McGill University Thèses et mémoires publiés en 2014

Energy conservation is an important policy for every nation. Exploiting sustainable energy resources has gained ground due to shortages and increasing prices of fossil fuels. Mining represents a significant portion of Canada's resource-based industry sector and consumes a huge amount of energy for operation and post-mining activities. Therefore, any cut in energy consumption lowers costs and increases profits. Underground mines have excellent potential for implementation of geothermal energy systems using one of two methods. In the first, underground mine water that has flowed through warm layers of the ground and found its way to mine openings is pumped to the …  Lire la suite

Diffusion least-mean squares (DLMS) algorithms can serve as efficient and powerful learning mechanisms for solving distributed estimation and optimization problems over networks in response to streaming data originating from different locations in real-time. Owing to their decentralized processing structures, simplicity of implementation and adaptive learning capabilities, they are particularly well-suited for applications to multi-agent networks where the network energy and radio resources are limited. In this dissertation, we propose new DLMS algorithms with application to sensor networks and examine their performance under realistic environmental conditions. Within this framework, the contributions of the dissertation can be divided into three main parts.In …  Lire la suite

In 1974, Elmer A. Driedger writes about the modern principle of interpretation for the first time in The Construction of Statutes, in which he states: « Today there is only one principle or approach, namely, the words of an Act are to be read in their entire context, in their grammatical and ordinary sense harmoniously with the scheme of the Act, the object of the Act, and the intention of the Parliament ». The modern principle combines the three so-called traditional rules of interpretation in Canada, namely the Literal rule, the Golden rule and the Mischief rule in order to …  Lire la suite

Mayo, Nancy (Internal/Supervisor)  Lire la suite

An n-particle-irreducible (nPI) effective action Gamma[phi, G, ...] is a functional whose stationary points coincide with the exact Green's functions of a quantum theory (for n=2 this is known as a Phi-derivable approximation). Any practical application would necessitate a truncation of Gamma at some finite loop order; then, the stationary points of Gamma[phi, G, ...] would correspond to a selective resummation to all orders in a perturbative expansion. This thesis explores the application of these functional techniques to non-abelian gauge theory in three spacetime dimensions.3D gauge theories are physically relevant in that they provide an effective description of the non-perturbative …  Lire la suite

Manipuler les mécanismes de réparation de l'ADN impliquées dans la réparation de dommage de l'ADN médiatisé de la topoisomérase-1 (Top I) peut renforcer les bienfaits thérapeutiques des poisons Top I. Les inhibiteurs de polymérase poly-ADP ribose (PARP) peuvent augmenter la cytotoxicité de plusieurs agents anticancéreux en inhibant différentes voies de réparation de l'ADN comprenant la réparation par recombinaison homologue (HRR)(1). Cependant, l'inhibition de la PARP peut entraîner une activation compensatoire de la voie ATR, limitant partiellement la sensibilisation des agents chimiothérapiques observés avec les inhibiteurs de PARP. Récemment, un inhibiteur de l'ATR spécifique, VE-821 a démontré une excellente sensibilisation à …  Lire la suite

Mise en contexte : Parmi le peu de stratégies de prévention de la prééclampsie (PE), une des causes de mortalité maternelle et infantile, un champ d'étude récent implique son association avec la la vitamine D. L'indicateur biologique clé pour la détermination du statut en vitamine D est la 25-hydroxyvitamine D (25(OH)D). Toutefois, la valeur seuil de réduction du risque de PE n'a pas encore obtenu de consensus. Objectifs: 1) Quantifier la relation entre les concentrations sériques de 25(OH)D en début de grossesse et le diagnostic ultérieur de PE; 2) Déterminer s'il existe une relation dose-effet entre les niveaux sériques de …  Lire la suite

Therien, Denis (Supervisor1)  Lire la suite

Sladeczek, Ingrid (Internal/Supervisor)  Lire la suite

The Finite Element Method (FEM) applied to wave scattering and quasi-static vector field problems in the frequency domain leads to sparse, complex-symmetric, linear systems of equations. For large problems with complicated geometries, most of the computer time and memory used by FEM goes to solving the matrix equation. Krylov subspace methods are widely used iterative methods for solving large sparse systems. They depend heavily on preconditioning to accelerate convergence. However, application of conventional preconditioners to the "curl-curl" operator which arises in vector electromagnetics does not result in a satisfactory performance and specialized preconditioning techniques are required. This thesis presents effective …  Lire la suite

Low circulating testosterone levels in the male are a major cause of hypogonadism and infertility and have been linked to mood changes, fatigue, osteoporosis, reduced bone-mass index and aging. The treatment of choice, testosterone-replacement therapy (TRT), reverses several symptoms of low testosterone levels. However, this treatment is linked to luteinizing hormone (LH) suppression, which leads to reduced fertility, increased risk for prostate cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore alternate therapies with lower side effects are highly beneficial. The principal site of regulation of steroid hormone biosynthesis is the transfer of cholesterol from the outer to inner mitochondrial membrane (OMM and IMM, …  Lire la suite

Nguyen, Dao (Internal/Supervisor)  Lire la suite

The future of fiber optic systems lies in the development of all fiber photonic devices thatare compact, power efficient, and can provide novel functionalities. Here, we propose anddemonstrate the realization of such photonic devices using chalcogenide microwires. Thedevices include Bragg gratings, wavelength converters, broadband amplifiers and lasers. Thedevices' operation relies on the ultrahigh nonlinear optical gain (>5 orders of magnitudelarger than in silica fibers) and the high photosensitivity of chalcogenide microwires. Theresulting photonic devices are a few centimeters in length, a few micrometers in diameter,and operate at record-low optical power levels (i.e., in the order of a few hundreds of …  Lire la suite

Stone, Laura (Internal/Cosupervisor2)  Lire la suite

Traditionnellement, la chimiothérapie utilisée pour le traitement du cancer du sein comptait sur des combinaisons qui contiennent 5-Flurouracile (5-FU). Récemment, pour améliorer l'index thérapeutique de 5-FU et sa disponibilité par voie orale, un nouveau promédicament nommé capécitabine (Xeloda ®) a été développé. Capécitabine nécessite l'activation enzymatique par l'enzyme hépatique carboxylestérase (CES), pour générer 5'-DFCR, puis 5'-DFUR, ce dernier à son tour est métabolisé par thymidine phosphorylase (TP) en 5-FU. La bonne tolérance de capécitabine a inspiré la recherche d'agents avec lesquels ce médicament peut avoir une synergie. De nombreuses combinaisons de deux médicaments à base de capecitabine ont été proposées …  Lire la suite

Carbon fiber reinforced cyanate ester composites are of interest for space structural applications where not only specific strength and stiffness are required but also dimensional stability and resistance to microcracking. However, because those materials are relatively new, there is a lack of knowledge with respect to their thermal cycling behavior and the related damage mechanisms. This thesis focused on studying the microcracking behavior of a carbon reinforced cyanate ester composite in order to understand the conditions under which microcracking initiates, and it also investigates the impact of microcracking on mechanical behavior. We have investigated the performance of such composite for …  Lire la suite

Indigenous, cold-adapted, hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria have been frequently detected in soils from cold region sites suggesting bioremediation, as a cost-effective remediation technology is potentially viable for cleanup of contaminated sites in cold regions. Previous studies on bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons in cold regions have been conducted with coarse textured soils. However, fine-grained or clayey soils are commonly found in several cold regions. The overall objective of this research was to investigate the factors controlling biodegradation of aged, clayey petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soils from a sub-arctic site, under relevant temperature regimes. The biodegradation rates and extents of petroleum hydrocarbons were investigated for …  Lire la suite

À ce jour, peu de recherches ont examiné le rôle du concept du lieu dans la vie des enfants touchés par la violence politique. Cette thèse a pour objet principal l'étude du concept du lieu et la signification de cette notion pour les enfants et les familles vivant sous l'occupation et victimes de la violence politique de la seconde Intifada en Palestine. En examinant un concept théorique comme celui de « lieu,» cette thèse dévoile comment et dans quelle mesure l'occupation et la violence politique affectent les enfants palestiniens et les relations familiales avec le lieu et la façon dont …  Lire la suite

This dissertation features three essays that constitute an integrative and multi-perspective investigation of organizational IT innovation diffusion. My proposed research builds upon diverse bodies of literature in IS, organization theory, and social movement, for proposing novel IT innovation models and theories. In particular, the studies in this dissertation take into account non-relational mechanisms of diffusion, i.e., theorization and framing, as well as normative and symbolic drivers of IT adoption decision. The three essays are situated as follows: The first essay examines the IT diffusion phenomenon from the adopters' point of view. It seeks to conciliate a number of seemingly paradoxical …  Lire la suite

Daniel, Sam Joseph (Supervisor1)  Lire la suite

This thesis provides a thorough literature review of the newly founded theory of compressed sensing (CS), developed by Cand`es and his collaborators. The majority of the documented developments remain in the treatment of perfectly sparse signals in the finite dimensional setting. This was extended to the treatment of nearly sparse (compressible) signals in infinite-dimensions by Adcock and Hansen. A novel approach in analyzing the performance of CS, in the finite-dimensional setting, was developed by Cohen, Dahmen and DeVore where they study the effectiveness of CS. This is carried by comparing it to the well established theory of best k-term approximation, …  Lire la suite

Emami, Elham (Internal/Cosupervisor2)  Lire la suite

Dental implants are a successful and predictable treatment for partially and fully edentulous patients. However, they require sufficient volume of healthy bone for stabilization and long-term success. Lack of bone volume prevents implant placement and it is usually due to many reasons such as tooth loss, trauma or diseases. A variety of surgical techniques are available for alveolar bone rehabilitation. However, bone onlay augmentation is the most reliable and commonly used one. Different bone grafts can be used for bone onlay augmentation. Autograft onlays are currently the gold standard onlay grafts because of their osteoinductive, osteoconductive, and osteogenic properties. However, …  Lire la suite

Heialy, Qutayba Hamid Al (Supervisor1)  Lire la suite

In this thesis, I propose tunable mid-Infrared (IR) sources based on the soliton self frequencyshift (SSFS) and supercontinuum (SC) generation in As2Se3 microwires. First, Ipresent two methods to maximize the SSFS in microwires with diameter profiles varyingnon-uniformly along the soliton propagation path. There are two steps in each method.The first step consists in selecting the input microwire diameter that leads to the highestrate of soliton frequency shift per unit length. The second step consists of graduallyincreasing the microwire diameter along the soliton path such that a wavelength-shiftingsoliton experiences only weak perturbations from the third-order dispersion and avoidsshedding its energy into …  Lire la suite

En tant qu’événement architectural, Burj Khalifa n’est pas seulement le nouveaubâtiment le plus haut au monde. C’est la première fois que l’Homme est capable deconstruire aussi haut: 828 mètres. C’est également la première fois que la hauteur d’unbâtiment excède de plus de 60% celle du précédent gratte-ciel le plus haut du monde. Lamanière dont cet accomplissement est interprété et compris peut sembler ambiguë, voireincompréhensible. Malgré l’idée initiale qui attribue l’émergence de Burj Khalifa à latechnologie, cette conviction n’est pas suffisante pour expliquer son innovationtechnologique. En d’autres termes, considérer les prouesses et innovations technologiquesde Burj Khalifa comme une technologie instrumentale serait …  Lire la suite

Maestro, Rolando Fausto Del (Internal/Cosupervisor2)  Lire la suite

Introduction: La chirurgie pour un cancer du colon est associée à un taux élevé de morbidité, particulièrement chez les personnes âgées. Il y a présentement un manque d'outils d'évaluation pour les patients vulnérables à risque de complications postopératoires. Le but de cette étude était d'identifier des prédicteurs de complications postopératoires graves chez les personnes âgées subissant une chirurgie pour cancer du colon, basé sur des données provenant de statistiques récentes sur l'utilisation des services de santé.Méthodes: Une cohorte prospective historique de patients atteints de cancer du colon âgés de 65 ans ou plus a été assemblée à partir de données …  Lire la suite

Abstract Variability in seasonal precipitation, potential climate change impacts, competition for water among users, rising population and increasing food demands are putting pressure on agricultural water demands. For irrigated agriculture in Canada to play a major role in addressing current and future global food supply problems, more innovative and sustainable irrigation management approaches are required. In this context a decision support system that ensured more effective irrigation water allocation, application and optimisation was developed. Crop water requirements and irrigation schedules for bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) were obtained from greenhouse and field studies. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine appropriate …  Lire la suite

Cerruti, Marta (Internal/Cosupervisor2)  Lire la suite

Bedos, Christophe (Supervisor1)  Lire la suite

The mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of aortic valve calcification remain unclear. With accumulating evidence demonstrating that valve calcification recapitulates bone development, the crucial roles of non-canonical Wnt ligands Wnt5b and Wnt11 in osteogenesis make them critical targets in the study of aortic valve calcification. We hypothesized that Wnt signaling mediated by ligands Wnt5b and Wnt11 is upregulated and the expression of these molecules may be associated with the pathological calcium deposition in aortic valves. We examined Wnt5b and Wnt11 protein expression in 75 mitral, non-calcified and calcified aortic valves by immunohistochemistry. There was little expression of Wnt11 or Wnt5b in …  Lire la suite

This thesis examines how electoral maps, by shaping district demographics, impact the amount of attention allocated to minority groups within parliamentary debates. Drawing on theories of dyadic representation and past work on the impact of majority-minority districts, I argue that the amount of attention individual politicians pay to minority groups in single-member districts should increase as the population of that minority group in the district increases. I test this expectation by studying three minority groups in Canada: immigrants, aboriginal people, and francophones outside of Quebec. I measure attention using dictionary-based content analysis of every word said in the House of …  Lire la suite

St-Arnaud, Rene (Internal/Supervisor)  Lire la suite

Although there has been a noticeable push in recent years to produce contemporary literature to ensure the Cree language remains intact for future generations, Cree Bible translations remain some of the best known and used printed resources in the Cree language. Given the influence that these translations continue to exercise in Cree and Bible translation communities this study imagines a trajectory of future Bible translations into First Nations languages. The study begins with an extensive analysis of past translations into the Cree 'Y' dialect, their production as well as their reception. Chapter 2 contains an in-depth analysis of the history …  Lire la suite

La sphingomyéline phosphodiestérase 3 (Smpd3) code pour enzyme liée à la membrane plasmique qui clive la sphingomyéline et génère du céramide et de la phosphorylcholine. Ces métabolites lipidiques bioactifs jouent un rôle important dans de nombreuses activités cellulaires. Une mutation autosomique récessive du gène smpd3 est à l'origine du modèle murin fragilitas ossium (fro). Cette mutation est associée à une altération de la minéralisation des os et de la matrice extracellulaire des dents chez les souris fro/fro. De plus, ces souris sont de plus petites tailles et ont un taux élevé de mortalité périnatale, ce qui rend difficile l'obtention d'un …  Lire la suite

A l'aide des résultats d'expériences qui utilisent la torsion à chaud, l'effet causé par «l'écart chronologique » est analysé (ex. le délai entre l'ébauchage et le finissage du schéma de laminage à chaud et le comportement de la contrainte d'écoulement moyenne des aciers à haute résistance mécanique). Deux types de déformation à chaud ont été étudiés : un schéma moyen au temps d'interpasse constante, dans lequel chaque passe est identique, dont la température diminue à un rythme régulier au cours du programme de laminage. Dans ce type de schéma, un intervalle de 5 et de 30 secondes sont utilisés afin …  Lire la suite

Mirza, M. Saeed (Supervisor1)  Lire la suite

Cette dissertation examine comment la description de la conscience humaine dans les romans de Fédor Dostoïevski incarne le modèle intersubjectif de la formation de l'identité humaine établi en philosophie et en sciences sociales. La relation sociologique des protagonistes de Dostoïevski aux autres personnes et à l'environnement social dépeint incarne les principes de la reconnaissance intersubjective, laquelle représente les canaux interpersonnels et sociétaux reconnaissant une conscience de soi indépendante et autonome. J'argumente que la forme littéraire polyphonique de Dostoïevski, comme elle a été expliquée par Mikhaïl Bakhtine, contient en soi une vision recognitive de l'émergence et de l'existence d'une conscience du …  Lire la suite

Poultry and liquid swine manure are major sources of bioactive levels of natural steroidal sex hormones, including 17β-estradiol, estrone, testosterone and progesterone. Although several detailed studies have investigated the environmental pathways and ecotoxicology of high-toxicity-at-low-concentrations of sex hormones in soil and water media, there is a lack of knowledge with respect to the fate and transport of steroid hormones in the soil matrix and aquatic media. Three separate studies were performed with the objective of developing effective on-field remediation techniques in order to reduce the environmental and biological hormonal pollution from agricultural sources. In the first study, the sorption retention …  Lire la suite

Paul Brassard (Internal/Cosupervisor2)  Lire la suite

Introduction: La plate-forme NeuroTouch est un simulateur de réalité virtuelle avec retour de force haptique, qui peuvent être utilisées pour évaluer les performances neurochirurgie dans un environnement expérimental. La validité de ce simulateur est critique à la réalisation de l'objectif de l'utilisation de ce simulateur neurochirurgical dans la formation, l'évaluation et l'élaboration de programmes d'enseignement.Méthodes: Cette étude a été menée pour évaluer les performances bimanuelles de résidents et groupes de consultants resecting une variété de simulé tumeurs cérébrales avec purge et complexité différente. Treize des métriques ont été évalués, notamment: distance totale parcourue par la pointe de l'aspirateur à ultrasons …  Lire la suite

The HIV-1 Nef protein is known to be the major determinant of HIV-1 pathogenesis. It causes multiple abnormalities not only in the virus main target CD4+ T cells, but also other lymphocytes and myeloid cells. Studies of patients living with HIV-1 suggest that it impairs B cell functions. Poudrier J. (2001) examined the impact of the HIV-1 Nef accessory protein on B cells based on the expression of Nef in CD4+ cells of the CD4C/HIV-1Nef Tg mouse model, and established that it induced Ig switch defects and impairment in germinal centres(GC), as well as increased secretion of immunoglobulin M (IgM). …  Lire la suite

AbstractBackground:We previously demonstrated feasibility, safety, and a reproducible histologicbulking effect after injection of dextranomer hyaluronic acid copolymer (DxHA) into thegastroesophageal junction (GEJ) of rabbits. In the current study, we investigated thepotential for DxHA to augment the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) in a porcine modelof gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Methods:12 Yucatan miniature pigs underwent LES manometry and 24-hour ambulatorypH monitoring at baseline, after cardiomyectomy, and 6 weeks after randomization toendoscopic injection of either DxHA or saline at the LES. After necropsy, the foregut,including injection sites, was histologically examined.Results:Pigs in both groups had similar weight progression during the study period, withtwo mortalities prior …  Lire la suite

Cette enquête qualitative porte sur les perceptions et les réflexions des cinq musulmans/es canadiens/iennes qui ont étudié l'arabe comme langue seconde en Égypte ou en Syrie. J'ai mené des conversations approfondies avec chaque participant/e et des entretiens face-à-face ou téléphonique enregistré pour mieux comprendre, à la fois collective et individuelle, leurs perceptions d'apprendre l'arabe comme langue seconde dans un contexte d'études à l'étranger. Cette enquête a pour but de comprendre si leur identité canadienne musulmane a contribué à l'investissement de l'apprentissage de la langue arabe, et si cette expérience, en aucune façon, à influencée leur identité ou leurs pratiques religieuses. …  Lire la suite

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative pathology that leads to significant impairment of motor function. Medical as well as surgical treatments are available for PD. However, surgical treatment is offered after exhaustion of medical approaches or intolerance to medical treatment. Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) is one method of surgical treatment that was introduced in the 1990s. STN-DBS results in marked alleviation of selected symptoms and signs associated with the motor disorder. Despite its increasing use as a target, the best area of stimulation as well as the mechanism of action of STN-DBS remains largely unexplored. …  Lire la suite

Mayo, Nancy (Internal/Supervisor)  Lire la suite

L'évaluation des projets agricoles financés par le gouvernement devrait examiner les coûts et les revenus par rapport à la société dans son ensemble. Cette thèse s'est développée dans un contexte où le gouvernement équatorien a mis en effet un projet dans lequel les agriculteurs pauvres de la province de Manabi sont devenus fournisseurs de Jatropha curcas, une plante endémique qui produit des graines huileuses utilisées comme matière première de biocarburants. Le gouvernement a supposé que cette initiative permettrait d'améliorer le revenu des agriculteurs concernés, mais cette hypothèse n'a pas été mesurée en termes quantitatifs. Une étude publiée pour soutenir le …  Lire la suite

Cordova, Carlos (Supervisor2)  Lire la suite

Hovey, Richard (Internal/Supervisor)  Lire la suite