and French children were much less likely to have received prior vaccination against influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 in comparison to all children in the populations. In Canada, where vaccination rate was higher, the risk of severe respiratory failure was less among those critically ill children receiving prior vaccination.

Keyphrases: H1N1, asthme, pandemie, vaccination, canada, france, influenza, pandemic, intensive care unit, children
Mastectomies prophylactiques épargnant le complexe aréolo-mamelonnaire: sécurité oncologique, satisfaction des patientes et résultats esthétiques

Introduction The efficiency of prophylactic mastectomy is well acknowledged. Nipple sparing mastectomy (NSM) can potentially improve cosmetic results, but it is not the current practice because of doubts regarding its oncological safety. Objectives To evaluate NSM’s feasibility and oncological safety in a prophylactic setting, as well as aesthetic results and patient satisfaction. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on every women that underwent prophylacitc mastectomy followed by immediate breast reconstruction in the centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM) between 1997 and 2008. Data regarding cancer risk factors, post operative complication and cancer incidence were compiled. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a questionnaire and two plastic surgeons rated the aesthetic results on photos. Results Seventy-one patients underwent 21 NSM et 65 skin-sparing mastectomies (SSM) for a total of 86 prophylactic procedures. Following SSM, 34 nipple areolar-complexes (NAC) were reconstructed. Necrosis was noted in 2 preserved NAC and in 2 reconstructed NAC. The overall complication rate was superior among the reconstructed NAC. Patient satisfaction regarding NAC appearance was significantly higher within the preserved NAC group and the aesthetic results were evaluated as better. With a mean follow-up time of 50 months, no incidence was noted in the NAC area. iii Conclusion NSM offer superior aesthetic results, do not increase post-operative complications and appear the be oncologicaly safe.

Keyphrases: prophylactic mastectomy, BRCA
Topographie de l’activité EEG en fuseaux au cours du sommeil chez des enfants et adultes autistes

Autism is characterized by poor sleep maintenance. Sleep spindles are electroencephalographic markers representing a sleep protective mechanism. Autistic adults display less spindles than matched controls. This study investigates sleep spindle activity in children and adults with and without autism. The sleep of 34 adults (16 autistics) and 26 children (13 autistics) was recorded. Sleep spindles were counted and compared between groups at prefrontal (Fp1, Fp2) and central (C3, C4) electrodes. Both diagnostic groups showed a similar decrease in sleep spindle with age. Autistic children had significantly less spindles than controls at Fp2 and C4; adults with autism had significantly less spindles than controls at the two central electrodes. Poor sleep in children and adults with autism may be due to impaired protective mechanisms. The developmental pattern of sleep spindle topography suggests an atypical maturational course of the thalamo-cortical loop in autism.

Keyphrases: Cortex, Thalamus, Sleep spindles, Autism, Ontogeny
Protective signaling of oxytocin in an in vitro model of myocardial ischemia - reperfusion

Introduction: The prevention of the death of contractile cardiac cells following an episode of myocardial infarction represents the largest challenge in the recovery of myocardial function. Oxytocin, the hormone best known for its roles in reproduction and social behaviour and used commonly for the induction of parturition, has been repeatedly demonstrated to decrease the infarct size and to ameliorate the functional recovery of the injured myocardium. The mechanisms for this protection are incompletely understood. Objective: To study the effects of oxytocin treatment on isolated cardiomyocytes using an in vitro model simulating the conditions of a myocardial infarction. Methods: The cardiomyoblastic cell line H9c2 was used as a model of cardiomyocyte. For IR injury, the cells were placed in ischemic buffer and incubated in an anoxic chamber for 2 hours. Reperfusion was achieved by restoring cell media under normoxic conditions. OT was administered in the presence or absence of enzyme inhibitors. Cell death was evaluated by TUNEL and mitochondrial activity by formazan production during 1-4 hours of reperfusion. Confocal microscopy served for localization of cell structures. Results. The experimental model of IR in H9c2 cells was characterized by decreased formazan production (at the range of 50-70% of normoxic control, p < 0.001) and by the increased number of TUNEL-positive nuclei (11.7±4.5 vs. 1.3±0.7% in normoxic control). The addition of OT (10-7 to 10-9 M) at the onset of reperfusion reversed the effects of IR to the control levels (p < 0.001). The protective effect of OT was abrogated by: i) an OT antagonist, OTA and siRNA-mediated OT receptor knockout; ii) the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases inhibitor wortmannin; iii) the cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) inhibitor, KT5823. Soluble guanylate cyclase (GC) inhibitor ODQ and particulate GC antagonist A71915 only partially blocked the protective effects of OT. Confocal analysis of OT-treated cells revealed translocation of OT receptor and the phosphorylated form of Akt (Thr 308, p-Akt) into the nucleus and mitochondria. Conclusions: OT directly protects cardiomyocyte viability if administered at the onset of reperfusion by triggering signaling of Pi3K, Akt phosphorylation and its cellular trafficking. OT-mediated cytoprotection involves cGMP production by both forms of GC.

Keyphrases: Oxytocin, myocardial ischemia - repefusion
L’association entre les divers types de services de santé et l’initiation du traitement de l’hépatite C chez les utilisateurs de drogues par injection

Introduction: In spite of comparable hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment efficacy between injection drug users (IDUs) and non-IDUs, there are still important barriers impeding antiviral treatment access in this vulnerable population. Mistrust between IDUs and health care providers, along with IDU disorganised lifestyle, affect HCV treatment uptake. The objective of this study is to examine the association between HCV treatment initiation and the use of healthcare services among active IDUs.  Methodology: 758 active IDUs, seropositive for anti-HCV antibody, were surveyed from November 2004 to March 2011 in Montreal. Interviewer-administered questionnaires elicited information on socio-demographic factors, drug use related behaviors and health care service utilization. Blood samples were collected and tested for HCV antibodies. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the health service correlates of HCV treatment initiation.  Results: Among the 758 subjects, 55 (7.3%) had initiated an HCV treatment prior to enrolment. In multivariate analysis, variables independently associated with treatment initiation included: having seen a general practitioner in the last 6 months (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 1,96;  95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1,04-3,69); more than 2 years of lifetime addiction treatment exposure without current methadone use (aOR: 2,25; CI: 1,12-4,51); more than 2 years of lifetime addiction treatment exposure with current methadone use (aOR: 3,78; CI: 1,85-7,71); and having spent time in prison (aOR: 0,44; CI: 0,22-0,87).   Conclusion: Exposure to addiction and medical services is associated with HCV treatment initiation. These results suggest that such services efficiently play their role as entry points for HCV treatment. Alternatively, IDU who have initiated HCV treatment, regardless of the viral response outcome, may have adopted a proactive stance towards improving their overall health. Incarceration on the other hand seems to be an obstacle to HCV treatment uptake.

Keyphrases: Public health, IDUs, HCV, HCV treatment, primary care, methadone maintenance treatment, drug dependence treatment, needle exchange programs, incarceration
Étude de l’implication de la Neuroligine 1 dans le processus homéostatique de régulation du sommeil chez la souris

Sleep  is  essential  for  the  well-functioning  of  the  body.  It  has  been  suggested  that  sleep  is regulated, in part, by the homeostatic process of sleep regulation which controls a pressure for  sleep  in  function  of  the  amount  of  time  spent  awake.  Studies  have  suggested  that  the homeostatic process could be linked to synaptic plasticity, and that changes in sleep pressure can  affect  brain plasticity.  N-methyl-D-aspartate  receptors,  which  are  important  plasticity mediators, appear to be implicated in the deleterious effects related to sleep loss as well as in  the  regulation  of  cortical  synchrony  characteristic  of  slow  wave  sleep.  Their  activity  is  controlled  by  Neuroligin  1  (NLGN1),  a  synaptic  adhesion  molecule.  Also,  a  Nlgn1  mutation has similar effects on memory and behavior as those observed following a sleep deprivation. In  this  master’s  thesis,  we  hypothesized  that  NLGN1  is  implicated  in  sleep  and  wake regulation. To test this hypothesis, Nlgn1 mRNA and protein expression has been measured  after sleep deprivation, and the sleep of mice lacking NLGN1 has been studied. The results of my  research  project  show  that  an  increase  in  sleep  pressure  changes  Nlgn1  mRNA  and protein  expression  in  mice.  We  also  find  that  Nlgn1  mutation  reduces  wake  duration  and modifies  the  EEG  spectral  composition  during  wake  and  sleep.  These  results  indicate  that NLGN1  is  important  in  the  maintenance  of  wakefulness  and  the  regulation  of  sleep,  and provide further support to a role for NLGN1 in the regulation of neuronal activity.

Keyphrases: Neuroligine 1, EEG, Neuroligin 1, Synaptic plasticity, Sleep/wake regulation, EEG, Mice
La compétence métaorthographique d'élèves dyslexiques francophones du primaire

The ability to correctly spell words (orthographic competence) requires the development of orthographic knowledge and the ability to use that knowledge voluntarily (metaorthographic competence, Varin, 2012). Because dyslexic students have difficulties to spell words correctly, the goals of this work are 1) to describe the metaorthographic competence of 30 dyslexic francophone children (m= 11,34), 2) to compare their performance to those of 25 normally achieving children matched in age and to those of 24 younger normally achieving children matched in writing-level and 3) to establish links between orthographic and metaorthographic competences. To do so, four tasks were asked of the participants:  1) to identify spelling errors inserted in sentences, 2) to locate them in each word, 3) to correct them and 4) to explain their corrections. The results indicate differences in performance in function of the orthographic skill level and the nature of spelling errors.

Keyphrases: Dyslexie, Dyslexia, Learning, Spelling, Spelling competence, Metalinguistic competence, Metaorthographic competence
Robustesse du modèle de Rasch unidimensionnel à la violation de l’hypothèse d’unidimensionnalité

Today, the Rasch model is most used in many applications of the social sciences and in medicine. Among the applications of this model, one can cite the study of the psychometric qualities of test items, items calibration in adaptive testing and the production of skill measures in education science. It is particularly used in international large-scale surveys such as PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) survey. One of the assumptions test items selected to measure a given trait must satisfied is the unidimensionality assumption, that is all items put together should measure the trait under study, and the response given by an individual to each of these items is a function only of the level of the trait that the individual possesses. This raises the issue of determining the dimensionality of a measurement tool, because the goal is to keep only items that contribute to measure the single trait. In practice, not all test instruments developed to collect data from individuals are strictly unidimensional because our responses are also influenced by our habits and our environment. According to Stout (1987) the most important thing is to have a test with a dominant dimension, otherwise we will use multivariate models that are often complex and difficult to interpret for a decision maker who is not an expert in measurement theory.  Our work has been to explore a set of conditions under which the Rasch model can produce acceptable measures despite the presence of several dimensions in the data. We worked with two-dimensional simulated data and have used the multiple linear regression model and infit statistics t produced by the unidimensional Rasch model.

Keyphrases: Rasch, Infit, Outfit, Simulation, Regression, Robustness, Multidimensionality
Étude exploratoire du potentiel diagnostique des questions d’un test de concordance de scripts (TCS) pour évaluer le raisonnement clinique infirmier (RCI)

Teaching, learning and assessing clinical nursing reasoning is a challenge for both nurse educators and their students. For several decades, researchers and educators in the field of health sciences, worked to develop assessment instruments that would effectively measure clinical reasoning (Charlin, Bordage & Van der Vleuten, 2003). Several studies seem to support the script concordance test (SCT) in terms of validity, reliability, feasibility and applicability in different disciplines and contexts (Carrière & al, 2009). Deschênes and her collaborators (2006; Deschênes, Charlin, Gagnon & Goudreau, 2011) developed and validated one SCT specifically for clinical nursing reasoning. Since evaluation has a great impact on students’ learning strategies (Sibert & al, 2001; Durak, Caliskan & Bor, 2007), valid and reliable assessment instruments that would allow the identification of specific problems in the development of clinical nursing reasoning would be very useful to guide educational decisions (Gierl, 2007). We therefore conducted a study to explore the diagnostic potential issues of SCT. The research question is: "To what extent each issue of SCT to assess clinical nursing reasoning can it be linked to categories and specific thinking strategies?" with a sub-question: "How can we describe the diagnostic potential of SCT to evaluate the clinical nursing reasoning?”. We did a second content analysis on think aloud data that were obtained in a previous study in which five vignettes (15 items) from Deschênes’ (2006) SCT were used. The results showed categories thoughts and strategies used to address issues of TCS by groups of participants. Thus, our results revealed significant differences between the groups, such that the clinical nursing reasoning is so different from expert students, it can’t serve as a reference. Finally, this study demonstrates that TCS has a diagnostic potential but level by level (1st, 2nd, 3rd year and experts).

Keyphrases: Clinical nursing reasoning, Script concordance test, Diagnostic evaluation
Les archives dans l'art de Robert Rauschenberg

This thesis takes an archival perspective in order to examine the work of Robert Rauschenberg, an American artist who gained notoriety in the New-York art scene of the sixties. It is relevant to see appropriation art strategies by artists like Rauschenberg as a way of having « set up the table » for the archival art movement that would follow, starting in the late eighties and early nineties. The artist's connexions with the archives are first studied. Then, an archival reading of a corpus of his artworks is conducted in order to learn about his particular use of the archives. The conditions of use are raised, along with the conception of archives as memory and, at last, the relationship between archives and photography.

Keyphrases: Archives, Robert Rauschenberg, Art, Appropriation art, Sixties, Photography, Archival dissemination, Archival science
Étude comparative du vocabulaire de description de la danse dans les archives et du vocabulaire de représentation de la danse dans la littérature

This research falls within the field of digital humanities; arts and information science engage in dialogue. In the last few decades, dance has become a distinct research subject. Dance description in archives needs to be improved, because the quality of the description impacts access to the documentation. Knowledge extraction seems to offer new opportunities in this regard. The goal of this research is to contribute to the development of information management tools by comparing a vocabulary for describing dance in archives with a vocabulary for representing dance in literature obtained through knowledge extraction. We look for possible complementarity, particularly in regard to the aesthetic experience. First, some tools for describing dance in archives are described, and the Collier Descriptor Thesaurus is analyzed. We observe that this vocabulary for describing dance in archives does not take into account aesthetic experience. Second, a vocabulary for representing dance in literature is analyzed. More specifically, a structured vocabulary of aesthetic experience of modern dance is drawn from a corpus of texts from the French writer Stéphane Mallarmé, and the vocabulary obtained is analyzed. Finally, the two vocabularies are compared to consider their complementarity. We conclude that some vocabularies for describing dance in archives, consisting mainly of factual terms, such as the Collier Descriptor Thesaurus, can be enriched with terms related to aesthetic experience. The vocabulary for representing dance in literature complements to a certain extent the vocabulary for describing dance in archives. Thus this initial experiment supports the relevance of knowledge extraction in information resources maintenance and development for performing arts such as dance.

Keyphrases: Archives, Arts, Dance, Digital humanities, Document description, Knowledge extraction, Stéphane Mallarmé, Text mining