NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
Le personnage vu de dos au cinéma et dans les autres arts : esthétique, migrations et imaginaires d’une histoire à revers

This thesis is part of the movement of studies that have developed in recent years in different disciplines (visual studies, art history, film studies, and aesthetics) around the phenomena of image migration. The research topic addressed in this paper is a visual motif circulating widely among the arts: the figure seen from behind. The occurrences of the figure seen from behind being innumerable and extraordinarily varied in cinema, the thesis aims to develop three expressive arrangements carried out by the figure seen from behind and repeated alternately in cinema and in other arts.  The bias does not consist of a careful study of the symbolic games or topos that the figures from behind would carry. Through notions that I have been led to further or develop throughout my research – appearance, inevidence, dorsality, it is a question of examining how this posture depicts a way of inhabiting the image and its world. In making important detours through the history of art, I sought to survey the intermedial imagery underlying the modes of appearance of the figure seen from behind, to account for its implications in artistic practices as well as in the philosophical and social field.  In order to carry out this intermedial survey on the migration of my object, I was inspired greatly by a gesture of Aby Warburg, the creation of atlases of images. By collecting images of figures from behind who constantly echo each other or contrast one another, atlas making allowed me to reveal three expressive modalities of the back running through the history of art and cinema, and which are also found, on a smaller scale, within my boards. I address these questions in the first chapter of the thesis.   The second chapter, titled "Repli (s)", focuses on my first picture board, devoted to figures from behind who avoid and sneak away, conveying a withdrawal of expressive meaning.  The third chapter addresses my second picture board, in which I sought to depict a form of absorption led by the figure from behind. Absorption refers here to a relationship to the world that weaves itself between the dorsal silhouette and the wild landscape, which has been migrating into artistic representations since the Romantic Age. The fourth and last chapter, entitled "Exclusion (s)", will examine a mode of appearance relating to an act of violence committed upon the subject. By focusing specifically on the portrayal of African-Americans in American plantation films and by making important connections in art history, I try to show how a form of aesthetic, social, and political exclusion has been created by the representation from behind.  What are withdrawn, absorbed or excluded characters telling us in view of the frontality of the representations that still prevail today? The figures seen from behind, as presented in my thesis, are introducing another era: that of a reverse tale, of a dorsality of representations and of existence.

Keyphrases: motif, atlas, back, figure, motive, cinema, the history of art, intermediality, inevidence, dorsality, appearance
Subversion et répétition : représentation de la mère dans la littérature chinoise féminine du 20e siècle

The mother’s representation has undergone a literary development and a profound transformation in 20th century Chinese history and thought. The literature of the May 4 Movement is characterized by the ideal of great nationalist salvation and revolutionary discourse. From her participation in the Chinese Communist Party, the writer Ding Ling sought to associate feminist writing with the socialist struggle. Sisterhood has marked her representation of the mother: the mother becomes a comrade with whom one advances neck and neck. By idealizing the mother-daughter relationship, the writer, having continued the May 4 patricide, projects an embellished future: the hierarchical society is fundamentally transformed into a world of perfect equality.  Xiao Hong considers motherhood not as a natural “gift” but as a severe punishment that over-exploits the female body. Animalized, the mother is reduced to an object of sacrifice normalized by a patriarchal society. In her latest novels, the author adopts a transcendental approach that no longer opposes the feminine to the masculine, the animal to the human, the inanimate to the animate. By describing “male” motherhood, she expresses a compassionate affinity of all colonized people, without distinction, to transgress social normativity.  Modernist writers, for their part, free themselves from the political framework in their representation of the mother. Zhang Ailing’s family story focuses on personal and everyday details and reveals an involuntary but fatalistic reproduction of motherhood between generations. Her coolness, which contrasts with the strong fury or ardor of the May 4 writers, is deepened in the avant-garde literature.  However, the latter is more subversive in representing the mother. In support of an absurd writing on tokophobia and infanticide, Jiang Zidan describes a maternal rage that deconstructs some cruel and obscure truth about the failure of the nuclear family in solidarity, heterosexual marriage and conventions that reinforce phallocentrism.  Neo-realism pushes women writers to return to a traditional description of the mother and her role by accentuating its banality. Without embellishing or sanctifying, Chi Li remains faithful to the neo-realistic principle and describes the ambivalence of the ordinary mother in her fictional works. In her prose, she shows her confusion about the insurmountable gap between mother and child.  The intergenerational gap remains problematic in the literature of the Chinese diaspora. Hong Ying and her writing on the possibility of repairing the relationship with the mother reflects a deeper nostalgia for her country and at the same time, a strong desire to overcome her perpetual orphan complex.

Keyphrases: Mother, modern Chinese literature, feminism, literary representation
Étude de la composition de la bile chez le chat en santé et le chat atteint de cholangite

Hepatobiliary disease is common in cats and neutrophilic cholangitis is the most common type. There are 3 types of cholangitis but only neutrophilic cholangitis requires antibiotic treatment. However, antibiotics are sometimes incorrectly prescribed in patients, especially while pending results of a culture of bile or liver tissue, which is problematic in the context of current antimicrobial resistance.  Little is known about bile composition in healthy or diseased cats.   The aims of this study were to evaluate several analytes from the bile of healthy cats and to investigate the usefulness of measuring these variables to predict bacterial cholangitis.   Cats were prospectively enrolled and divided into 3 groups: 21 healthy cats (group 1); and 14 cats with suspected hepatobiliary disease: 9 without bacterial biliary infection (group 2) and 5 with bacterial biliary infection (group 3). Percutaneous ultrasound-guided cholecystocentesis was performed in each cat. Bile cytology and culture, as well as analysis of bile including pH, lactate, and glucose levels using several point-of-care devices, were performed.   Reference values for several bile analytes in healthy cats were calculated and are presented in this study. The pH was not significantly different between the 3 groups (p=0.88) nor was the lactate concentration (p=0.85). Sodium concentration was significantly higher in group 3 compared to group 2 (p<0.05). Bile pH, lactate, and glucose levels did not predict the presence of a bacterial infection in the bile.

Keyphrases: Cholangite féline, Bile composition, Hepatobiliary disease, Feline cholangitis, Cholecystocentesis, Point-of-care analyzers
Détection et validation de marqueurs épigénétiques d’atteinte nociceptive dans l’arthrose sur modèle expérimental murin

Osteoarthritis (OA) is considered the most common cause of chronic joint pain in humans, but also in companion animal patients. Nociceptive sensitization has been extensively associated with the disease. However, the pathological mechanisms leading to the development of this degenerative joint disease remain only partially understood. In the past few years, surgical induction of OA in rats allowed us to characterize some modifications in functional pain behaviors and to quantify neurophysiological changes. Hence, it has now been suggested that epigenetic mechanisms could also take part in OA physiopathology. The goal of this project was to validate a panel of different pain evaluation methods in a surgically-induced OA rat model with the objective of a better understanding of OA pain. To achieve this, previously validated structural and functional pain assessments were conducted, as well as neuropeptidomic analysis. To test the contribution of epigenetic modification in OA, differential expression of spinal miRNAs was validated by RT-qPCR. The surgical intervention led to the progression of significant structural damages. Moreover, this model confirmed the central nociceptive sensitization development in the OA rats. Indeed, changes in functional behaviors and in neuropeptidomic expression were identified. These findings were interestingly accompanied by an enhanced expression of miR-181b, a micro-RNA previously linked to endogenous control of pain. Multiple pain determinants were taken into account in this surgically-induced OA model; therefore, this study contributed to the advancement of knowledge in chronic pain translational research. This project highlights the relevance of neuro-epigenetics in OA pain studies.

Keyphrases: Neuropeptides, Chronic pain, Osteoarthritis, Animal model, Biomarkers, Epigenetics, Micro-RNA, Neuropeptides, Functional evaluations
Modulation de l’action antimicrobienne in vitro d’extraits de plantes en condition de compétition par un dérivé de microbiote d’origine fécale porcine

The incorporation of non-antibiotic antimicrobials compounds to animal feed is extensively used to control the prevalence of pathogens and enhance general gut health. Few plant extracts (PEs) and essential oils (EOs) have a strong antimicrobial effect in vitro which does not concur with the results obtained when the experiment is translated in vivo. This study evaluated the antimicrobial potential of several compounds by agar diffusion assay, tube dilution and by a novel tube dilution method incorporating a pig intestinal microbiota derivative. Results of this study showed that carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, eugenol and white camphor oil have the same efficiency in the absence or presence of a complex microbiota, thus making these compounds the most relevant for the development of food additives. Metagenomics analyzes were performed to measure the (qualitative) evolution of the microbiota considered under these conditions. Eos concentrations that are higher than the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) had a significant impact on both alpha diversity (increase in richness and Eveness) and beta diversity. Furthermore, every EOs, used at high concentration, had a significantly different impact on the microbial structure and composition. Also, qPCR analyses were used to quantify indicators of the intestinal microbiota in the presence of increasing concentrations of EOs; a (significant) decrease of Escherichia coli, stability of Lactobacilli for almost all of the concentrations and a (significant) increase of Lachnospiraceae were observed. Therefore, this study led us to develop an in vitro model which can be used to analyze the efficacy of different organic compounds in the presence of an intestinal microbiota derivative. This suggests that some EOs could have a significantly different impact on the gut microbiota when used at a specific concentration. This feature could be exploited to develop effective food additives with targeted effects.

Keyphrases: Antimicrobials, Essential oils, Food additives, Food safety, Metagenomics, Microbiota, Plant extracts, Veterinary microbiology
Mise au point d’une technique de sinusoscopie peu invasive chez le cheval

Paranasal sinus disease is the most common cause of unilateral nasal discharge in horses. However, achieving a definitive diagnosis using radiology and endoscopy is difficult due to the complex anatomy of the sinuses, and the use of computed tomography (gold standard) is often limited due to its cost and low availability. Consequently, sinoscopy is often the available diagnostic technique with the highest diagnostic rate (70%) but it remains invasive (10 to 15 mm trepanation) and unpractical in some cases. Our hypothesis is that the development of a minimally invasive sinoscopic technique (MIST), performed through a mini-trepanation with a 14G needle (2 mm trephination) and combined with the use of a novel flexible 2mm diameter endoscope, can allow an exhaustive evaluation of the paranasal sinuses.   During the first two cadaveric phases of the project, we determined the exact anatomic landmarks to perform the mini-trepanation in the different sinuses, and the visualization of the different sinus compartments was assessed by attributing a score to each sinusal structure. In the last phase of the study, the MIST was performed on standing sedated horses to determine the feasibility and possible complications associated to the technique.  The landmarks determined in the first phase allowed a thorough evaluation of the sinuses in the following phases. The horses tolerated well the procedure and no serious complications were reported. The technique developed during this study is easy to perform and could facilitate the diagnosis of paranasal sinus diseases for all veterinarians specialized or not.

Keyphrases: sinus, horse, equine, sinoscopy, Minimally invasive surgery
Caractérisation des fonctions immunomodulatrices de la Cardiotrophin-Like Cytokine

Cardiotrophin-Like Cytokine (CLCF1) is a cytokine of the IL-6 family recognized primarily for its neurotrophic functions mediated by CNTF receptor activation (CNTFR). In contrast to its counterpart CNTF, CLCF1 is efficiently secreted as a composite cytokine with the soluble receptor CRLF1. Mutations in the genes encoding for CLCF1 or its secretion partner CRLF1 lead to the development of CISS and Crisponi syndromes, two severe conditions associated with complex overlapping phenotypes. Studying patients’ phenotypes led us to hypothesize important, non-redundant CLCF1 functions in the development and regulation of the immune system.  To characterize the immunomodulatory properties of this cytokine, we first studied the roles of CLCF1 in hematopoiesis. We observed that CLCF1 stimulates the proliferation of multipotent hematopoietic cells and induces their expansion in absence of other growth factors. In vivo, administration of the cytokine accelerated myeloid cell reconstitution in a model of congenic bone marrow transplantation. These results therefore suggest yet-unidentified roles for CLCF1 in myelopoiesis regulation. In a subsequent study, we assessed the ability of CLCF1 to modulate myeloid cell activation. Assessing the impact of CLCF1 on macrophages functions and differentiation, we determined that CLCF1 1) activates JAK/STAT signaling pathways in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM), 2) induces the upregulation of scavenger receptor SR-A1 expression and 3) promotes the formation of pro-atherogenic foam cells. Altogether, these results indicate that CLCF1 may constitute a novel and attractive therapeutic target to be investigated in preclinical models of atherosclerosis. While CLCF1 has previously been recognized as a B-cell stimulating factor, the results presented in the first two articles of this thesis indicate biological functions for CLCF1 in the formation and regulation of myeloid cells.  In parallel, we defined new biochemical interactions between CLCF1 and plasma lipoproteins. In particular, we have demonstrated the existence of complexes between CLCF1, apolipoprotein E, low- and very low-density lipoproteins. Furthermore, we observed that CLCF1 biological activities are modulated by very low-density lipoproteins. These results provide evidence of direct interactions between lipoproteins and cytokines and suggest that certain metabolic components modulate the immune functions of type I cytokines.  In conclusion, the results summarized in this thesis have improved our understanding of CLCF1 immunomodulatory properties and of its potential therapeutic applications.

Keyphrases: Cardiotrophin-Like Cytokine, Cytokine, IL-6, Macrophage, Cardiotrophin-Like Cytokine, Hematopoiesis, Hematopoietic Stem Cell, Myeloid Cells, Atherosclerosis, Apolipoprotein E, Lipoprotein
Constitutionnalisme et exclusion : critique du regard français sur le modèle canadien de pluralisme

This research intends on proving how constitutionalism and exclusion collide one against the other trhough a critique of the french gaze on a supposedly canadian model of pluralism. This negative comparison's silencesbetween France and Canada gave birth to this question of how one is being excluded and othered based on the identity of constitutional law. This critique, that focuses on identities, is shifting those three dialectics supporting the aforementioned negative comparison: positivism v. pluralism; universalism v. differentialism; republicanism v. liberal pluralism. France and Canada share this issue of how reality is oriented towards specific identities. This research is, then, a critique of constitutional identities. Exclusion is defined as the gap between the orientation of law's identitiesnd the bodily  reality of its subjects.The analytical tool developed here to tackle exclusionin law has three steps:shedding lighton the orientations of constitutionalism, its identity structure, and its constitutional Others.The research purports on turning shcolars' critical gazetowards this phenomenology of constitutional exclusion, its "constitutive outside," by deciphering a typologyof constitutional Others. Thiw will be through the collisions of freedom of religionand sexual orientation. Constitutionalism is per se oriented towardshe ascendency of whiteness, patriarcalism and heteronormativity.

Keyphrases: Accommodements, Canada, Discrimination, Exclusion, France, Postcolonialisme, Aboriginal rights, Aboriginal title, Accommodations, Canada, Collective rights, Communities, Conflict of rights, Constitutionali others, Constitutionalism, Differentialism, Dignity, Discrimination, Exclusion, Federalism, France, Freedom of religion, Governmentality, Heteronormativity, Homosexuality, Identities, Legal personality, Multiculturalism, Negative comparison, Patriarcalim, Pluralism, Positivism, Postcolonialism, Republicanism, Rhetorical equality, Sexual orientation, Substantive equality, Vulnerability, Universalism
The principle of compensation in the practice of the Iran-United States claims tribunal and the transnational rules : shared values?

This study examines how the Iran--United States Claims Tribunal (IUSCT), established 1981, applies compensation rules in its practice and the relationship of those rules to the UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts (UPICC). Academics point out that the framers designed UPICC to settle private international commercial disputes, not international disputes between states and investors, which relate usually to expropriation. A crucial question emerges: can general principles of law serve as substantive law in investor--state or interstate arbitrations? IUSCT practice, involving about 880 awards and decisions in investor--state disputes over more than 35 years, contains substantial jurisprudence in this field. This study proceeds through case studies and comparison of the tribunal’s jurisprudence with UPICC’s principle of compensation and related rules in the Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG), 1980. It explores the tribunal’s interpretation and application of the principle of compensation and the extent of UPICC’s influence on the reasoning in its awards The tribunal’s implicit – and more recently explicit – adoption and/or adaptation of UPICC principles not only bolsters UPICC’s authority but also brings predictability and certainty to the application of UPICC rules and provides a useful model for other international tribunals. This study of the IUSCT awards strongly suggests the conclusion that UPICC, as a widespread and influential codification of general principles of international commercial contract law, is superbly suited for application as substantive law in arbitrating international investment disputes.

Keyphrases: Damage, Expropriation, Iran_United States Claims Tribunal, UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts (UPICC), Transnational commercial Contract law, International arbitration, Compensation, Interest
No Press Diplomacy

This thesis presents an article on an agent which can play the "No-Press" version (without messages) of the Diplomacy board game. Diplomacy is a 7-player negotiation game where each player tries to conquer the majority of the supply centers in Europe at the beginning of the 20th century.  The article first presents a novel dataset of more than 150 000 human games. This dataset was compiled following the signing of a partnership with an external site. The games, which were played on this platform, were all converted into a new standardized format and then replayed to ensure their quality. The article also presents a game engine, with a web interface, allowing humans to play against the models that have been trained.  Moreover, the article presents a supervised learning model where an agent learns to reproduce the behavior of all players in the dataset by maximum likelihood. An agent that learns by reinforcement (by playing games against itself) has also been trained. The article concludes by doing an analysis of these models and comparing their performance against complex rule-based agents.

Keyphrases: Diplomacy, negotiation, game, supervised learning, reinforcement learning, deep learning