This thesis presents a practical approach to reduce the overall testing time in a spherical near-field (SNF) antenna measurement environment. The premise of this work is that the acquisition time is mostly dominated by the mechanical movement and the processing electronic. Moreover, it is assumed that the transformation time to go from the near-field domain to the far-field domain (NF-FF transform) is small compared to the acquisition time. Thus this operation can be done repeatedly while the acquisition is on-going without significantly affecting the overall test time. This situation allows to continuously evaluate the far-field (FF) of the antenna under test (AUT), so that certain decision functions based on the radiation pattern of the antenna can be monitored. Such decision functions are based on the antenna specification, such as the gain, the side lobe level, etc. We do not proceed with a complete scan of the measurement sphere but effectively allow the probe to follow a directed path under control of an acquisition rule, so that the sampled near-field (NF) datapoints constitute an acquisition map on the sphere. The acquisition can then be terminated based on decision function values, allowing the smallest amount of data needed to ensure accurate determination of the AUT performance measures.

Ff filamentous bacteriophage infect male (F+) strains of Escherichia coli and are assembled at the cell membranes, by a secretion-like, non-lethal process. The pIII protein, located at one end of the virion-filament, is required at both the beginning and the end of the phage life cycle. During infection, the N-terminal domains of pIII, N2 and N1, bind to the primary and secondary host receptors, F pilus and TolA protein, respectively. At the end of the life cycle, the pIII C-domain mediates the termination and release of virions. Thus, both entry and release involve structural transitions of the virus coupled to membrane transactions of the virion proteins. "Unlocking” of the highly stable virion presumably results in membrane integration during entry, whereas a reverse event, “locking” of the virion, occurs upon detachment from the membrane at termination step of assembly/secretion. Recently, it was shown that the pIII C-domain plays an active role at the step of entry. This finding implicates the C-domain of pIII in “unlocking” of the virion, presumably resulting in the exposure of the membrane anchor at the very C-terminus of pIII (Bennett & Rakonjac, 2006). To further this work, this thesis has mapped the portion of the pIII C-domain required for infection, by constructing a set of nested deletions of the C-domain fused to the receptor binding domains N1 and N2, and then determined the infectivity of phage carrying the mutant proteins. This mapped the portion of the C-domain required for phage infection is different to that required for termination of assembly. The different requirement for entry and release suggests that the two processes are carried out by distinct mechanisms and/or depend on different sets of accessory proteins. In addition, a system was designed for the efficient production and purification of very short virions, the length of which is 1/20 that of the wild-type f1. These short virions, called microphage, are the first step towards the structural analyses of the phage termini cap structures, of which one contains pIII in the “locked” conformation.

<p>Syftet med den här uppsatsen är att studera om den nya Arenan kan komma att vara en bidragande faktor till säsongsförlängning i Kalmar. Eftersom den nya Arenan inte ännu är färdigbyggd, vill vi undersöka beslutsfattares syn på projektet samt hur ett sådant projekt kan komma att påverka Kalmar som destination.</p><p>För att kunna studera verkligheten, utan att styras av redan befintliga teorier, valde vi i vår studie att använda oss av en induktiv ansats. Den större delen av vår datainsamling grundas på kvalitativa intervjuer, vilka vi kompletterade med diverse rapporter och skrivelser på hemsidor.</p><p>Vår slutsats i den här uppsatsen är att den nya Arenan kan bidra till säsongsförlängning om verksamheten maxas. För att detta ska vara möjligt bör samtliga beslutsfattare börja spela i samma lag, klara och tydliga mål med projektet måste sättas upp och fokus bör läggas på hur ett projekt av den här storleken kan gynna hela Kalmar som destination, inte enbart en av de inblandade aktörerna.</p>

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T20:34:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 4531.pdf: 708473 bytes, checksum: fa2ea780712d3ffbd332ab95fd4c9dff (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-02-19 / Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos / The aim of this PhD thesis was to develop analytical methods employing fast sequential flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FS-FAAS). In the first part of this study, a fast and simple method is proposed for the determination of Cu in sugar cane spirits employing FS-FAAS and the internal standard technique. First, Ag, Bi, Co and Ni were evaluated as internal standards to correct transport interferences caused by the presence of ethanol. The results demonstrated that Ag at a concentration of 2 mg L&#8722;1 was effective as internal standard. In the second part of this study, a novel analytical method which consists of a combination of hydride generation and FS-FAAS is proposed. The method developed was employed for the sequential determination of As and Sb at sub-&#956;g L-1 levels in bottled mineral waters. An enhancement in the analytical throughput was obtained when compared with the traditional monoelement HGAAS with a quartz tube atomizer. In the last part of the study, the combination of thermospray flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (TS-FF-AAS) and FS-FAAS for the sequential determination of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn was proposed and a significant improvement in the analytical throughput of TS-FFAAS was obtained. Then, an analytical method for the sequential determination of Cd, Cu and Pb in slurries of biological samples by TS-FF-AAS was developed. / Esta tese de doutorado teve como objetivo o desenvolvimento de métodos analíticos empregando a espectrometria de absorção atômica sequencial rápida com atomização em chama (FS-FAAS). Na primeira parte do estudo, avaliou-se o uso da padronização interna em FS-FAAS através da determinação direta de Cu em amostras de aguardente de cana. Neste caso, Ag, Bi, Co e Ni foram avaliados como padrões internos para a correção do efeito de transporte causado pela presença de etanol na matriz. Os resultados demostraram que Ag na concentração de 2 mg L&#8722;1 foi eficaz como padrão interno na determinação direta de Cu em amostras de aguardente por FS-FAAS. Na segunda parte do estudo, avaliou-se o potencial do acoplamento entre a geração de hidretos (HG) e a FS-FAAS para a determinação sequencial de As e Sb em amostras de água mineral. Os resultados revelaram que a HG no modo multielementar proporcionou um aumento considerável da frequência analítica, redução do consumo de reagentes e diminuição da geração de resíduos em relação à HG no modo monoelementar. Na última parte do estudo, avaliou-se o potencial da união da espectrometria de absorção atômica com forno tubular na chama e aerossol térmico (TS-FF-AAS) com a FS-FAAS para a determinação sequencial de Cd, Cu, Pb e Zn. Os resultados evidenciaram o aumento da frequência analítica proporcionada pela TS-FF-AAS no modo multielementar em relação ao modo monoelementar. Em seguida, amostras biológicas foram prédigeridas e introduzidas na forma de suspensões no sistema TS-FF-AAS para a determinação sequencial de Cd, Cu, Pb e Zn.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T20:36:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DissFR.pdf: 954202 bytes, checksum: 5f8328894ac65766848302e809f713ba (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-06-30 / Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos / In the present work the behavior of the elements Ni, Rb, and Se was evaluated by thermospray flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (TS-FF-AAS). The arrangement of the TS-FF-AAS system consisted of a Ni tube located on the burner head of an air / acetylene flame with a ceramic capillary tube connected to it and heated by the flame. The sample was transported towards the capillary heated tube by action of a peristaltic pump, and then transformed in a thermospray that was introduced into the Ni tube. The sensitivity was increased by the complete introduction of the sample in the absorption volume. For all tested elements, the effect of the main parameters on atomization, such as flame composition, observation height, type of carrier stream, flow rate, and sample volume, was investigated. For selenium, the detection limit obtained was 95-fold better than that obtained by FAAS. Notwithstanding, selenium determination was difficult due to the absorption region of this element (&#955; = 196 nm), that implied in molecular absorption by flame gases and scattering of radiation. Based on prescribed conditions established by a factorial experiment, selenium was determined with accuracy in samples of animal tissues and in two standard reference materials after microwave-assisted digestion using a diluted solution of acid nitric. For Rb, the sensitivity increased 37-fold compared to FAAS, leading to a detection limit of 2.65 µg/L by TS-FF-AAS. On the other hand, Ni is a refractory element and needed special conditions to facilitate the volatilization and atomization processes. Thus, a cloud point extraction procedure was developed. The combination of both TS-FF-AAS and cloud point extraction led to an improvement of 18-fold in detection limit, however Ni determination in biological samples was limited owing to interferences caused by Al(III), Co(II), and Fe(III). These interferences could be solved by adding fluoride to the digests. / Neste trabalho, avaliou-se o comportamento dos elementos Ni, Rb e Se por espectrometria de absorção atômica com forno tubular na chama e aerossol térmico (TS-FF-AAS). A montagem do sistema TS-FF-AAS consistiu de um tubo atomizador de Ni posicionado sobre o queimador de ar / acetileno. Com o auxílio de uma bomba peristáltica e um capilar cerâmico aquecido pela chama, a amostra foi convertida em um aerossol e transportada para o interior do tubo atomizador de Ni. A sensibilidade foi aumentada devido à completa introdução da amostra no caminho óptico e ao aumento do tempo de permanência do analito na zona de observação. Para todos os elementos, parâmetros como composição da chama, altura de observação (posição do tubo em relação à chama), tipo e vazão do carregador e volume da amostra foram investigados na atomização do analito. Para o Se, o limite de detecção obtido foi 95 vezes menor que o apresentado por FAAS. A determinação desse elemento é dificultada, pois o Se absorve em uma região (&#955; = 196 nm) onde ocorre absorção dos próprios gases da chama e o espalhamento de radiação é mais acentuado. Mesmo considerando-se essas dificuldades experimentais, a determinação exata de Se por TS-FF-AAS foi possível para amostras de tecidos animais usando digestão em forno de microondas com cavidade e HNO3 diluído. Para o Rb também houve ganho na sensibilidade de 37 vezes comparativamente à FAAS, obtendo-se um limite de detecção por TS-FF-AAS de 2,65 µg/L. Por outro lado, o Ni é um elemento refratário e necessita de condições especiais para facilitar os processos de volatilização e atomização. Dessa forma, optou-se por desenvolver um procedimento de pré-concentração e extração no ponto nuvem. A combinação desses procedimentos com TS-FF-AAS proporcionou uma melhoria no limite de detecção de 18 vezes, mas a determinação de Ni em amostras biológicas foi dificultada devido às interferências causadas por Al(III), Co(II) e Fe(III). Essas interferências podem ser corrigidas adicionando-se fluoreto aos digeridos.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T20:36:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 1908.pdf: 689524 bytes, checksum: 6e4c524edf39c43db6f34174bc540324 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-07-31 / Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos / Analytical chemistry plays a fundamental role in proposing fast and reliable procedures to analyze food samples. Proper selection and introduction of complementary foods reduces the vulnerability to micronutrient deficiencies. This study aimed to propose a sensitive approach for the promotion of adequate food supplements regarding Cd, Fe, Pb and Zn contents. For the development of this method, factorial design was used for experimental conditions optimization. These metals were determined using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry - FAAS (Fe and Zn) and Thermospray Flame Furnace AAS (Cd and Pb). In TS-FF-AAS, a nickel tube is used as atomizer; since the sample is totally introduced into the tube, an increase in method sensitivity is obtained. Besides, flame residence time is extended, increasing efficiency of atomizing processes. Additionally, a simple procedure mixing the sample (100 mg) with 0.1 mol/L HCl was proposed. In food analysis, limits of detection (LOD) of 0.6, 100, 6.0 and 32 µg/L for Cd, Fe, Pb and Zn were obtained, respectively. Standard Relative Deviations (RSD) for elements Cd (n = 14), Fe (n = 3) and Zn (n = 19) were of 7.0, 5.5 and 6.0%, respectively. Analytical frequency of the method was of 28 determinations per hour with an analytical speed of 8 samples per hour (from sample preparation to determination). All determinations were performed with the same atomizing tube, which, even after 2270 determinations (around 76 h), did not present sensitivity losses. Cadmium and Zn showed suitable results when a bovine liver certified sample (SRM 1577b) was studied and the Fe content was strongly correlated to the size of the particle. Toxic metals Cd and Pb were not detected in the studied food samples. Regarding the essential elements, there was no increase in the Fe and Zn when the supplement is used. Information about food quality could be obtained, and the proposed method fits the purpose. / A Química Analítica desempenha um papel fundamental na proposição de procedimentos rápidos e confiáveis para a análise de alimentos. A adequada seleção e introdução de alimentos complementares reduz as deficiências de micronutrientes. Este estudo teve como objetivo a proposição de um método para se verificar o uso de suplementos alimentares adequados com relação às concentrações dos elementos Cd, Fe, Pb e Zn. No desenvolvimento deste método foi utilizado o planejamento fatorial como ferramenta para sua otimização das condições experimentais. Os metais foram determinados por espectrometria de absorção atômica com chama - FAAS (Fe e Zn) e por espectrometria de absorção atômica com forno tubular na chama e aerossol térmico - TS-FF-AAS (Cd e Pb). Em TS-FF-AAS, um tubo de níquel é utilizado como atomizador e, dessa forma, um aumento na sensibilidade do método é conseguido, uma vez que toda a amostra é inserida no interior do tubo. Além disso, o tempo de residência na chama é prolongado, aumentando a eficiência dos processos de atomização. Aliado a isso, um procedimento simples no qual a amostra (100 mg) é misturada com HCl 0,1 mol/L foi proposto. Das análises dos alimentos, foram obtidos limites de detecção (LD) de 0,6; 100; 6,0 e 32 µg/L para Cd, Fe, Pb e Zn, respectivamente. Os desvios padrão relativos (RSD) para os elementos Cd (n = 14), Fe (n = 3) e Zn (n = 19) foram de 7,0; 5,5 e 6,0%, respectivamente. A freqüência analítica do método foi de 28 determinações por hora e a freqüência de amostragem, de 8 amostras por hora (desde o preparo de amostra até a determinação). Todas as determinações foram desenvolvidas com o uso de um mesmo tubo atomizador que, após 2270 determinações (cerca de 76 horas), não apresentou perdas de sensibilidade. Dessa forma, para o material certificado de referência de fígado bovino (SRM 1577b), os resultados para Cd e Zn foram adequados e as concentrações de Fe determinadas foram altamente dependentes do tamanho de partículas. Os metais tóxicos Cd e Pb não foram encontrados nas amostras estudadas de alimentos. Com relação aos elementos essenciais, não houve acréscimo de Fe e Zn ao alimento quando do uso do suplemento. Dessa forma, informações acerca da qualidade dos alimentos puderam ser obtidas, sendo o método proposto adequado para essa finalidade.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T20:36:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 1928.pdf: 1029456 bytes, checksum: 9ad511e61da6289bd2135d247958af6b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-02-28 / Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos / In this work, it was evaluated the effects of interferences caused by major and minor constituents on Co, Cu and Mn atomized by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and by thermospray flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (TS-FFAAS). The main concomitants were chosen according to the typical concentrations found in foods and beverages. The liquid samples were propelled by a peristaltic pump through a ceramic capillary conductively heated by a flame and then into a nickel tube. The nickel tube was positioned on a lab-made stainless steel support with four ceramic pins on the flame burner. The thermospray was generated inside the heated ceramic capillary in contact with the nickel tube. The samples were introduced into the flame heated tube without the need of a nebulizer. Additionally, the sensitivity was significantly improved by increasing the residence time of the free analyte atoms in the observation zone. Severe interference effects were observed for all analytes. These interference processes require the application of either previous separation steps or special strategies of calibration. Afterwards, the applicability of TS-FF-AAS was evaluated for direct determination of Cu, Cd and Pb in wines and grape juices. The developed procedure did not require any step of digestion. The effect of ethanol was evaluated and samples were properly diluted before measurements. All determinations were carried out adopting optimized conditions and quantification was based on the standard additions method. Limits of detection (LOD) of 12.9, 1.7 and 5.32 µg L-1 (n = 14) for Cu, Cd and Pb, respectively, were obtained using optimized conditions for wine samples. Relative standard deviations (RSD, %) of 2.7, 2.1 and 2.6% for Cu, Cd and Pb were obtained (n = 6). Limits of detection (LOD) for grape juice samples were 13.7, 0.90 and 5.55 µg L-1 and relative standard deviations (RSD, %) of 3.3, 2.0 and 2.3 for Cu, Cd and Pb, respectively. The analytical throughput was 45 determinations h-1 and accuracy was proved by addition-recovery experiments. / Este trabalho de pesquisa avaliou o efeito de concomitantes em espectrometria de absorção atômica com chama (FAAS) e espectrometria de absorção atômica com forno tubular na chama e aerossol térmico (TS-FF-AAS) sobre a determinação de Co, Cu e Mn. Identificaram-se os principais concomitantes considerando-se os elementos tipicamente presentes em amostras de alimentos e de bebidas e os efeitos causados sobre os sinais analíticos desses analitos. Um aerossol térmico foi gerado em um capilar cerâmico aquecido condutivamente por contato com um tubo de níquel posicionado sobre a chama ar-acetileno. A solução das amostras foi introduzida no forno tubular sem a necessidade de um nebulizador. Além disso, a sensibilidade também foi melhorada pelo maior tempo de residência da nuvem atômica no interior do atomizador. O estudo evidenciou a ocorrência de severos efeitos de interferências para todos os analitos. Esses processos de interferências exigem a aplicação de procedimentos de separação ou estratégias especiais de calibração. Em seguida, a aplicabilidade da TS-FF-AAS foi avaliada para a determinação direta de Cu, Cd e Pb em amostras de vinhos e de sucos de uva. O efeito causado pelo etanol foi avaliado e as amostras foram diluídas previamente às medidas. O procedimento adotado não requer nenhum pré-tratamento da amostra. A partir das condições otimizadas e aplicando-se o método das adições de analito, o procedimento foi aplicado para amostras de vinhos do Brasil e do Chile e foram obtidos limites de detecção (LOD) de 12,9; 1,76 e 5,32 µg L-1 para Cu, Cd e Pb, respectivamente (n = 14). Os desvios padrão relativos (RSD, %) foram 2,7; 2,1 e 2,6 para Cu, Cd e Pb, respectivamente (n = 6). Os LOD´s para as amostras de sucos de uva foram 13,7; 0,90 e 5,55 µg L-1 e os desvios padrão relativo (RSD, %) foram 3,3; 2,0 e 2,3 para Cu, Cd e Pb, respectivamente (n = 6). O procedimento proposto se mostrou eficiente e possibilitou a determinação de Cu, Cd e Pb em baixas concentrações nas amostras de vinhos e sucos de uva. A freqüência foi 45 determinações h-1 e a exatidão foi comprovada por experimentos de adição e recuperação.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T20:36:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 1998.pdf: 730604 bytes, checksum: c9a3af679c55c32e121ac6f6d44b9de1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-08-21 / Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos / In this work, Thermospray Flame Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (TS-FF-AAS) and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS) were employed in order to propose methods for determination of total and bioavailability concentration of Cd and Pb in environmental samples. The sediments were collected in the basin of the Jundiaí river and the sewage sludge (industrial and home) in the Jundiaí sewage treatment station. The metals bioavailability contents were determined by extraction using 1.0 g of sample and 25.0 mL HCl 0.1 mol/L for 2 hours in horizontal stirrer 600 rpm. The total concentrations were determined using pre-digestion step for 12h followed by a microwave digestion of 0.1 g sample with 2.0 mL mixture concentrated HNO3 HCl (1:3 v/v) and 1.0 mL of H2O2 using heating program for 34 minutes. In determinations by TS-FF-AAS, 200 &#956;L of sample was carried out into a nickel atomization tube with a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. During Cd and Pb determinations in extracts HNO3 0.014 mol/L solution was used as carrier. In the case of the digested samples, EDTA 0.5% (m/v) and Triton X-100 0.1% (v/v) solution was used as carrier. The method accuracy was checked by Cd and Pb determination in in three certified samples: NIST 2782 and NIST 146R (industrials sludge) and NIST 8704 (Buffalo river sediment). The bioavailability and total concentrations range in sediments were 0.08-1.7 and 0.44- 2.47 mg/kg for Cd; 2.91- 13.6 and 8.9-24.7 mg/kg for Pb, respectively. Limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) for TS-FF-AAS were 1.13 and 3.75 &#956;g/L for Cd, 16.5 and 55.1 &#956;g/L for Pb, respectively (n=3). In FAAS, limits of detection and quantification were 63.0 and 210 &#956;g/L for Cd, 119 and 395 &#956;g/L for Pb, respectively (n=3). The repeatability and reproducibility obtained were 1.0-8.0% and 7.0-24% for Cd, 2.4- 14% and 5.4-32% for Pb, presented as relative standard deviation (RSD, %). / Neste trabalho, empregaram-se a Espectrometria de Absorção Atômica com Forno Tubular na Chama e Aerossol Térmico (TS-FF-AAS) e a Espectrometria de Absorção Atômica com Chama (FAAS), na proposição de metodologias para a determinação de concentrações biodisponíveis e totais de Cd e Pb, em amostras de interesse ambiental. Os sedimentos foram coletados na bacia do Rio Jundiaí e o lodo de esgoto (industrial e doméstico) na Companhia Saneamento Jundiaí (CSJ). Os conteúdos biodisponíveis dos metais foram determinados por extração de 1,0 g de amostra com 25,0 mL de HCl 0,1 mol/L, por 2 horas, em um agitador horizontal a 600 rpm. As concentrações totais (0,1 g de amostra) foram determinadas com o emprego de uma etapa de pré-digestão por 12h, e digestão em forno de microondas fechado, com 2,0 mL de água régia e 1,0 mL de H2O2, utilizando um programa de aquecimento de 34 minutos. Nas determinações por TS-FF-AAS, introduziu-se um volume de amostra de 200 &#956;L no interior de um tubo atomizador de Ni, com uma vazão de 0,5 mL/min. Na quantificação de Cd e Pb nos extratos, utilizou-se solução de HNO3 0,014 mol/L como carregador, e nos digeridos, solução de EDTA 0,5% (m/v) e Triton X-100 0,1% (v/v). Com o intuito de avaliar a exatidão das metodologias aplicadas, foram analisadas 3 amostras certificadas: NIST 2782 e NIST 146R (lodos industriais) e NIST 8704 (sedimento do Rio Buffalo). As faixas de concentrações biodisponíveis e totais, em sedimentos foram de 0,08-1,7 e 0,44- 2,47 mg/kg para Cd, 2,91-13,6 e 8,9-24,7 mg/kg para Pb, respectivamente. Os limites de detecção e quantificação para TS-FF-AAS foram 1,13 e 3,75 &#956;g/L para Cd, 16,5 e 55,1 &#956;g/L para Pb, respectivamente (n=3). No caso da FAAS, os limites de detecção e quantificação foram 63,0 e 210 &#956;g/L para Cd, 119 e 395 &#956;g/L para Pb, respectivamente (n=3). As repetibilidades e reprodutibilidades ficaram entre 1,0-8,0% e 7,0-24% para Cd, 2,4- 14% e 5,4-32% para Pb, representadas como desvio padrão relativo (RSD).

Le Neuropeptide FF (FLFQPQRFa, NPFF) est un neurotransmetteur peptidique, caractérisé par son activité pharmacologique anti-opioïde. Ce peptide active deux récepteurs couplés aux protéines G, NPFF1 et NPFF2. De nombreuses données suggèrent que le NPFF module l'activité opioïde par un effet direct sur les récepteurs opioïdes situés sur les mêmes neurones plutôt que via un effet indirect dû à une modification d'un circuit neuronal. Néanmoins, les mécanismes moléculaires sous-jacents de ce cross-talk entre les récepteurs sont encore mal compris. Ce travail est composé de deux parties principales : 1) les mécanismes anti-opioïdes médiés par les récepteurs du Neuropeptide FF. Nous avons testé les activités directes et anti-opioïdes des récepteurs NPFF sur les canaux calciques voltage-dépendants activés par dépolarisation sur des neurones du noyau raphé dorsal (DRN) de souris. Le récepteurs NPFF dans ces neurones sont préférentiellement couplés aux protéines G de type Gi/o. Les effets directs et anti-opioïdes induits par les récepteurs NPFF interviennent dans des gammes de concentration différentes indiquant que l'activité anti-opioïde spécifique n'est pas une conséquence directe de leur activité sur les canaux calciques. De plus, nous avons comparé ces interactions entre récepteurs NPFF et NOP (nociception, N/OFQ) observés sur des neurones dissociés de souris avec celles observés sur une lignée cellulaire de neuroblastome humain, SH-SY5Y. Les données obtenues en imagerie calcique et dans le test de stimulation de liaison du [35S]GTPyS aux protéines G, montrent un rôle potentiel important des radeaux membrane/lipides (rafts), qui agirait comme une plateforme de signalisation dans les effets du NPFF. 2) le rôle du Neuropeptide FF dans la dépression. Afin de tester le rôle potentiel pharmacologique du NPFF dans la dépression, des injections locales du 1DMe, un analogue du NPFF, ont été réalisées dans le DRN de souris. Nous avons observé une forte activité de cet analogue dans le test de suspension de la queue test et dans le "splash test", comme respectivement une diminution des temps d'immobilité et une augmentation du temps de toilettage. Du fait de l'existence d'un fort effet antidépressif des antagonistes des récepteurs NOP après injection dans le DRN et de l'effet cellulaire anti-N/OFQ du NPFF que nous avons démontré, il est plausible d'envisager que le NPFF possède un effet antidépressif via son action anti-opioïde sur les récepteurs nociceptine. / Neuropeptide FF (FLFQPQRFa, NPFF) is considered as a potent opioid-modulating peptide. It exhibits the opioid-modulation effect by activating two G protein-coupled receptors, NPFF1 and NPFF2. Several observations suggest that the anti-opioid effect of NPFF is more likely mediated by a cross-talk between NPFF and opioid receptors in the same neuron rather than an indirect effect due to a neuronal circuitry. Nevertheless, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the cross-talk between both receptors remain need to be investigated. This work is composed of two main parts : 1) Neuropeptide FF receptors and the molecular mechanisms of their anti-opioid effect. We tested both direct and anti-opioid activities of NPFF receptors on Ca2+ transient induced by depolarization in mouse dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) neurons. The NPFF receptor preferentially coupled with Gi/o proteins, which induced the direct activity. Different threshold to observe the direct and anti-opioid effect of NPFF suggested that the specific anti-opioid activity of NPFF receptors was not a direct consequence of their activity on Ca2+ transients. Furthermore, we studied the molecular mechanisms underlying the cross-talk between NPFF and NOP (Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ, N/OFQ) receptors in mouse DRN neurons and SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Data from Ca2+ imaging, [35S]GTPyS binding assay and western blot indicated that cholesterol-rich lipid rafts, which acted as a "platform", were involved in NPFF anti-N/OFQ effect, and the siRNA interference data showed that GRK2 protein mediated this process. 2) The potential role of Neuropeptide FF in anti-depressant response. In order to test the potential role of Neuropeptide FF in anti-depression, the NPFF analogue 1DMe was locally injected into mouse DRN. We observed a decrease of immobility time and an increase of grooming time, in tail suspension test and splash test, respectively, after 1DMe treatment. RF9, the specific antagonist of NPFF receptors, reversed the anti-depression effect of 1DMe. Referencing the strong anti-depression effect of NOP receptor antagonists after DRN injection and the cellular anti-N/OFQ activity of NPFF receptors in this nucleus, the hypothesis that the anti-depression effect of NPFF may due to its cellular anti-N/OFQ activity is interesting to be further verified.

This thesis presents a practical approach to reduce the overall testing time in a spherical near-field (SNF) antenna measurement environment. The premise of this work is that the acquisition time is mostly dominated by the mechanical movement and the processing electronic. Moreover, it is assumed that the transformation time to go from the near-field domain to the far-field domain (NF-FF transform) is small compared to the acquisition time. Thus this operation can be done repeatedly while the acquisition is on-going without significantly affecting the overall test time. This situation allows to continuously evaluate the far-field (FF) of the antenna under test (AUT), so that certain decision functions based on the radiation pattern of the antenna can be monitored. Such decision functions are based on the antenna specification, such as the gain, the side lobe level, etc. We do not proceed with a complete scan of the measurement sphere but effectively allow the probe to follow a directed path under control of an acquisition rule, so that the sampled near-field (NF) datapoints constitute an acquisition map on the sphere. The acquisition can then be terminated based on decision function values, allowing the smallest amount of data needed to ensure accurate determination of the AUT performance measures.