NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
Luminogènes-AIE à base de ligands hydroxyamidines : synthèse, caractérisation et application comme pigments pour dispositifs

OLEDs (organic light-emitting diode) are able to transduce electrical energy efficiently into light and because of their flexibility, lightness and high-quality colors, they can also be used in flat-screen display applications. However, the commercialization of this technology is slowed-down by the high cost of the materials and the complex methods that are used for the device fabrication. The purpose of this research is to find low-cost affordable dyes for OLEDs with good energy efficiency characteristics that can be integrated in the device by less complex fabrication methods. In this project, we developed a new series of N,O bidentate benzamidine N-oxide ligands for aggregation-induced emission characteristics (AIE) through complexation. AIE is the non-emissive molecules in solution that luminesce in the solid state. AIE luminigens are a new category of dyes for solid state emission in optoelectronic devices. AIE characteristics can be triggered by the coordination of cationic center, which rigidify the O-N-C=N backbone of the ligand. Coordination chemistry allows the use of ligands and metallic centers as element-blocks for the construction of AIE complexes that have interesting structural and photophysical properties. In addition to this, the tunability of electronic properties and sterics of the complexes with AMOX ligands can be easily obtained by modifying the ligand with the addition of substituents. This would allow to vary the emission color of the dyes. Finally, by using cationic centers from less toxic earth-abundant elements, the production-cost and the environmental impact of this technology can be reduced, thus, opening a door to the commercialization of a sustainable and cost-effective lighting technology.

Keyphrases: Zinc, Aluminium, Bore, Ligands, Hydroxyamidine, AIE, AIEE, OLED, WOLED, Coordination chemistry, Boron, N,O ligands, Amidine N-oxide, Substituents, Isomerism, Electrostatic interactions, Solid state emission, Morphology, Aggregation-induced emission, Mechanochromism, Vapochromism, Thermochromism
Évolution des pratiques du sevrage à Montréal (XVIIe – XIXe siècles) : analyse isotopique des concentrations en azote 15 par micro-échantillonnage de la dentine

Weaning is the time when the contribution of breast milk decreases relatively to the child's total diet compared to an increase in other foods. Decisions when to stop breastfeeding may reflect a large variety of socio-economic conditions. For this paleochemical research, we explore the differences and similarities in weaning practices (presence or absence of breastfeeding, age of weaning, post-weaning diet) between two colonial populations, both located on the island of Montreal: Pointe-aux-Trembles (N=17) and Notre-Dame (N=26). These two cemeteries (the first one being rural and the second one urban) provided us the opportunity to compare weaning practices in two different environments. This study was done on individuals that both survived or died during childhood, allowing us to explore the possible effects of stress on weaning (e.g. shortened period of breastfeeding, poor post-weaning diet). The isotopic analysis of nitrogen of dentine micro-samples permitted us to observe the trophic enrichment between an infant and a mother at an individual level. We were able to determine that the weaning process started at around 18-24 months for the two groups. However, Pointe-aux-Trembles’ population weaned their children much earlier (before 12 months) than Notre-Dame’s population (between 18 and 24 months) or did not breastfeed at all. In fact, in the countryside mothers tended to give to their infants post-weaning food during the first months of life. According to historical sources, they were employed as wet nurses to breastfeed children from the city and this could explain these results. We also detected no difference for the age of weaning between sexes, but boys seemed to have consumed more proteins than girls during the post-weaning period. An early weaning (before twelve months), or a complete absence of breastfeeding (N=19) could also reflect variation in weaning practices amongst individuals and/or communities (First Nations) and colonists that peopled the Island of Montreal.

Keyphrases: Weaning, Bioarchaeology, Montreal, Nitrogen, Micro-sampling, Wet-nursing
« On n’est pas devenus sādhu, on était faits sādhu » : Saṃskāra et espace de légitimité chez les ascètes occidentaux en Inde

This study explores the religious identity of Western ascetics in India. Based on a field investigation, it exposes the transformational aspect of my respondents’ self-image, and later examines the negotiation of this new religious identity through interaction.   I was told by a Western ascetic: “We did not become sādhu, we were made sādhu.” He was referring to his samskāra—the traces of his past lives—as the primary element of his journey. This statement precisely reflects the angle of this study, which asserts the perspective and subjectivity of these individuals through the comprehension of their religious trajectories. I wish to associate the relevance of anthropological tradition, in relation to social and cultural dynamics, to a phenomenological understanding of the religious experience.   Throughout this study, I will aim to understand how my respondents live through and negotiate the reestablishment of their system of meaning (Mary & Piault 1998; 8) by analyzing the individual and collective formation of religious identity. Since it is impossible to completely pinpoint its initial landmarks, the identity transformation of Western ascetics must be understood as an incessant process of hybridization (Bhabha & Rutherford 2006). Affiliated to contradictory beliefs, my respondents are seeking to negotiate and legitimize this hybrid identity through peer interactions. In this respect, the analysis shows that community validation and the quest for recognition are the inherent aspects of the formation of their identity. Bound by inclusion and exclusion, Western ascetics establish self-recognition based on their perception of an “authentic” ascetic. Legitimacy is then created, allowing them to travel through the universe of Hindu asceticism while aspiring to reach mokşa.

Keyphrases: samskara, interaction, hindu asceticism, identity negociation, hybridity, phenomenology
Évaluation du lien entre la caudophagie et le microbiote intestinal chez le porc

Tail biting is a behavior problem seen in pigs defined by the act of nibbling of the tail of a penmate. This behavioral disorder represents an important challenge in porcine production because it generates substantial economic losses and affects animal welfare. Some solutions are already in place to minimize this phenomenon, such as enriching the environment or tail docking, but they are either not optimal or present issues for animal welfare. Diet has been shown to have an effect on tail biting and this could be because of changes in the intestinal microbiota. In humans, intestinal microbiota has been shown to modulate behavior. This action would be a part of the so-called brain-intestinal microbiota axis. This study aimed to evaluate the association between tail-biting and intestinal microbiota in pigs. The intestinal microbiota of biter and bitten pigs was compared to a negative control group (non-biter and non-bitten). The different groups of pigs (n=36 in total) were selected at the beginning of the growing/finishing phase by the analysis of a targeted behavior analysis centered on tail-biting (biter group) and a notation grid of damages caused to the tail (bitten group). Composite sample of fecal matter were sampled at the beginning and at the end of a tail-biting episode. Serum cortisol was measured by an ELISA assay.   The V4 segment of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced in order to study the structure and composition of the IM and quantitative PCR (qPCR) method was used to quantify lactobacilli in the different groups. The beta diversity analysis revealed a significant difference between the intestinal microbiota structure of biter and bitten pigs in comparison to the negative control group in terms of relative abundance of operational taxonomic unit. For the composition, Lactobacillus, compared to other groups, were significantly more associated with the negative control group (p=0.001). Results of qPCR showed higher levels of lactobacilli in this same group. However, no significant differences were found in alfa diversity analysis. Cortisol levels were significantly higher in biter and bitten pigs in comparison to the negative control group (p=0.02, p=0.0076 respectively). This study demonstrates that tail-biting is associated to the IM structure and composition in pigs.

Keyphrases: Pigs, Intestinal microbiota, Behavioral disorder, Tail-biting
Role of interleukin-1 in the pathogenesis of the infection caused by Streptococcus suis serotype 2

Streptococcus suis serotype 2 is an important porcine bacterial pathogen and an emerging zoonotic agent causing sudden death (pigs), septic shock (humans), and meningitis (both species), with exacerbated inflammation being a hallmark of the infection. A rapid, effective, and balanced innate immune response against S. suis is critical to control bacterial growth and limit the spread of the pathogen without causing excessive inflammation. Even though interleukin (IL)-1 is regarded as one of the most potent and earliest pro-inflammatory mediators produced, its role in the S. suis pathogenesis has not been studied.  Using a well-standardized mouse model of systemic infection, we showed that an intermediately pathogenic sequence type (ST) 25 North American strain, a highly pathogenic ST1 European strain, and the epidemic ST7 Chinese strain induce high levels of IL-1 in important filter organs such as liver and spleen. Moreover, dendritic cells and macrophages, which are two cell types centrally involved in the S. suis pathogenesis, are important sources of this cytokine, with the ST7 strain secreting the highest levels. The study of the underlying mechanisms involved in this production showed that, independently of the strain, IL-1β production required MyD88 and involved recognition via TLR2 and possibly TLR7 and TLR9. This suggests that recognized bacterial components are similar and conserved between S. suis strains. However, very high levels of the pore-forming toxin suilysin produced by the ST7 strain only, are required for efficient maturation of proIL 1β. Such maturation involved the activation of the NLRP3, NLRP1, AIM2, and NLRC4 inflammasomes via pore formation and ion efflux.  Using IL-1R-/- mice, we demonstrated that IL-1 signaling may play a beneficial role during S. suis systemic infection by modulating the inflammation required to control and clear bacterial burden, thus, promoting host survival. Beyond a certain threshold, however, S. suis-induced inflammation cannot be counter-balanced by this signaling, making it difficult to discriminate its role. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in the control of inflammation could help to develop control measures for this important porcine and zoonotic agent.

Keyphrases: Interleukine-1, Inflammation, Suilysine., Streptococcus suis serotype 2, Interleukin-1, Dendritic cells, Systemic infection, Suilysin
Localisation immunohistochimique de l’enzyme 5α-réductase type 1 et 3 dans la peau et la prostate de chiens beagle en santé

The 5α-reductase isoenzymes (5αR) are responsible for the conversion of testosterone into DHT. Recently, we reported the presence of mRNA for 5α-reductases in canine skin. Although we detected mRNA encoding 5αR1 and 5αR3 but not 5αR2, the distribution and localization of 5αR isoenzymes throughout the canine skin and hair follicle are still unknown. The objectives of this study were therefore to demonstrate the specific distribution and localization of 5αR type 1 and 3 isoenzymes in the skin, hair follicle and prostate of healthy beagle dogs by immunohistochemistry. Eight healthy, unrelated and intact young-mature beagle dogs (4 males and 4 females) with no history of skin disease were selected for this study. Skin biopsy samples were obtained from three anatomic sites normally affected by alopecia X (dorsal neck, back of thighs and base of tail) and two sites generally unaffected (dorsal head and ventral thoracic regions). Canine prostate glands (n=3) also collected. In the prostate gland, 5αR1 was present in secretory epithelial cells, basal epithelial cells and blood vessels. On the other hand, 5αR3 was present in basal epithelial cells and blood vessels, but was not detected in secretory epithelial cells. In the skin, 5αR1 was detected in anagen hair follicle at the level of connective tissue sheath, outer and inner root sheath, hair shaft, and dermal papilla. It was also detected in the sebaceous and sweat glands, arrector pili muscles and in vascular endothelial cells. The 5αR3 protein was detected in connective tissue sheath, dermal papilla and vascular endothelial cells of anagen hair follicles. To our knowledge, this is the first study describing the specific localization of 5αR1 and 5αR3 isoenzymes in normal canine skin, hair follicles and prostate of normal healthy beagle dogs.

Keyphrases: Prostate, Alopecia X, 5α-reductase isoenzymes, 5α-reductase type 1, 5α-reductase type 3, Immunohistochemistry, Skin
Calcium dynamics and related alterations in pulmonary hypertension associated with heart failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) represents an important Canadian health problem. Most patients with CHF develop pulmonary hypertension (PH), which is an important marker that signals progression of the disease and its poor outcome. Significant advances have been made for the treatment of heart failure (HF). Nevertheless, the morbidity and mortality among patients with advanced heart HF, who have developed PH remains high. Increased pulmonary vascular pressure (PVP) observed in PH leads to increased vascular tone and vascular remodelling associated with altered vasodilatory responses. It is noteworthy that a decrease in vasodilatory responses has been observed in PH. At the core of vasodilatory alterations lies endothelial dysfunction. This hallmark of most cardiovascular diseases is associated with alterations in calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis. Although global Ca2+ plays a role in a wide range of cellular functions, this thesis work focused on the impact of local Ca2+ signalling in endothelial cells (ECs). Among the different types of local Ca2+ signals, Ca2+ pulsars were identified. Ca2+ pulsars are local endothelial Ca2+ signals whose activity is finely regulated by physiological agents that modulate intracellular levels of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) and Ca2+. Ca2+ pulsars have been shown to have an effect on several important cellular functions. In mesenteric arteries, Ca2+ pulsars induce endotheliuminduced relaxation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Up until now, the regulatory mechanisms of Ca2+ pulsars remain to be uncovered. The spatio-temporal characteristics of Ca2+ pulsars suggest that they could play a role in the control of pulmonary vascular tone, potentially involving more transmembrane ion channels, as well as regulatory proteins. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channels are non-selective mechanosensitive osmo-regulated cation channels broadly expressed in a number of tissues. Activation of TRPV4 channels allows Ca2+ entry into the cell. A number of studies have shown the implication of TRPV4 as well as other channels from the TRP family in PH. Endothelial Ca2+-related pathophysiological mechanisms modulating pulmonary vascular tone and leading to the development of group II PH are poorly defined. In addition, the scarcity of studies exploring the pathophysiology and therapies of group II PH resides in the lack of validated small animal models with an adequate determination of the presence and severity of PH. The work in this thesis identified and characterized for the first time intracellular Ca2+ pulsars in pulmonary endothelium and their alterations in a clinically relevant mouse model of group II PH that was developed. In addition, this work revealed the implication of endothelial TRPV4 channels in Ca2+ pulsars dysregulation in group II-PH.

Keyphrases: Pulmonary hypertension, Heart failure, Calcium, Pulsars, TRPV4
Staufen1 est un régulateur post-transcriptionnel du cycle cellulaire

The cell cycle is crucial for growth, but also for development. This mechanism is so critical that the slightest damage to one of its stages can lead to problems of growth and development, but also to the appearance of anomalies, such as cancers, and ultimately death. As a result, cell proliferation is a finely regulated mechanism, best avoiding possible failures and imbalances.  The regulation mechanisms of the cell cycle transitions are grouped at several levels, and are highly hierarchical and structured: the transcriptional and post-translational regulations are among the most studied aspects to date. Other processes, such as post-transcriptional regulation, are less documented. However, number of discoveries of RNA-binding proteins, which play a key role in the different phases of the division cycle, is increasing since the past decade. Splicing, nuclear export, localization, degradation and translation of mRNAs represent the multiple aspects of post-transcriptional regulation, and amply justify their importance in refining the control of the different phases of the cell cycle.  Staufen1, an RNA-binding protein, is one of the incredible discoveries that have revolutionized our understanding of gene expression regulation, and has helped deepen our understanding of the mechanisms underlying various cellular and physiological processes. The research work undertaken during this thesis has contributed to deepening our knowledge of Staufen1 protein function in the post-transcriptional regulation of the cell cycle and proliferation. We have identified a new mechanism of degradation of STAU1 during mitosis exist, involving the ubiquitin-proteasome system. We have also shown for the first time that STAU1 could inhibit tumor proliferation in colorectal cancer, and our results have been confirmed and extended in later studies. Moreover, the results of our experimental approaches in untransformed cellular models, strongly suggest a positive roleof Staufen1 in promoting the proliferative potential during tumorigenesis. . These results are consistent with a multitude of studies showing the positive role of STAU1 in the regulation of proliferation and its involvement in various types of cancers. However, more comprehensive review of Staufen1 studies suggests a multi-mechanistic model in the various carcinogenic processes, and opens up a future field of investigation to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that support the STAU1 functions associated with cell proliferation and tumor development.

Keyphrases: Staufen, Cell cycle, Proliferation, Post-transcriptional regulation
Intégration sensorielle chez les individus ayant un trouble du spectre de l’autisme

The ability to integrate information from one or more sensory modalities is essential to perceive the world as unified and coherent. It has been suggested that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be associated with difficulties to integrate sensory information from different modalities. However, the empirical evidences remain complex and equivocal. In this context, the purpose of this thesis is to provide a better understanding of the relationship between ASD and sensory integration. The results suggest that ASD is associated with a decrease in the ability to integrate information from different sensory modalities (MSI). Contrary to what was suggested in the literature, this difficulty generalizes to social and non-social stimuli. It also seems specific to MSI, since no deficit was observed for the integration of stimuli coming from the same modality. Moreover, the reduced MSI observed in ASD is not related to atypical attentional shift between modalities, which is similar in both groups. Overall, these results improve knowledge related to sensory integration in individuals with ASD. These demonstrate atypical MSI processes in ASD, and pave the way for future studies that will attempt to clarify the etiology, the neural correlates and, more importantly, the clinical impact associated with these differences in MSI.

Keyphrases: Vision, Audition, Tact, Sensory integration, Autism spectrum disorder, Vision, Audition, Somatosensory
Un combat d'école? : le champ historiographique vu de Québec (1947-1965)

After the shocks of the Depression and the Second World War, the conditions of historical production and representation in Quebec changed in important ways. In the midst of passionate debate concerning Quebec’s “late” accession to “modernity”, a young generation of academic historians offered new interpretations of francophone Quebecers’ existence as a collectivity. The “Quebec Historical School,” whose main members were Marcel Trudel, Fernand Ouellet and Jean Hamelin, took form in this context. In a sustained dispute with their counterparts of the “Montreal School”, these Laval University historians helped shape a fundamental matrix of contemporary Quebec historiography. With its prominent place in scholarly memory and in the Quebec profession’s origin myth, the “Quebec School” has bequeathed a legacy that seems self-evident. Yet those who have studied it employ utilitarian or ideological criteria rather than properly heuristic ones. The very obviousness of the meaning usually attributed to the “school” hides a complexity that this thesis submits to close analysis. What kind of historians were Trudel, Ouellet, and Hamelin? What was the place of their work in Quebec and Canadian historiography? To what influences were they exposed? What “origin narrative” did they endorse? To what extent did they serve a political cause? Placed before the difficulty of speaking of a school in the strong sense of the word (on account, notably, of the diversity of the members’ work, the absence among them of a strongly articulated intellectual doctrine, and the presence of two generations and three individual trajectories), the thesis seeks to identify common strains of thought within the group and to assess its contribution to reshaping post-war Quebec historiography. It argues that the three Laval historians’ defining characteristic was to have formed not a school of thought but a “school of activity” (Gilmore) organized around a similar conception of practices and historical method rather than an orthodoxy or a unified and coherent explicative model. Of course, this disposition did not prevent the three historians from acknowledging a kind of “family resemblance” and from tending toward a common interpretative horizon. Combining the approaches of historiography and intellectual history, this study follows three major contributors to Quebec historiography whose paths both converged and diverged as they responded to the challenges of their intellectual, institutional and political worlds. To this end, the thesis takes a close look at the intellectual environment at Laval, the group’s national and international networks, and its contacts with post-war antinational, liberal and federalist thought. Through the prism of the “Quebec school”, this study affords a view of the changing relations between historical knowledge and culture in mid-twentieth-century Quebec.

Keyphrases: Canada, Quebec, Laval University, “Quebec School”, "Laval School", Historiography, Intellectual history, Historians