NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
The Body and the Parent-Daughter Bond : Negotiating Haitian Filial Relationships in Edwidge Danticat’s Breath, Eyes, Memory and The Dew Breaker

The Body and the Parent-Daughter Bond: Negotiating Filial Relationships in Edwidge Danticat’s Breath, Eyes, Memory and The Dew Breaker is an investigation of the different ways the disordered, tortured and traumatised body alters the parent-daughter relationship. It explores the mechanisms of power and violence on the bodies of both parents and daughters and the ways these bodies become as disordered as the psyche. This thesis will deal with the construction and negotiation of both parenthood and daughterhood from the angle of the gendered traumatised body. The first chapter deals with the scholarship that has been written on either the body or the filial relationships in both works. I have introduced my own contributions to the field in addition to the different overlooked aspects of the parent-daughter bond that my thesis tries to demonstrate. This chapter contextualizes both fictions with the era of Duvalier’s dictatorship and conceptualizes and defines the body in relation to filial relationships as a cultural construction and a site of the interplay of power and violence. The second chapter focuses on Martine-Sophie’s bond in relation to the ritual practice of virginity testing. In this chapter, I raise questions about the extent of Martine’s power to discipline and control Sophie’s body and behaviour and how the daughter reacts to her mother’s empowerment. I examine the intergenerational conflict that is intensified by body dysmorphia. I also demonstrate how Sophie wishes to separate herself from her mother’s body and why she fails to do so. In the third chapter, I study Mr. Bienaimé-Ka’s relationship that is disturbed by both the father’s body and his past identity as a former Tonton Macoute. The question raised in this chapter concerns the father’s body as an agent of political violence and his daughter’s source of her artistic inspiration. Ka’s identification and later separation from her father’s body is at the heart of my study because it is this body that alters this particular filial relationship, resulting in transgenerational trauma. Key words: body, parent-daughter bond, power, violence, Edwidge Danticat

Keyphrases: body, parent-daughter bond, violence, power, Edwidge Danticat
Étude de la protéine sigma 1 de réovirus par génétique inverse

Reovirus, also known under the tradename REOLYSIN®, is currently under clinical trial as an oncolytic agent. The specificity of the virus for transformed (cancerous) cells could be improved by modifications of the σ1 attachment protein. This study presents two ways to achieve this improvement by using a newly developed method of reverse genetics for double-stranded RNA viruses. As a proof of concept, we engineered the addition of an exogenous polypeptide of forty amino-acids to the C-terminal end of σ1. Subsequently, we created viruses with compromised mucinolytic activities by introducing amino-acids substitutions in the appropriate genetic sites. A decreased replicative efficacy was observed in all experimentally generated viruses, despite maintaining their infectious capacity. Reverse genetics allows the generation of viruses that retain their mutations throughout successive replicative cycles, which was impossible with traditionnal techniques. This project demonstrates the feasibility of tropism modification by using the reverse genetics method.

Keyphrases: mucine, tag, reovirus, reverse genetics, mucin, tagging
Cyanocobalamin is a Superoxide Scavenger and Neuroprotectant in Neuronal Cells

Damage to the optic nerve (optic neuropathy) can result in permanent loss of vision or blindness through retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. Our prior work identified a burst of superoxide anion as a critical molecular event in RGCs prior to injury-induced cell death. Recently, Suarez-Moreira et al (JACS 131:15078, 2009) demonstrated that vitamin B12 scavenges superoxide as effectively as superoxide dismutase. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to optic neuropathy through unknown mechanisms. We investigated the relationship between superoxide scavenging by cyanocobalamin, the most abundant vitamin B12¬¬ vitamer, and its neuroprotective properties in neuronal cells.  Cyanocobalamin at concentrations of 10 μM and 100 μM reduced the rate of superoxide generation by 34% and 79% in cell free assays, respectively. In menadione-treated RGC-5 cells, cyanocobalamin concentrations above 10 nM scavenged superoxide anion similar to those treated with pegylated-SOD. Cyanocobalamin at concentrations of 100 μM and 1 mM reduced RGC-5 cell death from menadione by 20% and 32%, respectively. In rats with unilateral optic nerve transection, a single intravitreal dose of 667 μM cyanocobalamin significantly reduced the number of RGCs with superoxide. This dose also increased RGC survival rate compared to rats injected with saline control.  These data suggest that vitamin B¬¬12 may be an important neuroprotectant, which could cause death of RGCs when depleted in nutritional deficiency. Vitamin B12 could also potentially be used as a therapy to slow progression of RGC death in patients with optic neuropathies characterized by overproduction of superoxide.

Keyphrases: Vitamin B12, Superoxide anion, Optic neuropathy, Neuroprotection
Comportement des systèmes de référence quantiques pour le moment cinétique

The field of quantum reference frames, which recent progress is briefly presented in chap- ter 1, is extremely relevant when it comes to understanding the deterioration of quantum states and the evolution of quantum measurement instruments. However, to fully understand these advances and to be able to bring an original contribution to this field, one must first understand a number of concepts in physics and mathematics. These concepts are explained in chapter 2. Since the deterioration of quantum states is very present when controlling useful states in quan- tum computing, and since quantum computing attempts to control two-states systems, often angular momenta, analyzing quantum reference frames proves to be relevant. Having s = 1 as 2 the smallest known angular momentum, and since its simplest state is the unpolarized state, the study of a reference frame behavior that measures successively this type of angular momentums is the first step to be taken (chapter 3). The most interesting questions concern the efficiency of the reference frame, its longevity, and the optimization of these two quantities. The next step is to consider polarized and general angular momentum states (chapter 4). This time, analyzing the deterioration of the reference frame proves to be more complex, and can be examined in an approximate manner by looking at the evolution of certain parameters given for a certain class of states of reference frames. Furthermore, the existence of an interaction between the reference frame and the angular momentum can affect the reference frame approximatively as much as the measuring it does. It is this very interaction that is studied in chapter 5, but this time, for s = 1 angular momenta. Comparing this interaction with the measurement shows very clearly that the similarities between the two processes are a lot less visible than with s = 1 , and 2 even perhaps nonexistent. Therefore, the similarity does not seem to be general and appears to be accidental when it is significant.

Keyphrases: transition quantique-classique, quantum reference frame, quantum computing, interaction between angulat momenta, quantum to classical transition
Récepteur EphA7 : expression régionale dans le cerveau et localisation ultrastructurale dans l’hippocampe chez le rat et la souris adultes

Abstract: EphA7 is a member of the family of Eph receptor tyrosine kinases, which regulate cell adhesion and motility. EphA7 is highly conserved in vertebrates and widely expressed during embryogenesis, especially during the development of the CNS. In the adult brain, EphA7 is transcribed mainly in the hippocampus, with low expression levels elsewhere. We have mapped its distribution in the adult brain of rat and mice by in situ hybridization and by immunohistochemistry in light and electron microscopy. Both methods show very consistent labelling distribution. The strongest signal was observed in the hippocampus, but modest levels were detected in the habenula, striatum, amygdala, the cingulate, piriform and entorhinal cortex, and the cerebellum. At the ultrastructural level, in the hippocampus, EphA7 immunoreactivity was localized in the cytoplasm of granule (dentate gyrus) and pyramidal cells (CA1 and CA3) in descending order of intensity. In the neuropil of CA1, dendritic spines and astrocytic processes, often perisynaptic were the most frequently labelled. More rarely, we also observed immunopositive dendrites and axon terminals. The preferential localization of EphA7 in dendritic spines and perisynaptic astrocytic processes is consistent with a role of this receptor in synaptic plasticity

Keyphrases: Efn, Nervous system, Hippocampus, Receptor tyrosine kinase, Eph receptor, Ephrins, Neuroanatomy, In situ hybridization, Immunocytochemistry, Electron microscopy
De la poétique à la critique : l’influence péripatéticienne chez Aristarque

This thesis sets out to examine two points of contact in the poetics of the Peripatetics and Aristarchus, namely : 1) the exegetical attitude that takes account of the fictionality of poetry, thus exempting it from the constraints of truthfulness that ancient readers traditionally imposed on it, especially within the allegorical tradition; 2) the perception of the content of a work of poetry as being autonomous from its author, especially with regard to the relation between the poet and his characters.

Keyphrases: Aristotle, Peripatos, Poetics, Aristarchus, Interpretation, Persona
Conserver ou restaurer? La dialectique de l’œuvre architecturale : histoire d'un débat qui a contribué à la formation de la culture de la conservation du patrimoine bâti

The research question "to conserve or restore?" is the starting point of an adventure inviting the reader to respond to what guides our actions for the conservation of built heritage. Knowing that both rival positions claim to hold the truth, this thesis proposes a mediation between the two approaches by clarifying their various interpretations, particularly in the context of the longevity of Cesare Brandi's theory based on the historical-artistic dialectic of the work of art. Starting from this critique of Brandi’s theory and from a reflection on the functional nature of the architectural work, this thesis shows that there is no reason a priori to give predominance to one of two options, nor to establish a scale of predetermined values, but reveals time as a common denominator. Time is not restricted to the past and the present, but involves the destructive power of natural time and historical time based on a sustainable present rich with the past and open to the future. The research results reveal a possible dialogue between the two alternatives, by proposing a disciplinary ethic based on the dialectic of time. Knowing "when to conserve or to restore" demands the recognition of what is most significant throughout the existence of a work. To situate this meaning in a bygone era designates the work as evidence of a past time, by recognizing its function in aiding memory and commemoration; thus a predominantly conservative approach that aims at reducing the destructive power of nature and time, and at preserving the material evidence of degradation. On the other hand, to situate this meaning in a living present is to recognize its vocation in support of identity for the representation of a culture; hence a predominantly restorative approach (re-integration) based on historical time, a sustainable present rich with the past and open to the future can reveal this meaning. In short, with regard to all built heritage, one can only speak of a fundamental dialectic based on the essential nature of these works, interpreted according to their memorial function and their identity vocation. Therefore, to conserve or restore should be reinterpreted by preserving memory or revealing identity. Thus, conservation and restoration should no longer be understood as two conflicting options, but as two ways of interpretation in the service of the mediation of the architectural work through time.

Keyphrases: Architecture, Conservation, Restoration, Memory, Identity, Built heritage
Le suivi des jeunes contrevenants dans la communauté : les interventions favorisant la généralisation des acquis suite au Programme alternatives à la violence

For a little more than a decade, the Direction of Specialized Services and Young Offenders Services of the Montreal Youth Center advocates the use of the cognitive-behavioral approach. This approach has proved its effectiveness towards the youth subjected to the Youth Criminal Justice Act. One of the general objectives of this approach is to promote the acquisition of new prosocial behaviors and the generalization of these behaviors in the natural environment to protect the society and prevent recidivism of the adolescent. This report is centered on the identification of intervention methods that favour the generalization of gains, which is a topic that has not been thoroughly studied in criminology intervention research. To achieve this study, three adolescents participating in the Aggression Replacement Training (ART) were followed. The ART program seeks the learning of violent behavior alternative techniques and abilities. It is intended for adolescents convicted of violent offenses by the Youth Division of the Quebec Court. Following a literature review several intervention techniques were selected and applied to the rehabilitation program of the delinquents: overlearning, role-plays, stimulus variability, incorporating aspects of real life setting. These cases analysis suggests that the combination of these techniques with the cognitive-behavioral approach can lead to the generalization of the offender’s gains. Furthermore we noticed that the family involvement, the adolescent motivation and the therapeutic alliance also have an influence on the generalization of gain.

Keyphrases: Generalization of gain, Juvenile delinquency, Young offenders, Youth Centres, Cognitive-behavioral approach, Differential intervention, Aggression Replacement Training
Mécanismes cellulaires de l'induction du facteur de transcription Nur77 après un traitement aux antipsychotiques

Antipsychotic drugs have been used to alleviate schizophrenia symptoms for more than 50 years. Despite extensive research, little is known about the molecular and cellular mechanism responsible for their clinical outcome. These drugs are usually recognized as dopamine D2 antagonists and are known to modulate gene expression in the striatum. In the present thesis, we used the expression of Nur77, a transcription factor of the orphan nuclear receptor family, to explore the role of dopamine, serotonin, glutamate and adenosine receptors in the effect of a dopamine D2 antagonist in the striatum. First, we examined the abilities of serotoninergic and adrenergic receptor drugs to modify the pattern of Nur77 mRNA expression induced by haloperidol, a first generation antipsychotic drug. We observed that 8-OH-DPAT and MDL11939 partially prevent haloperidol-induced Nur77 upregulation. On the contrary, idazoxan consistently potentiated haloperidol-induced Nur77 mRNA levels in the striatum whereas prazosin remained without effect. Taken together, these results show the ability of a 5-HT1A agonist or a 5-HT2A antagonist to reduce haloperidol-induced Nur77 striatal expression. Subsequently, we evaluated in different experimental designs the effect of eticlopride, a specific D2 antagonist, to provide additional information on the mechanism by which D2 antagonist controls transcriptional activity in the striatum. Surprisingly, deletion of the D2L receptor isoform did not reduce eticlopride-induced upregulation of Nur77 mRNA levels in the striatum. However, cortical lesions with ibotenic acid strongly reduced eticlopride-induced upregulation of Nur77 mRNA, suggesting a role for glutamate neurotransmission. A combination of a metabotropic glutamate type 5 (mGluR5) antagonist with an antagonist of its synergistic partner adenosine A2A receptor abolished eticlopride-induced upregulation of Nur77 mRNA levels in the striatum. Direct modulation of striatal Nur77 expression by glutamate and adenosine receptors was confirmed using corticostriatal organotypic cultures. Taken together, these results indicate that modulation of gene expression in the striatum, following a D2 antagonist, might not involve a direct interaction of the drug at postsynaptic D2 receptors, but rather relies on its interaction with corticostriatal presynaptic D2 receptors and subsequent activation of postsynaptic glutamate and adenosine receptors in the striatum. In summary, our results suggest that interaction of atypical antipsychotic drugs with 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A receptors participate in the differential pattern of gene expression induced by these drugs when compared with typical antipsychotic drugs. Moreover, our results uncover a new mechanism of action of D2 antagonists and support a prominent role of glutamate and adenosine in the effect of classic antipsychotic drugs.

Keyphrases: striatum, dopamine, D2, mGluR5, A2A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT1A, Schizophrenia, Antipsychotic drugs, serotonin, corticostriatal pathway
Étude prospective des causes de mortalité chez l'espèce caprine avec emphase sur la lymphadénite caséeuse

In North America, and especially in Canada, the incidence and the causes of death in goats are not well documented. The first objective of this study was to determine the main causes of mortality in goats in Quebec. Dairy and meat goat farmers had reported an increase in abscesses in their herd since vaccination for caseous lymphadenitis stopped being available (2006) in Quebec. The second objective of this study was to determine the importance of caseous lymphadenits in wasting and mortality in caprine herds from Quebec. One hundred and fifty-two goats from 13 different herds from Quebec were submitted for necropsy and the cause of mortality, as well as the presence, location and cause of abscesses (if present) were recorded. Proportional mortalities were, in decreasing order: type D enterotoxemia (n= 26; 17,1%), pneumonia (n= 21; 13,8%), paratuberculosis (n= 16; 10,5%), encephalitic listeriosis (n= 10; 6,6%), pregnancy toxemia (n= 8; 5,3%), caprine arthritis-encephalitis (n= 7; 4,6%) and caseous lymphadenitis (n= 6; 3,9%). Caseous lymphadenitis was diagnosed in 24.3% of the submitted goats, but was not a major cause of debilitation or mortality. Abscesses were localized internally in 54.1% of the cases. Overall, paratuberculosis was diagnosed in 29 goats (16 of which died of the condition) and was considered a major cause of wasting, emaciation and mortality. Development and implementation of preventive measures to control this disease in goat herds would certainly be relevant in the future.

Keyphrases: Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, Goat, North America, Quebec, Proportional mortality, Caseous lymphadenitis, Abscesses, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, Paratuberculosis
Impact of type of drug insurance on adherence, persistence and costs of antidepressant drugs : a Quebec population-based study

Background: The influence of the type of drug insurance on adherence, persistence and cost of antidepressants is not well known. Objective: To compare adherence, persistence and cost of antidepressants in patients with private and public drug insurance.  Research Design: A matched cohort study was conducted using prescription claims databases from Quebec, Canada.  Subjects: 194 privately and 1923 publicly insured patients (18-64 years) who filled at least one prescription for an antidepressant between December 2007 and September 2009.  Measures: Adherence over one year was estimated using the proportion of prescribed days covered (PPDC). The difference in mean PPDC between patients with private and public drug insurance was estimated with a linear regression model. Persistence was compared between the groups with a Cox regression model, and the monthly cost of antidepressants (CAD$) was compared between the two groups using linear regression.  Results: The PPDC was 86.4% (95% CI: 83.3-89.5) in patients with private and 81.3% (95%CI: 80.1-82.5) in patients with public drug insurance and the adjusted mean difference was 6.7% (95% CI: 3.0-10.4). Persistence was 49.5% in patients with private and 18.9% in patients with public drug insurance at one year (p<0.001), and the adjusted hazard ratio was 0.48 (95%CI: 0.30-0.76). Patients privately insured paid 14.94$ CAD (95% CI: 12.30; 17.58) more per month on average for their antidepressants.  Conclusion: Better adherence and persistence and higher costs were observed in privately insured patients. Cost difference might be due to different pharmacy payment requirements and pharmacists’ honorary restrictions under the public plan.

Keyphrases: Antidepressant agents, Medication adherence, Drug costs, Retrospective studies, Insurance health, PDC, PPDC, PDC, PPDC
Development and evaluation of a research-based prosthodontic clinical record

Introduction: Although the importance of research translating into practice has been widely recognized, this process is still slow and faces several barriers such as conceptualizations of evidence, internal and external validity of the evidence and high costs of providing large amounts of patient-based outcome data. Patient’s dental records contain valuable information that would give clinical researchers an opportunity to use a wide range of quantitative or qualitative information. Standardization of clinical record would allow the interoperability and reusability of data in different research fields.  Objectives: The aim of this study was to design a research-based patient record in the field of removable prosthodontics in the undergraduate clinic of the “Université de Montréal.” Methods: This study used action research methods with 4 sequential steps: problem identification, gathering and interpreting data, action planning, and action evaluation. Study participants included professors, clinical researchers, and clinical instructors in the field of removable prosthodontics. Data collection consisted of a comprehensive literature review on prosthodontic outcomes as well as focus-group discussions and interviews. The qualitative data were analysed using QDA Miner 3.2.3. Results: The study participants raised several concerns about the deficiencies of the existing patients’ prosthodontic record in the undergraduate clinic. They shared their ideas for designing a new patient record based on 3 key objectives: clinical, educational, and research objectives. The prosthodontic outcomes of interest and appropriate instruments as well as the clinical parameters were selected by the research group and were integrated into a new research-based record. The appropriateness of the new record has been evaluated by the same panel of experts and the necessary modifications have been carried out. The study participants agreed that the action research cycle should be continued to evaluate the feasibility of the implementation of this redesigned record in the university-based setting.  Conclusion: This study is a beginning effort to develop a database in the field of removable prosthodontics. Action research is a useful research method in this process, and academic educators are well placed to conduct such research.

Keyphrases: Action research, Prosthodontics, Removable prosthesis, Evidence-based dentistry