NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
Les effets du vieillissement sur les réponses auditives et audiovisuelles des neurones du collicule supérieur chez le rat

Age-related physiological changes affect the peripheral auditory structures; this also applies to the superior colliculus (SC) auditory and visual processes. In aged rats, the peripheral hearing sensitivity decreases and at more central regions, particularly the first central node, in the ascending auditory projections, auditory processing of sounds is altered. Furthermore, at the level of the SC, spectral, temporal and directional properties of auditory neurons are also altered during aging. In addition, no systematic directional spatial arrangement is encountered among the neurons of aged rats, implying that the topographical organization of the auditory directional map is abolished in the deep layers of the SC. Moreover, in a condition where SC visual neurons are stimulated with looming concentric sinusoidal gratings (in the presence or in the absence of modulated audio signals), visual deficits in aged animals are particularly marked by a decrease in sensitivity to fast moving visual and audiovisual stimuli during self-motion. Given the links of age-related changes in the peripheral and in the central structures, inevitably, the mechanisms underlying the neuronal audiovisual plasticity, in the low-level (SC), are somehow disrupted. Specifically, in aged animals, the presence of the auditory stimulus when coupled with the visual signal did not enhance the response activity of the visual neurons. This seems to suggest that the mechanism that may serve to amplify the visual signal under weak or ambiguous and noisy conditions thus improving greater behavioral relevance of detecting rapidly approaching visual and audiovisual moving objects during self-motion is altered with aging. Overall, these results show that aging disrupts the SC neuronal activity that enables detection of relevant sensory information in a complex audiovisual environment.

Keyphrases: rat, Aging, peripheral auditory system, cochlear nucleus, superior colliculus, spectral and temporal auditory acuity, directional hearing, looming, audiovisual integration
Implication du système immunitaire dans un modèle de sclérose latérale amyotrophique chez C. elegans

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a complex multifactorial pathology characterized by the progressive spread of motor neuron degeneration. Unfortunalety, the underlying disease mechanisms remain unclear. By using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, we were able to investigate genetically and pharmacologically some factors involved in TDP-43 or FUS proteotoxicity. Dominant mutations in these structurally and functionally similar DNA/RNA binding proteins, are causative for familial ALS. We have constructed transgenic C. elegans models expressing human TARDBP or FUS genes - encoding respectively TDP-43 and FUS - only in GABAergic motor neurons. In these transgenics animals, the expression of mutant TARDBP or FUS alleles results in early the motor deficits leading to age-dependent paralysis accompanied by neuronal protein aggregation. Using transgenic strain expressing GFP in GABAeric neurons, we found an increased rate of neurodegeneration in TDP-43 and FUS mutants. With these models we investigated the potential role of the innate immune system as a modifier of these phenotypes. Our results highlight a prevalent role for the worm’s innate immune system, and specifically the TIR-1/Sarm1 pathway and associated downstream kinases in neurodegeneration. We used GFP fluorescence linked to NLP-29 promoter to indicate Sarm1 pathway activation in the entire worm. Interestingly, activation of the TIR-1/Sarm1 pathway occurs in a paracrine manner in non-neuronal cells, suggesting that a danger signal operates extracellularly likely through a membrane receptor. In a past few years, a number of studies have highlighted the prominent role of microRNAs in diseases such as ALS. Traditionally seen as post-transcriptional regulators, what makes them powerful antiviral tools is that they can act at other levels and in particular as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) ligands, also involved in ALS. In addition to the biomarker potential of these small molecules, we investigated their role in the neurodegeneration observed in ALS. As a result, in the a second section of this study, we used worms mutant for several proteins involved in the biogenesis of microRNAs and found that they were involved in the process of TDP-43A315T-independent paralysis and neurodegeneration. Moreover, the microRNA let-7 seems to be a signal molecule involved in the non-cell autonomous trans-neuronal and trans-cellular spread of motor neuron degeneration. Finally, bio-statistical analyzes predict the possibility that let-7 binds to the vi TOL-1 receptor, the single ortholog of TLRs in C. elegans. Thus microRNAs may be prime targets for ALS therapeutic intervention.

Keyphrases: C. elegans, TDP-43, FUS, let-7, trans-cellular spread., microRNA, degeneration, Toll-like receptor, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, immune system
Influence du monde affectif et interpersonnel de l’individu dans la relation entre la dépendance, l’automutilation et ses fonctions

The objective of this thesis is to shed light on what may lead a dependent person who fears abandonment to engage in self-injury. Psychological models of object relations and attachment have shown that self-injury is empirically associated with fear of abandonment via dependency and attachment anxiety. However, the nature of this relationship has yet to be thoroughly explained. Having defined and contextualised self-injury, a theoretical explanation is proposed through object relations, attachment and experiential avoidance functions of self-injury, all with the goal of better understanding what can influence a dependent individual to self-injure. This thesis suggests that individuals who are dependent and afraid of being abandoned might use self-injury to regulate negative emotions associated with their perception of abandonment, separation or rejection. Theoretically, this influence of self-injury could occur through intrapersonal and interpersonal functions, such as affect regulation, self-punishment and interpersonal influence, as well as autonomy avoidance. These functions might serve to protect internal representations of dependence and thus, reduce subjective feelings of abandonment.  To test these theoretical proposals, 58 outpatient participants completed, among other measures, the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ), the Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury (ISAS) and the Revised Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines (DIB-R). Results showed a relationship between anaclitic neediness and self-injury frequency, which was explained by mediator effects of both affective and interpersonal problems. Furthermore, this type of dependency was found to be specifically associated with marking distress, anti-dissociation, interpersonal influence and autonomy avoidance functions of self-injury. These findings suggest that anaclitic neediness favours the experience of affective and interpersonal difficulties, which in turn increase the frequency of self-injury. Results also suggested that self-injury associated with this type of dependency might serve to regulate internal affective states, to influence the interpersonal environment and to avoid autonomy. Affect regulation and self-punishment functions were endorsed by the majority of individuals who self-injured, regardless of their level of dependence. While these two functions are associated in theory to dependency issues that underpin self-injury for some individuals, analyses indicated that these functions also contribute to self-injury behaviour in people who do not fear abandonment specifically.

Keyphrases: Self-injury, Dependency, Intrapersonal function, Interpersonal function, Affect regulation, Interpersonal influence, Autonomy avoidance, Fear of abandonment, Object relations, Attachment, Functions, Anaclitic neediness
Teatralidades y políticas de la memoria y el cuerpo: Patricia Ariza y Nohora Ayala (1995-2013)

The political tension that developed in Colombia since the 40s, between  conservative ideologies and, the divergency in the official liberal party and dissident liberal party, brought out a feeling of disagreement that collapsed when Jorge Eliecer Gaitan, leader of dissident party, was killed in Bogota on 9 April 1948. This event, well known as The Bogotazo, unchained violent protests, murders, assaults, harassment, terror and unrest throughout the country. As a result, in the subsequent years the liberal guerrillas were formed and over a decade the conflict ensued in  more than 200,000 murders in the country and thousands of rural migrants in the cities. Later, some leaders formed the communist guerrillas who perpetuated the armed conflict in the country, some of them are known today as FARC, the oldest group of guerillas in the world and the most powerful in Colombia,  and ELN. Actually, the FARC are in the final negotiation for peace in Havana, Cuba. This violent historical context has produced a staggering statistics of victims (Basta ya!, 2013),  in which the artists and activist dramatists, Patricia Ariza and Nohora Ayala propose  a new aesthetic  that questions the violent actions of the country from women’s perspective. Their theatrical productions are part of the Collective Creation in the Teatro La Candelaria, where the research is faced with the aesthetics of the scene and confronted with the deconstruction of reality counted, telling or testimonials. This dissertation examines six plays by Ariza and Ayala whose political and bodily liminalities deconstruct dominant ideas of history, while illuminating  the complex networks surrounding  the women and the Antigones produced by the country. I explore the materiality of  non-absent bodies (victims of forced disappearance) which exposes  the deterritorialization of dispossessed bodies. The  first chapter of the thesis discerns recent theoretical approaches to the concepts of  representation, theater, performance and political theatricality which I have found pertinent for my examination of the work by Ariza and Ayala. At the same time, I elaborate on the notions  of the body without organs and of dispossessed bodies in order to shed light on  the epistemological break between the material present body and dispossessed bodies of the disappeared.  In the second chapter, I analyze three plays by Patricia Ariza: Antigone (2006), Mujeres en la Plaza (2009) and Somma Mnemosyne (2013), which evince an exercise in artivism and engagement with the political history of Colombia. The third chapter presents three plays of Nohora Ayala: Fémina Ludens (1995), Piel (2010) and Rosas Secas (2012), where the body is part of a radical practice of questioning colombian historical memory. Finally, the concluding chapter examines the role of political and corporeal theatricality in engaging spectators’ critical participation in the work of Ariza and Ayala.

Keyphrases: Liminality, Political theatrics, Non-absent corporealities, Deterritorialization, Dispossession, Deconstruction
Propriétés anionophores et antibactériennes de sels d’imidazolium et benzimidazolium

The emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria is a serious problem that our health system faces. One recently proposed strategy to effectively and irreversibly kill these multi-resistant microorganisms is to directly target the integrity of their membrane, using small molecules able to induce an electrolyte imbalance. Moreover, the same molecules may find applications in the treatement od diseases originating from the dysfunction of ion transport, such as cystic fibrosis. Herein we present different imidazolium and benzimidazolium salts N,N-disubstituted with both antimicrobial and ionophoric potential. We first performed  mechanistic studies where different structural changes have been made to the imidazolium and benzimidazolium salts to observe how these modifications modulate the efficiency of the anion transport in artificial membrane liposomes. We were able to conclude that the species formed of two aromatic arms phenylethynylbenzyl arranged symmetrically on either side of an imidazolium cation, induced a better transport of chloride anions, through a membrane of liposomes at the micromolar range. In addition, monocations imidazolium and benzimidazolium flanked with an bis(trifluorométhylsulfonyl)amide anion led to faster ionophore activity. Moreover, based on these results we presented the first example, to our knowledge, for an anions and cations benzimidazolium-based transporter, acting as well in liposomes as in bacteria. Secondly, the best anionophore agents were analyzed in more complex bacterias and human red blood cells membranes to study their bactericidal potential and innocuity. Among all the benzimidazolium salts studied, we identified one compound, which presents interesting antibacterial properties as a result of its ability to induce an electrolytic imbalance and to disrupt the integrity and the potential of the bacterial membranes. At the same time this antibacterial agent presented a low toxicity to human cells in bacteriostatic range concentrations.

Keyphrases: Transport anionique, Anionophore, Transport transmembranaire, Liposome, Imidazolium salt, Benzimidazolium salt, Bacteria, Bactericide, Anionic transport, Anionophore transmembrane transport, Self-assembly, Liposome
Relations sociétés-nature et stratégies intégrées de conservation et du développement : cas de la Réserve de Biosphère Intercontinentale de la Méditerranée

The thesis falls within the overall framework of research on the relations of societies with their territories, in connection with the integrated strategies of conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development. While the first protected areas were created on a segregated basis, they are now part of integrative models that are more subtle than expected. The object of the study is a critical perspective of the processes of planning and management of protected areas that generate stereotyped development models. In naturally heterogeneous and dynamic contexts, the overall objectives of conservation policies struggle to integrate representations of nature, interests and local practices. How then can these strategies be adapted to a convergence of mutual interests, with a socio-cultural reappropriation of the conservation, well-being of human populations and development at the local level?  The Talassemtane Natural Park, part of the territory of the Mediterranean Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve (RBIM), is subject to the challenges of integration between local, national and transnational. The exploration of methodologies presenting certain attractiveness in the study of the complexity of socio-ecosystems has made it possible to highlight the socio-cultural basis of local populations through which the use of spaces and natural resources passes. The construction of relationships with nature derived from them, anchored in the historical dynamics of societies, reveals the one-dimensional logic of systemic nature-culture reasoning. The implementation of strategies for the conservation and multiple and sustainable use of natural resources requires the integration of all social groups, their cultural and spiritual values of spaces and resources, their endogenous knowledge and practices. When the past intervenes in the present, it can project the future towards a convergence of mutual interests that guarantees the sustainable management of protected areas.

Keyphrases: Biodiversity, Integrated conservation, Socio-ecosystems, Traditional ecological knowledge, Social representations, Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean
Les maisons de disques à l’ère des médias sociaux et des services musicaux en ligne : étude de cas de quatre maisons de disques québécoises

During the last decade, music recording and production tools, social media, and platforms for  selling and listening to music in streaming have radically transformed the industry of recorded  music. The decline of  album sales and  new models  of music production, distribution, and  promotion have directly  affected the traditional  actors of the music  industry such as record  labels. While some predicted that these changes would bring an end to the records labels at the  benefit of self-production and self-promotion, others suggested that independent record labels  could become an essential part of this new environment, provided they adapt to it and develop  new services  and an  expertise that  meet the artists’ needs. This master thesis  explores the visibility of independent  Quebec music artists  on  the  social web and  the  role  record  labels  plays in it. In this multiple case study, four independent Quebec music labels were selected.  In-depht interviews were conducted with the Web project managers of these music labels to  discuss their perception  and  their  usage  of  Web  platforms,  as  well  as  the strategies they  employ to increase the visibility on the Web of the artistes they represent. Observational data  of the Web activities of the four music labels were also collected.

Keyphrases: music, multiple case study, social media, music labels, web platforms for music listening, music streaming services
À la rencontre des esprits brésiliens : la construction des relations avec l’au-delà chez les adeptes du Santo Daime au Québec

The Santo Daime, an Amazonian Brazilian religion, expanded into the Belle Province almost twenty years ago. This syncretic religion, stemming from indigenous traditions, Afro-Brazilian religions, Catholicism, European esoteric currents and Spiritism, is intrinsically connected to Brazilian culture and more specifically to the Amazon rainforest through the use of ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic substance. The fardados (uniformed members) make contact with the divine thanks to this entheogen called Daime. This thesis examines the expansion of Santo Daime in the province of Quebec through the history of a group we call the Église daimiste québécoise. An ethnography of the Daimista group will help us to explore the mechanisms that are implemented by members to make sense of this culturally distant religion. Inspired by both experiential and phenomenological approaches, this research aims to understand the religious experience amongst Quebec’s Daimistas, in which they build special relationships with the beings of the Astral, the beyond. In that sense, mystical experiences and clairvoyance are two phenomena that we will address as a catalyst of these relationships. By examining how Santo Daime enters into members’ everyday life, we will see that the process of learning the religion establishes an understanding of the language and the symbols of Santo Daime. Along with this apprenticeship, and connecting elements of Santo Daime with the other faiths they have experienced forms an intelligible ensemble that can be integrated into their everyday life. We will see that from this point on, a commitment of the members to the beings of the Astral is possible and that a real disciple (the members) / master (the spirits) relationship can develop.

Keyphrases: Santo Daime, ayahuasca, Brazil, Santo Daime, Quebec, religion and modernity, ayahuasca, entheogens, spirits, religious bricolage, anthropology, ethnology
Les célébrants de rites de passage séculiers au Québec : à la recherche du sens perdu

This master thesis aims at making a contribution to ritual studies and the anthropology of secularism. The ethnographic research I present is based in Quebec and centers on new specialists of secular rites of passage, who are ritual makers that practice outside of organized religion. My central objective is to understand how these self-described celebrants creatively contribute to the practice of rites of passage, without relying purely on institutional support or regulation. The focus of this thesis is on birth and wedding ceremonies. I present how these celebrants use ritual innovation and creativity to offer meaningful rites in a social context marked by diversity with respect to different religious sensitivities. Indeed, secular celebrants direct their services toward people who are distanced from institutionalized religion and therefore must satisfy their values, beliefs and worldviews, in addition to elder members of the community that may still adhere to catholic traditions. The results of this qualitative research are based on a sample of ten secular celebrants operating in Quebec and displaying a variety of approaches to ritual making. The primary mode of data gathering is through semi-directed interviews and observational interactions with ritual practitioners. This study demonstrates that the social and spiritual dimensions of the wedding and birth celebrations drive the ritual celebrants, rather than purely economical motivations. Even though ritual makers may develop their practice independently from one another, the most innovative celebrants share traits and participate in a larger emerging ritual paradigm observed by Catherine Bell (2009). This paradigm is characterized by a vision where rites of passage are considered a universal means for the empowerment of the self and the community; rites of passage become a transformational as well as reflexive process for the core ritual participants; the social function of ritual is emphasized toward an ideal of authenticity whereas religious beliefs take a secondary importance; the ritual leader loses authority in favour of the participants; the experiential and participatory component of ritual are strongly invested.

Keyphrases: Innovation, Cultural Anthropology, Secular society, Rites of passage, Secular ritual, Birth ritual, Wedding, Celebrants, Ritual makers, Creativity
Une étude de la relation entre les homicides et la disponibilité des armes à feu dans 150 pays

Objective. This study estimates the relationship between firearms availability and homicides in 150 countries. More specifically, this study compares the predictive validity of three different firearms availability indicators: (1) the percentage of homes owning a firearms; (2) the percentage of persons carrying a firearm; and (3) the rate of firearms per 100 populations. Carrying a firearm is conceptualized as a central dimension of a self-defense culture and it should display a stronger association with homicides than the two other indicators. Methodology. Data comes from the Enquête Mondiale sur l’Homicide, Small Arms Survey and other publications from the United Nations. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between firearms and homicides. Results. Results show that, in general, the percentage of persons carrying firearms is positively associated with the homicide rate and the proportion of homicides committed with a firearm.  Economic inequalities and corruption within the criminal justice system are both positively associated with homicides. Conclusion. Results do not support the self-defense thesis. Conversely, firearm carrying is associated with high homicide rates, which is in keeping with studies showing that a firearm is the perfect crime facilitator. Hence, technologies developed by forensic and information sciences represent promising avenues to track firearms transactions and support criminal investigations.

Keyphrases: Violence, Firearms availability, Violence, Self-defence, Homicide