NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
De la modélisation à la quantification par ultrasons de l'agrégation érythrocytaire

Many studies have reported that an enhanced level of red blood cell aggregation is associated with the presence of hemorheological disorders. Pathological aggregation has been characterized by quantitative ultrasound based on the backscattering coefficient. In order to describe the interaction between the incident ultrasound and the interrogated biological tissues, mathematical models are used. Mathematical modeling is known to be the optimal way to describe the interaction occurring between ultrasound and tissues at the cellular level. The structure factor model (SFM), considered as the exact scattering model has been developed to predict the backscattering coefficient from blood. However, the numerical SFM cannot be applied in real time for practical measurements and does not provide aggregate size to assess the level of aggregation. Therefore, we come up with a new model based on the effective medium theory in order to tackle this difficulty. The effective medium theory combined with the structure factor model (EMTSFM) can be applied in real time and contrary to the SFM provides two indices of the aggregate state in vivo: aggregate size and compactness. Based on a 3D simulation study, the backscattering coefficients (BSCs) predicted by the effective medium theory combined with the Structure Factor Model (EMTSFM) are compared to the BSCs computed with SFM. Our aim here is to assess the accuracy of the EMTSFM against the SFM by comparing their BSC in the framework of a forward problem, i.e., the calculation of the BSC from the known acoustic and structure aggregate parameters. This was done in order to validate the proposed model. To simulate aggregates, RBCs are stacked following a hexagonal close packing scheme. The influences of the aggregate radius and compactness on the BSC are studied as well. The results showed good agreement between the SFM and the EMTSFM based on our simulated microstructure of RBC aggregates. Our work provides thus the theoretical background to assess locally the aggregation level for diagnosis purposes.

Keyphrases: Ultrasons, simulation, Ultrasound, Imaging, Red blood cells, aggregation, simulation, modeling
L'influence caravagesque dans l'art de Jacques-Louis David

This Master's Thesis deals with the influence of Caravaggio and his followers on french artist Jacques-Louis David, an aspect of his work that has not been studied much. The different periods of the artist's production are discussed in terms of identifying this influence and how it manifested itself. This influence has emerged from the second half of the 18th century in French painting during a reform period. Jacques-Louis David is not the only artist who got interested in the Caravaggesque tradition. The interest for Caravaggio and his followers coincides with an interest for naturalism and drawing from nature. David's master, Joseph-Marie Vien, played an important role in the promotion of these concepts. It is during his first trip to Italy with his master Vien that Jacques-Louis David first came into contact with Caravaggism. It is from that moment that a transformation could be observed in his work, as the artist was liberating himself from the rococo style. The 1781 Salon following his trip in Italy has been an important moment in his career and the Caravaggesque style greatly influenced the works he then presented. This influence could be observed in terms of colors, luminosity, and the naturalistic rendering of the body. The juxtaposition of naturalism and idealism played an important role in the shaping of the Davidian aesthetic. After this Salon, the influence of Caravaggism would not be has apparent in David's work, but still present, has designs and motifs were borrowed by the artist. We have identified this influence till the end of the artist's career. We also demonstrate in this thesis that the relationship between David and Caravaggio can also be established through a manifestation of homosexuality and androgyny in the work of both artists. This thesis is not based on the interpretation of the works, but rather on analyses that highlights the Caravaggesque style's influence.

Keyphrases: Jacques-Louis David, Influence, Neoclassicism, Naturalism, Idealism, Homosexuality, Androgyny, 18th century
In vivo phosphorus spectroscopy in human subjects on a clinical 3T MRI system

Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a wide array of anatomical and functional contrasts, clinical MRI systems are typically limited to imaging of tissue water and spectroscopy based on hydrogen atoms in more complex molecules. Given the important role of phosphate metabolism in virtually all biological processes, there has been considerable interest in the development of technology allowing detection and spectroscopy of magnetic resonance signals associated with phosphorus in the human body. This poses a number of technical challenges, due to the lower natural abundance and resonant frequency of phosphorus. The objective of this project was to develop and implement a basic in vivo phosphorus capability on a clinical 3 Tesla MRI scanner. We present here the various steps toward building and testing a working prototype of MR coil tuned to phosphorus frequency. We also provide information on building a set of test phantoms required for this project that can be used for signal calibration. Finally we show preliminary phosphorus spectra from muscle, in human subjects, demonstrating the main constituents in high-energy phosphate metabolism. These results pave the way for future applications in which the metabolic physiology of the human brain will be studied during aging and in disease.

Keyphrases: MRI, Spectroscopy, Phosphorus, Metabolism, Coil
Contrôle cortico-spinal des mouvements volontaires du coude

According to a dominant theory, the motor cortex is directly involved in pre-programming motor outcome in terms of movement trajectories and electromyographic (EMG) patterns. In contrast, the equilibrium point theory suggests that the motor cortex sets and resets the spatial thresholds, i.e., the positions of body segments at which muscles and reflexes begin to act. Movement parameters thereby emerge without pre-programming, depending on the difference between the actual and the threshold position of the body segments. To choose between these two theories of motor control, we investigated corticospinal influences associated with voluntary changes in elbow joint angle in healthy individuals using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the brain site projecting to motoneurons of the elbow muscles. In order to minimize the influence of motoneuronal excitability on the evaluation of corticospinal influences, motor evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by TMS were obtained during the EMG silent period produced by a brief muscle shortening prior to the TMS pulse. MEPs were obtained at a flexion and an extension elbow angle actively established by subjects. MEPs were recorded from 2 elbow flexors (biceps and brachioradialis) and 2 extensors (medial and lateral heads of triceps). Flexor MEP amplitude was bigger at the elbow flexion position in the case of the biceps and extensor MEPs were bigger at the extension position in both extensors studied (reciprocal pattern). MEPs observed in the brachioradialis did not differ at the two elbow orientations. A similar difference in corticospinal influences at the two elbow positions was often preserved when the tonic activity of elbow muscles was equalized by compensating the passive muscle forces at the two positions with a torque motor. Thus, corticospinal influences and EMG activity were de-correlated and it can be concluded that the corticospinal system is not involved in pre-determining the magnitude of motor commands to muscles. Results suggest that the corticospinal system resets the spatial thresholds for muscle activation when segments move from one position to another. This implies that deficits in spatial threshold control may underlie different neurological motor problems (e.g., hypotonia and spasticity).

Keyphrases: TMS, MEP, motor cortex, motor control, transcranial magnetic stimulation, equilibrium point hypothesis, motor evoked potential
Quantification of standing balance in survivors of childhood posterior fossa brain tumours

There is growing interest in studying outcomes in survivors of pediatric brain tumours. Physical outcomes, especially balance abilities, are less investigated. Objectives of this thesis are to: 1) examine the literature for balance outcomes in survivors of pediatric brain tumours, 2) compare standing balance and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between survivors of pediatric posterior fossa brain tumours (PFBT) and typically-developing controls and 3) explore the association between balance and HRQOL.  A comprehensive review demonstrated that although the literature suggests that survivors of pediatric brain tumours display ongoing balance deficits, studies have limitations, emphasizing the need for further research.  Survivors of pediatric PFBT and typically-developing children were recruited and their balance assessed with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2nd edition (BOT-2) and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS). Dynamic balance was also evaluated for some participants using a force platform. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory measured HRQOL. Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U tests to compare results between groups and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient to determine the association between balance and HRQOL.  Balance abilities were significantly worse in survivors as measured by the BOT-2. The PBS displayed a ceiling effect. Certain laboratory outcome measures suggested balance difficulties. All participants’ HRQOL scores were within normative values. In survivors, an association was found between BOT-2 scores and the physical dimension of HRQOL.  Survivors of PFBT demonstrate persistent balance difficulties, best assessed by the BOT-2; however, they report normal HRQOL. Future research should be collaborative and focus upon the best ways to manage balance deficits.

Keyphrases: brain tumour, pediatrics, balance, health-related quality of life, survivor
Les effets des pratiques de leadership sur la performance de l’équipe : rôle médiateur de l’engagement des membres envers les objectifs d’équipe

The purpose of this research is to study the effect that leadership practices can have on team performance. We decided to concentrate this study on two types of leadership practices that are distinct: empowerment leadership and autocratic leadership. This research also tends to explain the mediating role of team goal commitment in the relation between leadership practices and team performance. Furthermore, we examine the harmonization of both leadership practices present among a team leader to notice if the adoption of one type of leadership would diminish or amplify the impact of the other leadership type.   Secondary data were collected in a public safety organization located in Canada. Overall, 381 members of 101 teams and their corresponding 101 immediate superiors were questioned through a questionnaire survey. Confirmatory factor analyses and a series of hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to verify our eight hypothesis.   The results showed that leadership practices have a moderate and significant effect on team performance. Leadership practices are also strongly and significantly related to team goal commitment. Otherwise, the results points out the mediating role of team goal commitment. In fact, the mediating role of team goal commitment was complete between leadership practices and team performance. Contrariwise, the interaction effect between leadership practices turned out to be not significant. The verification of the mediating role of team goal commitment represents a theoretical implication within the comprehension of team work. Likewise, on the practical side results showed that team leaders had better to adopt managing practices that can allow the team to reach the team objectives while improving the members’ sense of commitment and the team performance.

Keyphrases: Empowerment, Autocratie, Team work, Team performance, Leadership practices, Empowerment, Autocratic, Team goal commitment
Nom propre et roman chez Suzanne Jacob

This thesis focuses on the use of names in four novels written by Quebec's author Suzanne Jacob : Laura Laur (1983), La Passion selon Galatée (1987), Rouge, mère et fils (2001) and Fugueuses (2005).   Suzanne Jacob thinks that reality is made from conventions. Based on this idea, this thesis confronts the hypothesis that names are fictitious. Using narratological and pragmatical methodologies, this analysis, made of microtext readings, focuses on the characters' and narrators' comments on names, in addition to identifying processes that highlight names functionality on a semantic and syntactic point of view. This means that names will be addressed based on the network of the text’s different signs, and will not be considered as an isolated signifier.  The study is divided in three chapters dedicated to structural problems about names in Jacob's novels : « The ubiquity of the name », « The instability of the name » and « The name performed ? » From these three axes, the reflection opens to broader issues concerning identity as well as social and familial relationships.

Keyphrases: Suzanne Jacob, proper name, novel, Quebec's literature
La rigidité artérielle, induite par une calcification des carotides, altère l’homéostasie cérébrale chez la souris

Arterial stiffness is considered as an important risk factor for the development of cognitive decline in the elderly population. However, its precise effects on the brain are unknown and, to date, no animal model allows to study the precise outcome of arterial stiffness on the brain homeostasis. In this study, we developed a new animal model of arterial stiffness based on the calcification of the carotid artery in mice. On the arterial level, this model shows a fragmentation of elastin, increased collagen distribution and intima-media thickness as well as decreased arterial compliance and distensibility, thus fulfilling the major arterial stiffness properties. In addition, this model does not a show an increase in blood pressure or change in arterial lumen radius indicating a lack of global hypoperfusion and aneurysm. Regarding the brain, the results show that arterial stiffness induces an increase in cerebral blood flow pulsatility leading to increased oxidative stress. Oxidative stress induces brain inflammation, detected by the activation of microglia and astrocytes, ultimately leading to neurodegeneration. These effects are particularly observed in the hippocampus, a crucial area for memory and cognition. Thus, this study shows that arterial stiffness alters brain homeostasis and therefore should be considered as a potential therapeutical target for the prevention and treatment of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly.

Keyphrases: Calcification, Astrocytes, Arterial stiffness, Carotid artery, Calcification, Brain, Microglia, Astrocytes, Oxidative stress
La re-escritura de la violencia en Estaba la pájara pinta sentada en el verde limón de Albalucía Ángel

The objective of this study is twofold. On one hand it considers the assignment of Albalucía Angel`s Estaba la pájara pinta sentada en el verde limón in the  gender of the New Historical Novel, according to the theory exposed by Seymour Menton, Cristina Pons, Fernando Ainsa and Biruté Ciplijauskaité. In order to get this, it discusses in detail how this novel utilizes Colombia’s more recent history, and it also considers different issues relating to the fictionalization of historical characters, metafiction, intertextuality and polyphony. Second, this study analyzes the gender perspective that defines the novel thanks to the inclusion of the female voice narrating historical events from the feminine point of view of women's experience, a feature that would become characteristic of the new historical novel written by women about women. Our interest is to analyze how the different voices in the novel manage to create a new female subjectivity, thus subverting the official historical discourse as well as the patriarchal system. These aspects, in the historical context of violence in Colombia, allow a new reading of Colombian society of the mid-twentieth century.

Keyphrases: Historical Novel, literature of the violence in Colombia, historical memory, polyphony, feminine discourse
Caractérisation et modélisation de l’aimant organique NIT-2Py

The organic magnet built from NIT-2Py molecules has been characterized experimentally and its properties have been simulated using density functional theory. In this material, an unpaired electron carrying a magnetic moment on each molecule is responsible for the magnetism. This has been confirmed by numeric simulations on an isolated molecule. NIT-2Py molecules crystallize in space group P21/c with eight molecules per unit cell to form crystalline phase Alpha studied in this document. The effective moment obtained from magnetic susceptibility and the total magnetic entropy show that this material is a spin 1/2 system with one spin per molecule.   Specific heat measurements have highlighted the presence of two magnetically ordered phases at low temperature, which are separated by a plateau in magnetization. A first phase is observed at magnetic field lower than 2.2 T and has a transition temperature of 1.32 K in zero field. Magnetic susceptibility and magnetization measurements have established that this ordered phase is antiferromagnetic. This is confirmed by numeric simulations.  The second phase is induced by a magnetic field and has a transition temperature of 0.53 K at 6 T. Information concerning the field induced phase is limited and a study of the system above the transition temperatures helps to gain a better understanding. A model of isolated spins S=1/2 and isolated dimers S=0 reproduces nicely the specific heat and magnetization data above 3 K. The application of a magnetic field reduces the energy gap between the singlet and the triplet of the dimer and the crossover between these levels is observed at 6 T. The field induced phase emerges precisely at this crossover suggesting the occurrence of a Bose-Einstein condensation of triplets states.

Keyphrases: Organic magnet, Antiferromagnetism, Magnetization plateau, Dimer, Bose-Einstein condensation
A detailed assessment of adverse perioperative outcomes of the elderly treated with radical cystectomy for bladder cancer

Objective  Data from tertiary care centers suggest that the perioperative mortality (POM) after radical cystectomy (RC) is not different in septuagenarian or octogenarian patients, compared to younger individuals. Conversely, population-based data state otherwise. We revisited this topic in a large contemporary population-based cohort.   Methods Between 1988 and 2006, 12722 radical cystectomies were performed for urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder (UCUB) in 17 Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registries. Of those 4480 were aged 70-79 and 1439 were 80 years and older. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models tested 90-day mortality (90dM) after radical cystectomy. Covariates consisted of gender, race, year of surgery, SEER registry, histological grade and stage.  Results Of all 12722 patients, 4480 (35.2%) were septuagenarian and 1439 (11.3%) were octogenarian. The overall 90dM rate was 4% for the entire population, 2% for patients aged 69 years or younger, 5.4% for septuagenarian patients and 9.2% for octogenarian patients. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, septuagenarian (OR= 2.80; <0.001) and octogenarian (OR= 5.02; <0.001) age increased the risk of 90dM after RC.   Conclusions In this population-based analysis, POM was between 3 and 5-fold higher respectively in septuagenarian and octogenarian patients which is higher in tertiary care centers. This information needs to be included in informed consent considerations, specifically if RC will not be performed at a tertiary care center.

Keyphrases: age, perioperative mortality, bladder cancer, urothelial carcinoma, radical cystectomy
Vue intérieure de la médication psychiatrique : l’expérience des personnes ayant cheminé avec la GAM

This research looks at psychiatric medication from the perspective of service users. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 service users from a community-based, alternative mental health resource. The respondents experience or have experienced serious mental health problems. The majority of service users in our sample take neuroleptics. Selected participants followed the mental-health approach known as GAM: Gaining Autonomy & Medication Management. GAM provides a perfect ground, since this approach encourages critical thinking and promotes diverse practices around psychotropic medication. Current knowledge around the subjective experience of medication is presented. The effects of medication on people and their life contexts are analyzed, as well as their symbolic aspects. Among the main effects of medication are: the “anaesthetizing” effect, intense fatigue, difficulties of attribution, the desire to quit and paradoxical effects. Medication can have positive or negative effects on one’s circle of family and friends, work, studies or other social commitments. The relationship between service users and their medication has evolved toward a planned, adapted and reduced use. In this sense, the 10 service users went from a “novice” phase to that of “expert”. Results from this research show that the notion of treatment compliance must be revisited, and the concept of efficiency, broadened. This research shows that the “interior” dimensions of medication, the subjective experience and intersubjectivity provide rare and rich insights into medication as a social object.

Keyphrases: psychiatrie, psychiatry, subjective experience, point of view of service users, consumer/survivor perspective, psychiatric medication, psychotropic medication, neuroleptics, antipsychotics, Gaining Autonomy & Medication Management (GAM)