O presente trabalho aborda a síntese e caracterização de complexos benzenotricarboxilatos de íons Eu3+, Gd3+ e Tb3+, com o intuito de investigar suas características químicas e estruturais e correlacioná-las com as propriedades fotoluminescentes. Os complexos benzenotricarboxilato [TR(BTC)(H2O)n] foram sintetizados em solução aquosa, e apresentaram-se na forma de pós brancos, não-higroscópicos e insolúveis em solventes polares ou apolares. Os complexos com o ligante EMA se mostraram isomórficos e com grau de hidratação igual a dois. Os complexos com o ligante TLA também apresentaram isomorfismo, mas com estrutura cristalina diferente da dos complexos com os outros ligantes. Os complexos [Eu(TMA)(H2O)6] e [Gd(TMA)(H2O)6] apresentaram a mesma estrutura cristalina; entretanto, o complexo [Tb(TMA)] se mostrou anidro, o que foi confirmado pela termoanálise. Os espectros de absorção na região do invravermelho dos complexos evidenciaram que os ligantes BTC3- se coordenam aos íons TR3+ através dos grupos carboxilato desprotonados. Os espectros de fosforescência dos complexos [Gd(BTC)(H2O)n] exibem uma banda larga característica da emissão de cor azul dos ligantes BTC3- (c.a. 450 nm); as medidas das energias dos estados tripleto T1 dos ligantes mostraram que as energias dos estados variam de 25100 a 25700 cm-1, energia que é superior às dos níveis emissores 5D0 e 5D4 dos íons Eu3+ e Tb3+, respectivamente. A eficiente transferência de energia ligante-TR3+ (TR3+ = Eu3+ e Tb3+) nos complexos é comprovada pelos seus espectros de excitação (a banda de excitação do ligante apresenta alta intensidade, com máximo em c.a. 295 nm) e de emissão (não apresentam a banda de fosforescência do ligante, mas sim as transições características dos íons TR3+). Os espectros de emissão dos complexos [Tb(BTC)(H2O)n] evidenciaram a intensa luminescência de cor verde destes complexos, especialmente do complexo anidro [Tb(TMA)], que apresenta a grande vantagem de não sofrer supressão de luminescência causada pelos níveis vibracionais intermediários da água. Os espectros de luminescência dos complexos [Eu(BTC)(H2O)n] apresentam bandas desdobradas em picos finos bem definidos, o que significa que os íons Eu3+ nos complexos se encontram em sítios de simetria bem definida, corroborando o caráter cristalino indicados pelos difratogramas de raios X. Dentre os complexos [TR(BTC)(H2O)n], os maiores tempos de vida dos estados emissores correspondem aos estados T1 dos ligantes BTC3- nos complexos com o íon Gd3+ (entre 7,386 e 12,025 ms), seguidos pelo nível 5D4 do íon Tb3+ (entre 0,712 e 1,265) e por fim pelo nível 5D0 do íon Eu3+ (entre 0,253 e 0,630). Os complexos [Eu(BTC)(H2O)n] ainda apresentaram valores de eficiência quântica entre 12 e 24% Este valor decresce com o aumento do número de moléculas de água do sistema, evidenciando o seu caráter supressor de luminescência. Os complexos [TR(BTC)(H2O)n] mostram-se promissores para serem aplicados como marcadores ópticos, camadas emissoras em dispositivos eletroluminescentes e no desenvolvimento de fluoroimunoensaios, devido: i) ao caráter monocromático das emissões dos complexos com Eu3+ e Tb3+; ii) à elevada intensidade luminescente dos complexos [Tb(BTC)(H2O)n]; e iii) às emissões nas três cores primárias apresentadas por estes complexos, dentre os quais os complexos de Eu3+ e Tb3+ se mostraram bons Dispositivos Moleculares Conversores de Luz (DMCLs) / This work reports the synthesis and characterization of Eu3+, Gd3+ and Tb3+ benzenetricarboxylate complexes and the correlation of their structural and chemical characteristics with their photoluminescent properties. The benzenetricarboxylate complexes [TR(BTC)(H2O)n] were prepared in aqueous solution, and were obtained in the form of white, insoluble and non-hygroscopic powders. The [TR(EMA)(H2O)2] complexes presents isomorphism among them as as the [TR(TLA)(H2O)4] complexes. The thermoanalysis curves showed that the [Eu(TMA)(H2O)6] and [Gd(TMA)(H2O)6] complexes have the same crystalline structure. However, the [Tb(TMA)] complex is anhydrous. The IR spectra of the [TR(BTC)(H2O)n] complexes confirm that the BTC3- ligands are coordinated to the TR3+ ions through the carboxylate groups. The phosphorescence spectra of [Gd(BTC)(H2O)n] complexes exhibit a broad and characteristic emission band of the BTC3- ligands (c.a. 450 nm); the mensure of the ligands T1 states indicated that the T1 state energies varies between 25100 and 25700 cm-1, which is highest than 5D0 and 5D4 states of Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions, respectively. The efficiency of the ligand-TR3+ energy transfer in the [Eu(BTC)(H2O)n] and [Tb(BTC)(H2O)n] complexes is confirmed by their spectra of excitation (high intensity of the ligand excitation band, c.a. 295 nm) and emission (they have no ligand phosphorescence band, but the characteristics emission bands of TR3+ ions). The emission spectra of the [Tb(BTC)(H2O)n] complexes exhibit their highly intense green luminescence, specially to the anhydrous [Tb(TMA)] complex, that present the advantage of not undergoing the luminescence suppression effect caused by coupling with the intermediary vibrational levels of the water molecules. The luminescence spectra of [Eu(BTC)(H2O)n] complexes presents non-degenerated emission bands in thin and well defined peaks, indicating that the Eu3+ ions are in chemical environment with well defined symmetry, confirming the crystalline character indicated by the X-rays diffractograms. The longest emission lifetimes (between 7,386 and 12,025 ms) of the [TR(BTC)(H2O)n] complexes were found with the Gd3+ complexes, followed by the Tb3+ complexes (0,712 to 1,265 ms), and the Eu3+ complexes (0,253 to 0,630 ms). The [Eu(BTC)(H2O)n] complexes presented quantum efficiencies between 12 and 24%. This value decreases with the growth of the hydration degree of the complex. The [TR(BTC)(H2O)n] complexes are promising candidates for applications such as optical markers, emission layers in electroluminescent devices and in the developing of fluoroimmunoassays due to: i) the monochromatic character of the Eu3+ and Tb3+ complexes emissions; ii) the high luminescence intensities of the [Tb(BTC)(H2O)n] complexes; and iii) the emissions in the three primary colors presented by this complexes. Moreover, the Eu3+ and Tb3+ complexes are efficient light conversion molecular devices (LCMDs)

INTRODUÇÃO: O Gadolínio (Gd) é um raro metal da classe dos lantanídios usado como meio de contraste devido as suas propriedades paramagnéticas. Após sua descoberta, foi considerado um contraste pouco nefrotóxico em pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC). Atualmente, existem evidências de que o Gd pode apresentar nefrotoxicidade semelhante aos contrastes iodados. A administração de Gadolínio em ratos com DRC pode levar a piora da função renal aferida por clearance de inulina e mobilização do ferro corporal gerando stress oxidativo. OBJETIVOS: O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito do Gd na função renal, nos parâmetros de cinética do ferro em ratos com DRC e o possível efeito protetor do anti-oxidante N-Acetilcisteína (NAC). MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Ratos Wistar machos foram submetidos à nefrectomia 5/6 (Nx) para induzir DRC. Gadoterate Meglumine, um contraste à base de Gadolínio iônico e macrocíclico foi administrado via intravenosa na dose de 1,5mmol/kg de peso de rato 21 dias após a nefrectomia. Para avaliar o efeito do Gd sobre a função renal, estudos de clearance de inulina foram realizados em 4 grupos de ratos 48 hs após a aplicação do Gd: grupo controle 1- Nx (n=7); 2- Nx+NAC (n=6); 3- Nx+Gd (n=8); 4- Nx+Gd+NAC (n=5). O NAC foi administrado no grupo 4 diluído em água 48 hs antes e 48 hs depois da administração do Gd na dose de 4800mg/l. O grupo 2 recebeu NAC durante o mesmo período de tempo do grupo 4. O Gd também foi administrado em ratos com função renal normal, grupo Normal (n=8) na mesma dose dos grupos nefrectomizados com avaliação da função renal e proteinúria. Além da taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG), foram avaliados: proteinúria de 24hs (ptn), parâmetros de gaiola metabólica, pressão arterial (PA), paramêtros de cinética do ferro representados pelo ferro sérico (Fe), capacidade total de ligação do ferro (CTLF), saturação de transferrina, ferritina sérica e stress oxidativo por meio da dosagem de espécies reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS). Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância ANOVA utilizando o programa Graph Prism com nível de significância p<0,05 e erro padrão. RESULTADOS: A aplicação de Gd em ratos nefrectomizados resultou em queda na TFG no grupo 3 em relação ao grupo controle 1 (p<0,01). Houve uma tendência de aumento da ptn no grupo 3 em relação aos demais grupos. O grupo 4 que recebeu tratamento com NAC apresentou TFG e ptn semelhante ao grupo 1 e TFG estatisticamente maior que o grupo 3 (p<0,05). Com relação ao grupo de ratos normais não houve alteração da TFG nem aumento de ptn após a aplicação do Gd em relação à ratos não nefrectomizados que não receberam contraste. Com relação aos parâmetros da cinética do ferro, o grupo 3 apresentou elevação da ferritina e da saturação da transferrina comparados ao grupo 1 (p<0,05) e (p<0,01) respectivamente. Houve diminuição da capacidade total de ligação do ferro (CTLF) no grupo 3 comparado ao grupo 1(p<0,01). O uso profilático do NAC no grupo 4 reverteu todas as alterações descritas anteriormente no grupo 3 com significância estatística (p<0,05), (p<0,01) e (p<0,01) respectivamente. Com relação ao stress oxidativo, o grupo 3 apresentou níveis de TBARS significativamente maiores que o grupo 1 (p<0,05). O grupo 4 apresentou níveis de TBARS semelhantes ao grupo 1 e menores que o grupo 3 (p<0,05). O grupo 2 que recebeu apenas NAC por curto período de tempo apresentou TFG, Ptn e parâmetros de cinética de ferro semelhantes aos grupos 1 e 4. Com relação aos dados de gaiola metabólica e pressão arterial não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos 1,2,3 e 4. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados mostram que a administração de Gd em ratos nefrectomizados resulta em dimuição da TFG, aumento da proteinúria associado a aumento da ferritina sérica, saturação de transferrina e diminuição da CTLF. Em ratos normais o Gd não mostrou ser nefrotóxico e o uso do NAC isoladamente no grupo 2 por curto período de tempo não demonstrou nenhum efeito, pois todos os parâmetros avaliados foram semelhantes ao grupo controle. Indução de stress oxidativo foi representado pelo aumento do TBARS nos ratos que receberam o Gd. O uso de NAC reverteu todas as alterações provocadas pelo Gd. Concluímos que o NAC pode ser usado como profilaxia da toxicidade associada ao Gd. / INTRODUCTION: Gadolinium (Gd) is a rare class of lanthanide metal used as a contrast agent due to its paramagnetic properties. After its discovery, was considered a bit of contrast nephrotoxicity in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Currently, there is evidence that Gd may present similar to iodine contrast media nephrotoxicity. The administration of Gadolinium in rats with CKD can lead to worsening renal function measured by inulin clearance and mobilization of iron body causing oxidative stress. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Gd on renal function, iron parameters and oxidative stress in rats with CKD and a possible effect of antioxidant N-Acetylcisteine (NAC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats underwent nephrectomy 5/6 (Nx) to induce CKD. Gadoterate meglumine, a Gadolinium based contrast ionic and macrocyclic was administrated intravenously at a dose of 1.5 mmol / kg BW of rats 21 days after nephrectomy. To evaluate the effect of Gd on renal function, inulin clearance studies were performed in 3 groups of animals 48 hours (hs) after application of Gd: a control group 1 - Nx (n =7), 2- Nx+NAC (n = 6); 3- Nx+Gd (n=8) e 4- Nx+Gd+NAC (n=5). The NAC was administrated in group 4, diluted with water 48 hs before and 48 hs after administration of gadolinium at a dose of 4800mg / l. Group 2 received NAC four days before clearance study. Gd was also administrated in rats with normal renal function, group normal (n = 8) at the same dose of nephrectomized rats with assessment of renal function and proteinuria. In addition to the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were evaluated: 24 hours proteinuria (ptn), cage metabolic parameters, blood pressure (BP), serum iron (Fe), total capacity of iron binding (TIBC), transferrin saturation, serum ferritin and oxidative stress through measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS). Data were submitted to ANOVA using the program Prism Graph with a significance level p <0.05 and standard error. RESULTS: Gd administration to group 3 results in a decrease of GFR compared with group 1 (p<0,01). There was a trend of increase ptn in group 3 compared to other groups. Normal rats treated with the same dose of Gd presented similar GFR and proteinuria when compared with normal controls. In group 3, there was a decrease in TIBC, elevation of ferritin serum levels, transferrin oversaturation and plasmatic TBARS elevation compared with group 1 (p<0,01), (p<0,05), (p<0,01) and (p<0,05) repectively. The treatment with NAC in group 4 reversed the decreased in GFR and proteinuria compared with group 3 (p<0,05) for both variables. Treatment with NAC in group 4 also reversed all alterations in iron parameters and oxidative stress described earlier with statistical significance (p<0,01), (p<0,05), (p<0,01) and (p<0,05) respectively. Group 2 received NAC for a short period of time had GFR, Ptn and kinetic parameters of iron similar to groups 1 and 4. With respect to metabolic cage data and blood pressure showed no statistical difference between groups 1,2,3 and 4.CONCLUSIONS: These results show that Gd administration to nephrectomized rats results in a decrease of GFR and increased proteinuria associated with increased serum ferritin and transferrin saturation with decreased TIBC. In normal rats, Gd was not nephrotoxic. These effects were not due to a possible effect of NAC on Nx, since all parameters measured in group 2 were not different from the group 1. There was induction of oxidative stress represented by the increase in TBARS in rats receiving gadolinium. The use of NAC reversed all these changes caused by Gd. We conclude that the NAC can be used as prophylaxis of toxicity associated with Gd.

The antiferromagnetic coupling between a rare-earth (RE) and a tran- sition metal (TM) ferromagnet can be exploited to engineer normal state and superconducting functional devices. RE/TM ferromagnetic multi- layers were previously used as spin-mixers to generate spin-triplet su- percurrents. This was possible due to magnetic inhomogeneity present in the devices, however the precise nature of the inhomogeneity was not understood. Here we present a comprehensive study of the Ni/Gd/Ni system using a powerful element-specific measurement technique: x-ray magnetic circular dichroism. In order to analyse the experimental results we present a novel model based on the Stoner-Wohlfarth model, which shows that significant inhomogeneity exists at the Ni/Gd interfaces due to the competition between the exchange energies within the system and the Zeeman energy of the applied magnetic field. The experiment and model together provide a complete overview of the Ni/Gd/Ni system due to the breadth of temperatures and thicknesses studied. The knowledge gained from this work is then applied to designing and test- ing new spin valves based on the intrinsic inhomogeneity at the RE/TM interface, and both Ni/Gd- and Gd/Ho-based devices show reversible magnetic switching behaviour which alters the superconducting critical temperature.

O presente trabalho aborda a síntese e caracterização de complexos benzenotricarboxilatos de íons Eu3+, Gd3+ e Tb3+, com o intuito de investigar suas características químicas e estruturais e correlacioná-las com as propriedades fotoluminescentes. Os complexos benzenotricarboxilato [TR(BTC)(H2O)n] foram sintetizados em solução aquosa, e apresentaram-se na forma de pós brancos, não-higroscópicos e insolúveis em solventes polares ou apolares. Os complexos com o ligante EMA se mostraram isomórficos e com grau de hidratação igual a dois. Os complexos com o ligante TLA também apresentaram isomorfismo, mas com estrutura cristalina diferente da dos complexos com os outros ligantes. Os complexos [Eu(TMA)(H2O)6] e [Gd(TMA)(H2O)6] apresentaram a mesma estrutura cristalina; entretanto, o complexo [Tb(TMA)] se mostrou anidro, o que foi confirmado pela termoanálise. Os espectros de absorção na região do invravermelho dos complexos evidenciaram que os ligantes BTC3- se coordenam aos íons TR3+ através dos grupos carboxilato desprotonados. Os espectros de fosforescência dos complexos [Gd(BTC)(H2O)n] exibem uma banda larga característica da emissão de cor azul dos ligantes BTC3- (c.a. 450 nm); as medidas das energias dos estados tripleto T1 dos ligantes mostraram que as energias dos estados variam de 25100 a 25700 cm-1, energia que é superior às dos níveis emissores 5D0 e 5D4 dos íons Eu3+ e Tb3+, respectivamente. A eficiente transferência de energia ligante-TR3+ (TR3+ = Eu3+ e Tb3+) nos complexos é comprovada pelos seus espectros de excitação (a banda de excitação do ligante apresenta alta intensidade, com máximo em c.a. 295 nm) e de emissão (não apresentam a banda de fosforescência do ligante, mas sim as transições características dos íons TR3+). Os espectros de emissão dos complexos [Tb(BTC)(H2O)n] evidenciaram a intensa luminescência de cor verde destes complexos, especialmente do complexo anidro [Tb(TMA)], que apresenta a grande vantagem de não sofrer supressão de luminescência causada pelos níveis vibracionais intermediários da água. Os espectros de luminescência dos complexos [Eu(BTC)(H2O)n] apresentam bandas desdobradas em picos finos bem definidos, o que significa que os íons Eu3+ nos complexos se encontram em sítios de simetria bem definida, corroborando o caráter cristalino indicados pelos difratogramas de raios X. Dentre os complexos [TR(BTC)(H2O)n], os maiores tempos de vida dos estados emissores correspondem aos estados T1 dos ligantes BTC3- nos complexos com o íon Gd3+ (entre 7,386 e 12,025 ms), seguidos pelo nível 5D4 do íon Tb3+ (entre 0,712 e 1,265) e por fim pelo nível 5D0 do íon Eu3+ (entre 0,253 e 0,630). Os complexos [Eu(BTC)(H2O)n] ainda apresentaram valores de eficiência quântica entre 12 e 24% Este valor decresce com o aumento do número de moléculas de água do sistema, evidenciando o seu caráter supressor de luminescência. Os complexos [TR(BTC)(H2O)n] mostram-se promissores para serem aplicados como marcadores ópticos, camadas emissoras em dispositivos eletroluminescentes e no desenvolvimento de fluoroimunoensaios, devido: i) ao caráter monocromático das emissões dos complexos com Eu3+ e Tb3+; ii) à elevada intensidade luminescente dos complexos [Tb(BTC)(H2O)n]; e iii) às emissões nas três cores primárias apresentadas por estes complexos, dentre os quais os complexos de Eu3+ e Tb3+ se mostraram bons Dispositivos Moleculares Conversores de Luz (DMCLs) / This work reports the synthesis and characterization of Eu3+, Gd3+ and Tb3+ benzenetricarboxylate complexes and the correlation of their structural and chemical characteristics with their photoluminescent properties. The benzenetricarboxylate complexes [TR(BTC)(H2O)n] were prepared in aqueous solution, and were obtained in the form of white, insoluble and non-hygroscopic powders. The [TR(EMA)(H2O)2] complexes presents isomorphism among them as as the [TR(TLA)(H2O)4] complexes. The thermoanalysis curves showed that the [Eu(TMA)(H2O)6] and [Gd(TMA)(H2O)6] complexes have the same crystalline structure. However, the [Tb(TMA)] complex is anhydrous. The IR spectra of the [TR(BTC)(H2O)n] complexes confirm that the BTC3- ligands are coordinated to the TR3+ ions through the carboxylate groups. The phosphorescence spectra of [Gd(BTC)(H2O)n] complexes exhibit a broad and characteristic emission band of the BTC3- ligands (c.a. 450 nm); the mensure of the ligands T1 states indicated that the T1 state energies varies between 25100 and 25700 cm-1, which is highest than 5D0 and 5D4 states of Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions, respectively. The efficiency of the ligand-TR3+ energy transfer in the [Eu(BTC)(H2O)n] and [Tb(BTC)(H2O)n] complexes is confirmed by their spectra of excitation (high intensity of the ligand excitation band, c.a. 295 nm) and emission (they have no ligand phosphorescence band, but the characteristics emission bands of TR3+ ions). The emission spectra of the [Tb(BTC)(H2O)n] complexes exhibit their highly intense green luminescence, specially to the anhydrous [Tb(TMA)] complex, that present the advantage of not undergoing the luminescence suppression effect caused by coupling with the intermediary vibrational levels of the water molecules. The luminescence spectra of [Eu(BTC)(H2O)n] complexes presents non-degenerated emission bands in thin and well defined peaks, indicating that the Eu3+ ions are in chemical environment with well defined symmetry, confirming the crystalline character indicated by the X-rays diffractograms. The longest emission lifetimes (between 7,386 and 12,025 ms) of the [TR(BTC)(H2O)n] complexes were found with the Gd3+ complexes, followed by the Tb3+ complexes (0,712 to 1,265 ms), and the Eu3+ complexes (0,253 to 0,630 ms). The [Eu(BTC)(H2O)n] complexes presented quantum efficiencies between 12 and 24%. This value decreases with the growth of the hydration degree of the complex. The [TR(BTC)(H2O)n] complexes are promising candidates for applications such as optical markers, emission layers in electroluminescent devices and in the developing of fluoroimmunoassays due to: i) the monochromatic character of the Eu3+ and Tb3+ complexes emissions; ii) the high luminescence intensities of the [Tb(BTC)(H2O)n] complexes; and iii) the emissions in the three primary colors presented by this complexes. Moreover, the Eu3+ and Tb3+ complexes are efficient light conversion molecular devices (LCMDs)

La complexation des ions lanthanides(III) par de nouveaux ligands dont la sphère de coordination oxygénée est montée sur une plateforme à base d'unités sucres ou acides aminés est étudiée. Malgré des masses moléculaires relativement faibles, ces complexes induisent des relaxivités élevées inattendues, en particulier à haut champ.<br />Les ligands ACX et BCX, dérivés acides d'Α- et Β-cyclodextrines modifiées, forment des complexes mono et bimétalliques avec les Ln(III). Les complexes LnACX ou LnBCX ont des affinités similaires à celle de ligands triacides. La structure à l'état solide du complexe bimétallique Lu2ACX montre un enfouissement important des cations à l'intérieur de la cavité. En solution, pour le complexe LnBCX, une seule molécule d'eau est coordonnée au cation, ce qui nous a permis de mettre en évidence une importante contribution de seconde sphère à la relaxivité.<br />L'étude RMN du ligand peptidique issu de la famille des RAFT a montré qu'il coordonne les Ln(III), avec une affinité similaire à celle de ligands naturels dérivés de la calmoduline.Une étude relaxométrique a également mis en évidence une importante contribution de seconde sphère à la relaxivité.<br />Pour mieux comprendre les facteurs moléculaires compliqués affectant la relaxivité, nous avons développé de nouvelles méthodes relaxométriques, basées sur des solutés sondes. Ces méthodes permettent d'obtenir la charge d'un complexe, de faibles constantes de formation, des constantes de transmétallation, ainsi que la vitesse de relaxation électronique.

<p> </p><p>Acquired data from dynamic contrast enhanced MRI measurements can be used to non-invasively assess tumour vascular characteristics through pharmacokinetic modelling. The modelling requires an arterial input function which is the concentration of contrast agent in the blood reaching the volume of interest as a function of time. The aim of this work is testing and optimizing a turboFLASH sequence to appraise its suitability for measuring the arterial input function by measuring phase.</p><p>Contrast concentration measurements in a phantom were done with both phase and relaxivity techniques. The results were compared to simulations of the experiment conditions to compare the conformance. The results using the phase technique were promising, and the method was carried on to in-vivo testing. The in-vivo data displayed a large signal loss which motivated a new phantom experiment to examine the cause of this signal reduction. Dynamic measurements were made in a phantom with pulsatile flow to mimic a blood vessel with a somewhat modified turboFLASH sequence. The conclusions drawn from analyzing the data were used to further improve the sequence and this modified turboFLASH sequence was tested in an in-vivo experiment. The obtained concentration curve showed significant improvement and was deemed to be a good representation of the true blood concentration.</p><p>The conclusion is that phase measurements can be recommended over relaxivity based measurements. This recommendation holds for using a slice selective saturation recovery turboFLASH sequence and measuring the arterial input function in the neck. Other areas of application need more thorough testing.</p><p> </p>

L'objectif de cette étude est d'évaluer la contamination par les eaux usées de la ressource en eau d'un bassin versant méditerranéen, le bassin de l'Hérault (Sud de la France). Deux campagnes de prélèvements des eaux de surface, de captages et d'effluents de stations d'épuration, ont été réalisées sur l'ensemble de la zone en février et juillet 2003. L'étude de la composition chimique des effluents a permis de sélectionner des traceurs potentiels des eaux usées (anomalie de Gd, bore, chlorures...). Cependant, ces traceurs sont ubiquistes dans les eaux du bassin, où ils peuvent être apportés par la lithologie, les embruns maritimes ou encore la viticulture En tenant compte de ces différentes contributions, nous avons pu identifier des contaminations par les eaux usées dans les deux affluents les plus au sud de l'Hérault ainsi que dans plusieurs captages d'eau potable. L'étude des variations saisonnières entre février et juillet 2003 indique que, malgré les faibles débits des rivières en été, l'impact des rejets d'eaux usées est moins marqué durant cette période. Ces observations sont attribuées aux stratégies de rejet, qui visent à ne pas déverser les effluents de stations d'épuration directement dans le fleuve mais à proximité, dans des fossés ou petits ruisseaux. Afin de mieux préciser les contaminations mises en évidence, un suivi mensuel a été effectué de février 2004 à janvier 2005 sur les sites présentant des indices de contamination. Nous avons montré que les eaux souterraines étaient vulnérables aux apports d'eaux usées lors de la recharge de l'aquifère, c'est-à-dire en période de fortes précipitations. De plus, la contribution des eaux usées a été estimée entre 20 et 40% dans deux captages selon la période. Enfin, des substances pharmaceutiques ont été détectées sur ces sites confirmant les apports d'eaux usées observés et reflétant l'impact du recyclage des eaux en terme de contaminations pharmaceutiques.

From many years YSZ is used as the top coat material for TBC's, as it has good phase stability up to 1200°C, higher fracture toughness, lower thermal conductivity, erosion resistance &amp; higher coefficient of thermal expansion. But, it has a drawbacks at high temperature such as sintering and transformation of phases. For this reason new ceramic materials with pyrochlores crystal structure such as Gd2Zr2O7 are being considered as it has high melting points, phase stability, lower thermal conductivity and CMAS resistance. But it has low fracture toughness when compared to YSZ. In order to take advantage of low thermal conductivity and high thermal stability of gadolinium zirconate and avoiding the drawbacks of low coefficient of thermal expansion and low toughness using YSZ, a double/multi-layer coatings approach is being used. Therefore, multi-layer TBCs are sprayed and compared with single layer coating in this work. These coatings are processed by suspension plasma spraying. For single layer coating YSZ is used, for double layer coating YSZ as the intermediate coating and Gd2Zr2O7 as the top coat is used. Additionally, a triple layer coating system comprising YSZ, Gd2Zr2O7 and dense Gd2Zr2O7 as top coat is also sprayed. The as sprayed coatings are characterized for microstructure analysis using optical microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM), elemental analysis of TGO using Energy-Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS). XRD analysis was done to identify various phases in the coating. Porosity analysis using Archimedes principle was carried out. Thermal cyclic fatigue (TCF) test of the sprayed coatings was carried out at 1100°C. Failure analysis of the TCF specimens was carried out using SEM/EDS. TCF results showed that the triple layer coatings (dense Gd2Zr2O7/Gd2Zr2O7/YSZ) had higher thermal cyclic fatigue life and lower TGO thickness when compared to single layer (YSZ) and double layer (Gd2Zr2O7/YSZ) TBCs.

Acquired data from dynamic contrast enhanced MRI measurements can be used to non-invasively assess tumour vascular characteristics through pharmacokinetic modelling. The modelling requires an arterial input function which is the concentration of contrast agent in the blood reaching the volume of interest as a function of time. The aim of this work is testing and optimizing a turboFLASH sequence to appraise its suitability for measuring the arterial input function by measuring phase. Contrast concentration measurements in a phantom were done with both phase and relaxivity techniques. The results were compared to simulations of the experiment conditions to compare the conformance. The results using the phase technique were promising, and the method was carried on to in-vivo testing. The in-vivo data displayed a large signal loss which motivated a new phantom experiment to examine the cause of this signal reduction. Dynamic measurements were made in a phantom with pulsatile flow to mimic a blood vessel with a somewhat modified turboFLASH sequence. The conclusions drawn from analyzing the data were used to further improve the sequence and this modified turboFLASH sequence was tested in an in-vivo experiment. The obtained concentration curve showed significant improvement and was deemed to be a good representation of the true blood concentration. The conclusion is that phase measurements can be recommended over relaxivity based measurements. This recommendation holds for using a slice selective saturation recovery turboFLASH sequence and measuring the arterial input function in the neck. Other areas of application need more thorough testing.

Ces travaux de thèse rentrent dans le cadre de l'étude de la dynamique ultra rapide de l'aimantation. Tout d'abord sont présentés des aspects théoriques, puis les aspects expérimentaux de ces expériences. Pour ce faire, nous avons étudié la réponse d'alliages ferrimagnétiques à composition variables à l'aide d'un dispositif de mesure d'effet Kerr résolu en temps, puis dans une seconde partie, la dynamique de l'aimantation et de la bande de valence du gadolinium épitaxié sur tungstène. Dans ce cadre rentre une étude de l'oxydation de ce matériau, limitant dans le temps les études approfondies. Pour finir, il est mis l'accent sur un phénomène contraignant lors des études de dynamique électronique en photoémission, l'effet de charge-espace. Ceci a pour effet de générer des photoélectrons à partir de métaux, à l'aide d'un processus multiphotonique. Nous proposons dans cette partie un modèle théorique expliquant ce phénomène.Ces travaux sont inscrits dans le cadre du développement du synchrotron SOLEIL, pour permettre le développement du FEMTOSLICING, qui permettra prochainement de mesurer des dynamiques rapides résolues en éléments, à une résolution de l'ordre de la centaine de femtosecondes.