NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
L'État et la gouverne des services de santé : étude du secteur de la génétique au Québec

The recognition of a pluralistic healthcare system based on the interdependency between the State and other healthcare providers raises the question on how the State can manage according its own goals and what are the necessary actions to achieve those. The current thesis aims at understanding how can the State participate in governing the healthcare sector. More precisely, it intends to accurately look at how the State’s interaction with several health care providers impacts over time its action capacities to select specific governance instruments.   To achieve these objectives, the thesis uses a theoretical framework based on literature about governance instruments as well as Bourdieu’s practice theory. The State’s participation in governance is conceived as an evolving historical process with periods of stability and change over instruments in use. They alternate according the interaction dynamic and the context influencing an actor’s perception of action possibilities.  This framework is applied on a case study: Quebec’s genetic sector (1969-2010). This study involves processes and interpretative analysis of data originating from bibliographical sources and interviews conducted amongst representatives of the Ministère de la Santé et des Services Sociaux (hereafter: the ministry), as well as physicians and researchers working in genetics. The analysis outlines four periods of stability in regards to the mobilization of governance instruments, intertwined by periods of transition during which the ministry operates hybridization between instruments used and new intervention modes considered.  These results show that the efficiency of these instruments – meaning the convergence between expected results and actual outcomes – perceived by the ministry is a prime factor in terms of stabilization and change in its participation in the governance of the field. Thus, when used instruments lead physicians and researchers in genetics to act and interact in a way responding to the ministry expectations, its interventions tend to gravitate towards a certain governance pattern.  On the other hand, the ministry tends to modify its methods of intervention when its interactions with the physicians and researchers shed doubts on the efficiency of those patterns. It was noticed that these changes are closely linked to a particular evolution of the context, bringing a modification to possible actions available to actors. Finally, results show certain factors allowing the ministry to achieve its objectives in regards to the governance of the genetics sector.  The instruments strongly involving physicians and researchers and based on expertise considered to be legitimate appear more likely to bring a favorable action from those specialists in the view of the ministry’s objectives. Nevertheless, using such instruments supposes that the ministry recognizes its own dependence towards these physicians and researchers.

Keyphrases: healthcare system, health policy, pluralistic governance, governance instruments, policy tools, medical genetics, case study
Rôle et régulation de la protéine kinase AMPK au niveau intestinal

Physiopathology of type II Diabetes is characterized by severe metabolic abnormalities such as hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia also implicated in development of cardiovascular diseases. Impaired AMPK activity in tissues such as skeletal muscle and liver is associated with these metabolic disorders whereas its pharmacologic activation is able to restore such abnormalities. Nevertheless, tissue-specific heterotrimeric αβγ AMPK likely confers distinct roles and regulation that remain unexplored in intestine, an organ promoting enhanced nutrients absorption in type II diabetes situation. This study demonstrates α1β2γ1 AMPK complex preponderance in intestinal Caco-2 cells whose α1 subunit role is to regulate ACC enzyme responsible of fatty acid synthesis. Unlike in the liver, AMPK doesn’t regulate HMG-CoA reductase enzyme implicated in cholesterol synthesis. AMPK activation mimics insulin effect by reducing intestinal glucose and lipids absorption whereas its alteration in insulin-resistance situation (e.g.: induced by 4-HHE in Caco-2 cell model or in Psammomys obesus animal model) enhances glucose and lipids absorption which could exacerbate postprandial hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia associated to type II diabetes. Thus, AMPK at the intestinal level could be a potential therapeutic target in prevention and treatment of type II diabetes.

Keyphrases: AMPK, AMPK, Intestin, Intestine, Type II Diabete, Insulin-resistance, 4-hydroxy-héxénal (4-HHE), 4-hydroxyhexenal (4-HHE), Lipids, Glucose, Glucose, Cellules Caco-2, Caco-2 cells, Psammomys obesus, Psammomys obesus
Développement de nouveaux matériaux organométalliques pour des applications dans le domaine de la conversion d’énergie solaire

The world's energy supply is rapidly becoming the major issue of the 21st century. Instead of the status quo approach of finding and extracting more hydrocarbons from the ground, the development of renewable energy sources is attracting much interest from both the scientific and industrial communities. Solar energy is definitively one of the best sources to power the World of tomorrow. In such a framework, this dissertation discusses the development of new organometallic materials able to harvest solar energy for photovoltaic or H2 photoproduction applications. The first chapter presents the synthesis by a microwaves-assisted methodology of four new homoleptic complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) based on the tetra-p-methoxyphenyl-azadipyrromethene (ADPM) ligand in yields ranging from 89% to quantitative. Those complexes are put in relation with already known ADPM homoleptic complexes of the same M(II) series and related BF2+ chelates (Aza-BODIPY) for a better understanding of trends arising from substitution of the chelate and/or electron-donating effect of the p-methoxy substituents. This is achieved by the study of electrochemical behavior of the compounds and their photophysical properties. From a general point of view, the presence of the four p-methoxy substituents leads to an electrochemical decomposition of the derivatives based on that ADPM in oxidative conditions, along with a bathochromic shift of the optical properties. X-Ray structures for the tetra-p-methoxyphenyl-ADPM ligand and related Co(II) complex are also discussed. Hopefully, this study will provide useful insights to researchers on the substituents to install for stable ADPM derivatives in their quest for NIR chromophores utilizable for photovoltaic application. The second chapter report anion sensing properties toward F-, OAc- and H2PO4- of new neutral mononuclear and dinuclear Re(I) complexes based on a 5-substituted phenanthroline moiety bearing a thiourea hydrogen-bonding receptor. Those complexes were obtained in 81% and 60% yields, respectively. The effect of hydrogen-bonding versus deprotonation of the thiourea receptor upon addition of the anions was also evaluated by UV/vis and 1H NMR titration techniques. Observations made support the hypothesis that formation of the conjugated base of the receptor is favored. In addition, an X-ray structure of the Re(I) precursor complex is reported and the chirality of the mononuclear and dinuclear complexes is discussed. Achievement of a bimetallic complex by self-assembly paves the way for the preparation of light-harvesting molecular antennae utilizable in artificial photosynthesis systems.

Keyphrases: Solar energy conversion, Photovoltaic, Coordination chemistry, Azadipyrromethene, Homoleptic complexes, Neutral Re(I) complexes, Anion sensing, Electrochemistry, Photophysic, X-Ray structures
Impact du statut de différenciation des cellules promyélocytaires HL-60 sur l’efficacité anticancéreuse et antiinflammatoire de l’EGCG

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption by circulating tumor and immune cells leads to secondary inflammatory infections. Promyelocytic HL-60 cells represent an excellent model to study and to get a better understanding of the molecular signaling mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis and metastasis. The research described in this thesis shows the analysis of several inflammatory and invasive biomarkers regulated during PMA-induced differentiation of promyelocytic HL-60 cells into macrophages. Carcinogenesis involves some modifications in the expression of biomarkers such as cyclooxygenase-2 and matrix metalloprotease-9. The differentiation status could have an impact on the NF-κB signaling pathway that regulates the target genes, given that these target genes expression varies during cell differentiation. We hypothesize that the activation of the NF-κB pathway by PMA can be reverse by (-)-epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG). Indeed, the up-regulation of downstream genes combined with the down-regulation of IκB expression showed the significant implication of the NF-κB signaling pathway to activate pro-inflammatory and pro-invasive mechanisms linked to carcinogenesis. The same evidence exhibits in the differentiated cells called «macrophages-like». Moreover, the green tea polyphenol, EGCG, shows chemopreventive property since it better inhibited NF-κB signaling in cells treated simultaneously with EGCG and PMA compared to the «macrophages-like». This difference could be due, in part, to the down-regulation of the 67 kDa laminin receptor, known to be the non-integrin membrane receptor for EGCG. All together, our results suggest that the differentiation status of promyelocytic cells is linked to the activation of mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis and metastasis. These phenomena can be prevented by using natural agents such as EGCG. Targeting the specific biomarkers linked to the differentiation status of tumor cells and involved in the disruption of the BBB may help reduce secondary neuroinflammation and enable the advancement of knowledge towards carcinogenesis prevention.

Keyphrases: inflammation, HL-60 cells, cyclooxygenase-2, matrix metalloprotease, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate
La chronique politique de la presse écrite montréalaise : portrait d’un genre journalistique en quête d’une définition

The political column – which figures at the heart of the issue of the press’ influence of public opinion – is rarely studied in scholarly literature, especially in Quebec. Yet, the study of punditry is particularly relevant in the context where different Web platforms seem to strengthen the presence of commentaries of all flavours. This study aims to shed light on the recent evolution of political column by presenting a systematic content analysis of such articles published in Quebec newspapers from 1991 to 2011, combined with a series of semi-directed interviews with renowned political columnists. Emphasis is first put on several characteristics, such as formatting or layout of the articles, while the wide variety of issues addressed by political columnists show that the column genre enjoys real freedom as the authors themselves choose their topics and decide how to write about them. Moreover, the negative critique remains ubiquitous in political punditry, though in a smaller proportion that could be expected, as many authors are rather neutral and explanatory in their comments. Finally, the remarks of the interviewed columnists suggest that their status is accompanied by recognition and celebrity, as much from the readers as from their colleagues. The general conclusions lead us to better assess the distinctions between political columns and other journalistic genres.

Keyphrases: columnist, punditary, newspapers, political column, journalism, political commentary, public opinion, analysis
Étude du trafic du récepteur delta-opiacé suite à sa stimulation par différents agonistes

Opiates are among the most powerful painkillers to treat severe pain. Delta opioid receptor (DOR) agonists induce fewer side effects than mu opioid receptor agonists, which makes them a target of interest for the treatment of chronic pain. However, they induce tolerance to analgesia. Recent hypotheses suggest that drugs tolerance is the result of stabilization of ligand-specific conformations of the receptor, with distinct traffic properties such as internalization and/or recycling. In this context, we determined whether different DOR ligands differed with respect to their ability to induce signaling and receptor trafficking. Our results indicate that DPDPE and SNC-80 are the most effective drugs to inhibit the production of cAMP, followed by UFP-512, morphine and TIPP. Only DPDPE and SNC-80 manage to induce DOR internalization in HEK-293 cells. This effect is dependent on β-arrestin but not on GRK2 or PKC. Of these two internalizing agonists, only DPDPE allows the DOR to recycle back to the membrane of HEK-293 cells after recovery. DPDPE and SNC-80 also trigger similar DOR internalization in cortical neurons, and as observed in HEK293 cells only DPDPE allowed the receptor to recycle back to the membrane. This recycling capacity was suggested as a mechanism to protect against the onset of tolerance. These observations indicate that the DOR can undergo different regulations depending on the ligand bound to it. This property of functional selectivity of DOR ligands could be useful for the development of new opiates with longer lasting analgesic properties.

Keyphrases: Delta opioid receptor, Signaling, Internalization, Recycling, Analgesia, Tolerance, Functional selectivity
La comorbidité chez les joueurs pathologiques en traitement

Several studies such as the NESARC have demonstrated the comorbidity in pathological gamblers in the general population and in clinical samples. Pathological gambling often occurs with other comorbid disorders, such as addictions, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders. This study was conducted among 40 pathological gamblers admitted in treatment at Centre Dollard-Cormier, Institut universitaire sur les dépendances, in Montreal. The objectives were to assess the use of alcohol and drugs, the presence of psychological distress characterized by clinical symptoms and syndromes as well as by personality disorders, and the prevalence of PTSD in the gamblers of the sample. The CPGI was used to assess the severity of gambling. The other disorders were measured through the ASI, the AUDIT, the MCMI-III, the QÉT and the ÉMST. The results show that 65% of participants had a problem with alcohol (25% currently, 40% in the past), 27.5% presented a problematic drug use, 52.5% had a potential diagnosis of at least one clinical syndrome (mainly anxiety and depression), 55% had a potential diagnosis of at least one personality disorder, 30% presented symptoms of PTSD and 17.5% had a potential diagnosis of PTSD. In conclusion, comorbidity exists in the pathological gamblers of the sample. It is essential to identify it in order to better address the needs of the individual and to help him with the symptoms that worsen the gambling problem and increase the risk of recurrence.

Keyphrases: Pathological gambling, Comorbidity, Addictions, Psychological distress, Post-traumatic stress
The ‘Is’ of Fiction
Elgin/Goodman Fictionalism : fictions in art and science

This essay concerns fiction in art and science.  I argue that the term ‘fiction’ used in this manner is a category mistake (concept versus genre) and I believe this essay may succeed in “baking philosophical bread” by recognizing a verbal dispute. I am, therefore, suggesting an entire thread of discussion be re-evaluated. I provide an exposé of Catherine Z. Elgin and Nelson Goodman’s brand of fictionalism (i.e. that we glean understandings in the arts and sciences from fictions in the form of non-literal truth) and concentrate on unpacking the concept of fiction. I argue that representations (narratives of all sorts including models) are made of both fictional elements and faceted elements (with the exception of the possible or impossible ideal version e.g. God’s, which, would include only facets). Understandings are not gleaned from fictions but rather from faceted elements so ordered as to create understanding and usually leading to predictions, explanations, and manipulations. I define facets as ordered features whereas fictions (the genre) are groupings of disordered features. Full fiction is, therefore, by definition the expression of nothing or with respect to ideal languages (mathematics), the expression of contradiction. Representations are primitives and both fictions and facets are parts of them. Narratives are thus fictional by degree. Narratives which are highly fictional are of value (often playful) but they still always contain at least one facet. Ultimately all representational activity should be regarded as irreal i.e. incomplete although sometimes connected to reality and caught between a perfectly faceted realist description and complete fiction.

Keyphrases: Fictions, Art, Science, Fictions, Facets, Fictionalism, Art, Science, Irrealism
Conflits sur un navire de croisière : étude descriptive

This study focuses on causes of conflict in a situation least expected: cruise ships. This analysis illustrates the structure of cruising propaganda and how it is linked to oceanic mythologies. Then, the study reveals the connection between humans and the sea, based on the wide mythology and one's empirical experience on a cruise ship (as well as on a liner, cargo or military ship). In a touristic context, this study focuses on the subject of encounter with The Other which, from point of view of the tourist, refers to the locals of the visited destinations, other tourists and mainly the customer service representatives of the cruise lines. The final analysis demonstrates relevant conflicts on board a cruise ship experienced by several informants. The ultimate objective of this study is to understand the causing structures of conflict such as the space, subordination, social roles, social classes, etc.

Keyphrases: mer, myhtes, conflict, cruising, sea, myths, propaganda, expectations, tourism, space, ship, customer service, social class
Protection des minorités et pluralisme national en Europe : l’influence décisive des institutions européennes sur les régimes de protection des minorités en France et en Hongrie

The European Union provokes major transformations of the national state. It influences its political structure, its conception of democracy and of Law and it affects the majority-minority relations. It diverts the state from the traditional Nation-State model, ethnically and culturally homogenous, and makes it lean towards a pluralistic multinational state model.  These changes are the results of the European integration process and its politics of regionalization and decentralisation. Subjected to both the supranational integration and the infranational disintegration, the Nation-State transforms itself. So does its relation to its minorities.    By imposing the recognizance of a right to be different (droit à la difference), which is rooted in the individual protection of human rights, the European Union commands arrangements of the diversity. It allows the recognizance of identity and polyethnic rights to members of a minority and offers protection against discrimination and intolerance. Europe provides an alternative to the traditional Nation-State. From political, the nation becomes socio-cultural.   By promoting decentralization and regionalization, in application of the principle of subsidiarity, the European Union favours the recognizance of a right to difference (droit de la difference) which permits the institutionalization of minorities and the creation of permanent mechanisms, where the minorities can participate to the public life and contribute to the elaboration of the norms that will apply to them. Legal pluralism engendered by the European Union is however very strongly institutionalized. The national state still holds the monopole of the production of law although it allows institutional arrangements within the public sphere and the instauration of a dialogue between the various communities that compose the state. Such a situation is not conceivable under the traditional theory of the Nation-State and its monist and monological conception of the Law. Slowly, under the pressure of the European Union, the national state tends towards the multinational model of political organization.  The question of minorities raises a fundamental problem: the political organization of minorities. The will to respect all collective identities, to provide a political status to all minorities and to satisfy all their claims is endless. The Nation-State is surely not the best nor the only model of political organization for a state. But, is the multinational state a viable alternative?        Key words: minorities, right to be different, right to difference, legal pluralism, multinational state, Nation-State, European Union, liberalism, communitarism

Keyphrases: protection, minorities, legal pluralism, European Union, multination
La logique ordinale de Turing

The main subject of this dissertation is Turing’s ordinal logic, i.e. Turing’s attempt to locally overcome Gödel’s incompleteness by means of transfinite recursive progressions. We shall refer to the original 1939 text «Systems of logic based on ordinals» which is, in fact, Turing’s Ph.D thesis at Princeton University under the direction of Professor Alonzo Church. Considering its importance for the theory of computability and the foundations of mathematics, Turing’s paper certainly didn’t get enough attention in the literature. Therefore, we want to retrace Turing’s project of an ordinal logic from its very foundation in Gödel’s incompleteness theorem to its further development in calculability theory. A discussion on the foundations of mathematics from a computational point of view will conclude this memoir.

Keyphrases: Incompleteness, Calculability, Undecidability, Diagonalization
Association entre la sclérose en plaques et le syndrome des impatiences musculaires de l'éveil : caractérisation par des études de sommeil

The Restless legs syndrome is a sleep related movement disorder. It causes sleep disruptions, affecting sleep quality.  It has been described as being more frequent in an MS population than in the general population. Our main objective was to evaluate its impact on MS subjects’ sleep in comparison to MS subjects without RLS Validated questionnaires and polysomnography was used to achieve our objective. PSG studies of our 49 subjects revealed that independently of RLS status, MS subjects experience bad sleep quality, based on various sleep quality markers. Moreover, MS subjects without RLS also have periodic leg movements. This study reveals that RLS in MS manifests itself differently. Further research is needed to characterise RLS in MS.

Keyphrases: multiple sclerosis, restless legs syndrome, sleep, suggested immobilization test, periodic leg movement, polysomnography