Bacterial cell division requires formation of the cytokinetic cell division septum at the mid-cell position, a process that is determined by three Min proteins; MinC, MinD and MinE. Regulation of cell division by Min proteins occurs via a multi-step process involving interactions between various Min proteins, as well as the membrane. In this cycle, ATP-bound MinD binds to the membrane surface where it can recruit MinC to inhibit formation of the cell division septum. MinE binding to this complex displaces MinC and stimulates ATP hydrolysis, leading to the dissociation of MinD from the membrane. These interactions give rise to a dynamic pattern of Min protein localization that appears to involve a polymeric state that is designed to create a zone that is permissive to cell division at the mid-point of the cell. The interaction between MinD and the membrane is a critical aspect of this cycle, yet the role of the lipid bilayer in MinD activation, localization and polymerization is not well understood. To probe the role of membrane charge and fluidity on MinD activation and polymerization, we developed a kinetic assay of MinE-stimulated MinD ATPase activity. We found that membrane charge is essential for MinD activation and that differences in membrane fluidity give rise to changes in its activity. Moreover, a burst phase was also observed during the first few minutes of reaction, but only on the most fluid anionic lipid tested. To help determine if the observed membrane-dependent changes in MinD activity are linked to any changes in MinD polymer structure, we have begun to develop a method to identify surface exposed regions of MinD through a combination of covalent labeling and mass spectrometry. Optimization of various steps for the assay has been done, and the assay can be applied to the future characterization of MinD polymer structure. Results from this assay, in combination with those from the kinetic measurements described here, will help to improve understanding about how membrane properties modulate MinD ATPase activity, and how this can influence the Min protein oscillation that is required to ensure normal bacterial cell division.

(I) J'ai étudié les mécanismes contrôlant la congression des noyaux pendant la conjugaison de la levure S. pombe. A l'aide d'imagerie à long terme basée sur la microfluidique, j'ai mesuré la durée précise de la congression nucléaire et démontré que deux moteurs moléculaires des MTs, la dynéine et la kinésine-14 Klp2 contribuent à ce processus, dans des voies parallèles. La dynéine s’associe aux SPBs. Son niveau au SPB dépend de la chaine légère intermédiaire Dli1 qui pourrait potentiellement stabiliser le complexe dynéine et est requise pour la congression. Klp2 se localise sur les MTs. La localisation différentielle des deux moteurs suggère des rôles distincts pour tirer les noyaux l'un vers l'autre. Klp2 pourrait induire le glissement de MTs antiparallèles émanant des SPBs, alors que la dynéine localisée au SPB pourrait tirer sur des MTs émanant du SPB opposé.(II) J'ai caractérisé un nouveau facteur morphogénétique, l’AAA+-ATPase Knk1, qui promeut la croissance linéaire chez S. pombe. L’absence de Knk1 provoque la formation d’un coude à proximité des extrémités cellulaires. Ce défaut ne résulte pas de défauts des MTs, qui participent à la linéarité de la croissance. Knk1 se localise aux extrémités de la cellule indépendamment des MTs et des câbles d’actine. Cette localisation requiert son N-terminus et est renforcée quand le domaine ATPase C-terminal lie l’ATP. La concentration de Knk1 aux extrémités est aussi contrôlée par Sla2 et Cdc42, de manière anti-correlée, et indépendamment de l’endocytose. Enfin, Knk1 oscille périodiquement entre les deux extrémités, indépendamment des oscillations de Cdc42, suggérant l'existence d'au moins deux systèmes oscillatoires séparés. / (I) I studied the molecular mechanisms underlying nuclear congression during fission yeast conjugation. Using microfluidic-based long-term imaging, I defined the precise timing of nuclear congression compared to cell mating and found that two MT molecular motors, dynein and the kinesin-14 Klp2 promote nuclear congression in parallel pathways. Dynein associates with SPBs. Dynein level at SPBs is controlled by the light intermediate chain Dli1 that may promote stabilization of the dynein complex and is essential for dynein-dependent nuclear congression, while dynactin is surprisingly not required for this process. Klp2 localizes along MTs. These differential localization patterns suggest distinct roles for the two motors in pulling the nuclei together: Klp2 may slide anti-parallel MTs emanating from the SPBs, while dynein at the SPB may pull on MTs emanating from the opposite SPB.(II) I characterized a novel morphogenetic factor, the AAA+-ATPase Knk1, supporting linear growth in fission yeast. knk1Δ cells display a kink close to cell tips, a unique shape phenotype that is neither caused by defects in behavior of MTs that promote linear extension. Knk1 localizes to cell tip independently of MTs and actin cables. This localization is mediated by Knk1 N-terminus and enhanced upon ATP binding to Knk1 C-terminal ATPase domain. Knk1 tip levels are enhanced in a sla2 or cdc42, independently of Sla2 role in endocytosis. Finally, Knk1 oscillates between the two cell tips in an anti-correlated periodic manner possibly uncoupled from Cdc42 oscillations suggesting the existence of at least two separated oscillatory systems contributing to fission yeast morphogenesis.

Les développements en information quantique nécessitent le contrôle et la manipulation d'états quantiques. Parmi les systèmes en physique du solide, les boîtes quantiques semiconductrices sont de bons candidats pour réaliser des bits quantiques. La taille nanométrique de ces objets conduit à un confinement spatial à trois dimensions des porteurs : le spectre d'énergie est discret comme celui d'un atome. Ces objets sont étudiés pour leurs propriétés optiques, et notamment pour l'émission de photons uniques et indiscernables, qui sont des états quantiques de la lumière. Le travail de cette thèse consiste à étudier des boîtes quantiques uniques d'InAs/GaAs excitées à la résonance de leur transition optique, à l'aide d'impulsions lumineuses picosecondes. Grâce à une géométrie unidimensionnelle en guide d'onde, il est possible de s'affranchir de la lumière diffusée du laser d'excitation, et d'observer la luminescence résonante des boîtes. On atteint alors le régime d'oscillations de Rabi qui permet d'inscrire dans la boîte une superposition cohérente du système à deux niveaux, c'est un bit quantique. Cependant, le couplage entre la boîte et son environnement modifie les propriétés de cohérence des boîtes quantiques, limitant la possibilité de réaliser des opérations sur les qubits. Deux phénomènes principaux de décohérence ont été modélisés : l'interaction avec les phonons longitudinaux acoustiques de la matrice environnante de la boîte et le couplage avec le mode électromagnétique. Nous avons enfin étudié la statistique d'émission de photons des boîtes quantiques, et nous montrons qu'elles constituent de bonnes sources de photons uniques indiscernables, à la demande. / Developments in quantum information require controlling and manipulating quantum bits. Among solid state emitters, semiconductor quantum dots seem promising to realize quantum bits. First, the nanometric size of those structures leads to the confinement of the carriers in the three directions of space, so that their energy spectrum becomes atom-like. Furthermore, they can easily be integrated into electronic and optic devices. Such structures are studied for their optical properties, especially the emission of single and indistinguishable photons, which are quantum states of light. In the present work InAs/GaAs quantum dots have been studied under resonant excitation with picosecond laser pulses. One-dimensional waveguiding geometry has been used to suppress the scattered excitation laser allowing the observation of a single dot resonant luminescence. The coupling between the laser and the dot leads to the Rabi oscillations regime which enables to address a coherent superposition of states in the two-level system, meaning a quantum bit. However, the coupling between the dot and its environment changes the coherence properties of the dots, limiting the time during which operations on the qubits are possible. Two main phenomena have been observed and studied: the interaction between the dots and the longitudinal acoustic phonons of the GaAs matrix and the coupling with the electromagnetic mode. Finally, the photon emission statistics of the quantum dots have been studied, showing that quantum dots are on demand good emitters of indistinguishable single photons.

This thesis investigates the effects of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) lines andmulti-terminal grids on power system small-disturbance stability in the presence ofoperational uncertainties. The main outcome of this research is the comprehensiveprobabilistic assessment of the stability improvements that can be achieved through theuse of supplementary damping control applied to HVDC systems.Power systems are increasingly operated closer to stability boundaries in order toimprove their efficiency and economic value whilst a growing number of conventionalcontrolled power plants are being replaced by stochastic renewable generation sources.The resulting uncertainty in conditions can increase the risk of operational stabilityconcerns and should be thoroughly evaluated. There is also a growing necessity toexplore the potential improvements and challenges created by the introduction of newequipment, such as HVDC systems. In recent years, HVDC systems have become moreeconomically competitive and increasingly flexible, resulting in a proliferation ofprojects. Although primarily installed for power transmission purposes, their flexibilityand controllability can provide further benefits, such as the damping of persistentoscillations in the interconnected networks.This work contributes to a number of areas of power systems research, specificallysurrounding the effects of HVDC systems on the small-disturbance stability oftransmission networks. The application and comprehensive assessment of a Wide AreaMeasurement System (WAMS) based damping controller with various HVDC systemsis completed. The studies performed on a variety of HVDC technology types andconfigurations – as well as differing AC test networks – demonstrate the potential forHVDC-based Power Oscillation Damping (POD). These studies include examinationsof previously unexplored topics such as the effects of available modulation capacity andthe use of voltage source converter multi-terminal HVDC grids for POD. Followingthese investigations, a methodology to probabilistically test the robustness of HVDC based damping controllers is developed. This methodology makes use of classificationtechniques to identify possible mitigation options for power system operators whenperformance is sub-optimal. To reduce the high computational burden associated withthis methodology, the Probabilistic Collocation Method (PCM) is developed in order toefficiently identify the statistical distributions of critical system modes in the presenceof uncertainties. Methods of uncertain parameter reduction based on eigenvaluesensitivity are developed and demonstrated to ensure accurate results when the PCM isused with large test systems. Finally, the concepts and techniques introduced within thethesis are combined to probabilistically design a WAMS-based POD controller morerobust to operational uncertainties. The use of the PCM during the probabilistic designresults in rapid and robust synthesis of HVDC-based POD controllers.

Modern 'more-electric' aircraft demand increased levels of electrical power as non-propulsive power systems are replaced with electrical equivalents. This electrical power is provided by electrical generators, driven via a mechanical transmission system, from a rotating spool in the gas turbine core. A wide range of electrical loads exist throughout the aircraft, which may be pulsating and high powered, and this electrical power demand is transferred though the generators to produce a torque load on the drivetrain. The mechanical components of the drivetrain are designed for minimum mass and so are susceptible to fatigue, therefore the electrical loading existing on modern airframes may induce fatigue in key mechanical components and excite system resonances in both mechanical and electrical domains. This electro-mechanical interaction could lead to a reduced lifespan for mechanical components and electrical network instability.This project investigates electro-mechanical interaction in the electrical power offtake from large diameter aero gas turbines. High fidelity modelling of the drivetrain, and generator, allow the prediction of system resonances for a generic gas turbine-generator system. A Doubly-Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) is considered and modelled. DFIGs offer opportunities due to their fast dynamics and their ability to decouple electrical and mechanical frequencies (e.g. enabling a constant frequency electrical system with a variable speed mechanical drive). A test platform is produced which is representative of a large diameter gas turbine and reproduces the electro-mechanical system behaviour. The test platform is scaled with respect to speed and power but maintains realistic sizing between component dimensions which include: a gas turbine mechanical spool emulation, transmission driveshafts and gearbox, and accessory loads such as a generator. This test platform is used to validate theoretical understanding and suggest alternative mechanical configurations, and generator control schemes, for the mitigation of electro-mechanical interaction.The novel use of a DFIG and an understanding of electro-mechanical interaction allow future aircraft designs to benefit from the increased electrification of systems by ensuring that sufficient electrical power can be provided by a robust gas turbine-generator system.

Orientador: Orlando Luis Goulart Peres / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Física Gleb Wataghin / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-24T13:21:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 BastoGonzalez_VictorSaul_D.pdf: 37659795 bytes, checksum: f4492cea9594ac4fbffc288a0c46526a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014 / Resumo: Motivados pelos indícios experimentais da existência de um quarto neutrino, que surge nos dados de oscilações coletados nos experimentos de aparecimento e desaparecimento de neutrinos, e pela possibilidade teórica de explicar a pequena massa dos neutrinos através de dimensões extras grandes, fizemos análises em procura de vestígios destas duas motivações nos experimentos IceCube e KATRIN. A existência deste quarto neutrino implicaria 1) que existem mais neutrinos que os três tipos de neutrinos do Modelo Padrão da física de partículas, 2) que as interações deste novo neutrino não são descritas pelo Modelo Padrão, 3) que os parâmetros da mistura dos três tipos de neutrinos do Modelo Padrão seriam afetados pela mistura com este novo neutrino e 4) que a diferença dos quadrados das massas, ?m^{2}, associada a este neutrino seria grande, ?m^{2} ~1 eV^{2}. Usando os dados de neutrinos atmosféricos de IceCube, podemos indagar pela existência do quarto neutrino, pois para, ?m^{2} ~1 eV^{2} acontece uma conversão de sabor devida ao efeito de matéria sobre o neutrino no intervalo de energias analisado no IceCube. Assim, este efeito de matéria permite-nos pôr limites sobre os parâmetros que governam as oscilações de neutrinos estéreis. O experimento KATRIN procurará medir a massa do neutrino. Esta medida será feita analisando a cinemática dos elétrons emitidos no decaimento beta do Trítio que é uma medida independente do modelo físico, pois está fundamentada na conservação da energia. A presença de estados mais pesados, como os que existem quando neutrinos estéreis estão presentes, nos permitirá vincular estes neutrinos estéreis. Especificamente, analisamos em KATRIN indícios de um e dois neutrinos estéreis e também de dimensões extras grandes / Abstract: Motivated by the experimental evidence of the existence of a fourth neutrino, which arises from the data collected of neutrino oscillations in appearance and disappearance experiments, and by the theoretical possibility to explain the smallness of the mass of the neutrinos through large extra dimensions, we performed analyses in search of seeking indication of these two motivations in the IceCube and KATRIN experiments. The existence of this fourth neutrino would imply 1) that there are more types of neutrinos than the three types of neutrinos present in the Standard Model of particle physics, 2) that this new neutrino interactions are not described by the Standard Model, 3) that the parameters of the three neutrinos mixing would be affected by mixing with this new type of neutrino, and 4) that the squared-mass difference , ?m^{2} associated with this new neutrino would be large, , ?m^{2} ~1 eV^{2}. Using the atmospheric neutrino data from IceCube, we can investigate the existence of the fourth neutrino because a flavor conversion happens in the limit , ?m^{2} ~1 eV^{2} due to the effect of matter on the neutrino in the range of energies analyzed in the IceCube. Thus, this matter effect allows us to constrain the parameters that govern the sterile neutrino oscillations. The KATRIN experiment will seek to measure the neutrino mass. This measure will be performed by analyzing the kinematics of electrons emitted in the tritium beta decay, which is an independent measure of the physical model because it is based on energy conservation. The presence of heavier states such as those that exist when sterile neutrinos are present, will allow us to constrain these sterile neutrinos. Specifically, we analyze in KATRIN evidence of one and two sterile neutrinos and also of large extra dimensions / Doutorado / Física / Doutor em Ciências

Masters of Science / One of the main challenges of cosmology is to unveil the nature of dark energy and dark matter. They can be constrained with baryonic acoustic oscillations (BAO) and redshift space distortions, amongst others. Both have characteristic signatures in the dark matter power spectrum. Biased tracers of dark matter, such as neutral hydrogen, are used to quantify the underlying dark matter density field. It is generally assumed that on large scales the bias of the tracer is linear. However, there is a coupling between small and large scales of the biased tracer which gives rise to a significant non-linear contribution on linear scales in the power spectrum of the biased tracer. The Hydrogen Intensity and Real-time eXperiment (HIRAX) will map the brightness temperature of neutral hydrogen (HI) over BAO scales thanks to the intensity mapping technique. We forecasted cosmological parameters for HIRAX taking into account non-linear corrections to the HI power spectrum and compared them to the linear case. We used methods based on Fisher matrices. We found values for the bias to error ratio of the cosmological parameters as high as 1 or 7, depending on the noise level. We also investigated the change in peaks location on the baryonic acoustic oscillations signal. The value of the shift goes up to Δk = 10-2h/Mpc with a reduction of amplitude of the BAO features from 16:33% to 0:33%, depending on the scales.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(医学) / 甲第18644号 / 医博第3943号 / 新制||医||1006(附属図書館) / 31558 / 京都大学大学院医学研究科医学専攻 / (主査)教授 河野 憲二, 教授 福山 秀直, 教授 渡邉 大 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Medical Science / Kyoto University / DFAM

Choosing a course of action in our daily lives requires an accurate assessment of the associated risks as well as the potential rewards. The present two studies investigated the mechanism of how reward and risk level influence the motor decisions of speeded actions (Chapter 2) and its neural dynamics (Chapter 3) by focusing on the beta band (15-30 Hz) oscillation patterns reflected in the EEG signals. Participants performed a modified version of the Go-NoGo task, in which they earned reward points based on the speed and accuracy of response. On each trial, the reward points at stake (120 vs. 6) and the probability that a Go signal would follow (Go-probability) were presented prior to a Go/NoGo signal (Trial Information Period). The behavioral results (from both Chapters 2 and 3) showed that larger amount of rewards can motivate people to respond faster, and this effect was modulated by the assessed risk, suggesting that decisions for actions are based on a systematic trade-off between rewards and risks. The EEG data showed that motor beta oscillations from the two studied brain regions reflected different levels of motivation towards a motor response across different reward and risk levels. Specifically, the lower beta power associated with higher reward and lower risk level. Collectively, the results provide a mechanistic understanding of how motivational cues are translated into action outcomes via modulating patterns of brain oscillations.

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(理学) / 甲第22993号 / 理博第4670号 / 新制||理||1670(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院理学研究科物理学・宇宙物理学専攻 / (主査)准教授 吉岡 興一, 教授 田中 貴浩, 准教授 髙山 史宏 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Science / Kyoto University / DFAM