Lors de cette thèse, je me suis attaché à améliorer notre connaissance des planètes géantes, depuis notre voisine Jupiter jusqu’aux exoplanètes lointaines : les Jupiter chauds. Grâce aux nouvelles observations gravitationnelles extrêmement fines du satellite Juno, entré en orbite autour de Jupiter en juillet 2016, il est possible d’améliorer significativement les modèles de structure interne de la planète. Cependant, cela ne peut se faire qu’à condition d’avoir une méthode suffisamment précise pour exploiter au maximum les données. J’ai donc étudié la méthode des sphéroides de Maclaurin concentriques et ses limitations. A l’aide des connaissances contemporaines sur les équations d’état, les propriétés diffusives et les transition ou séparation de phase entre l’Hydrogène et l’Hélium, il m’a alors été possible de produire de nouveaux modèles de Jupiter. Arriver à combiner les observations gravitationnelles de Juno et les abondances d’éléments observées par Galiléo n’a pu se faire qu’en décomposant Jupiter en au moins 4 zones, de l’enveloppe externe jusqu’au coeur compact. J’ai montré que la taille de ce coeur compact était dégénérée avec la variation d’entropie à l’intérieur de la planète.La structure interne des Jupiter chauds quant à elle est très dépendante de leur dynamique atmosphérique, qui entraîne une inflation de leur rayon. J’ai étudié les atmosphères de ces planètes à l’aide du modèle de circulation globale de l’Université d’Exeter et d’un code linéaire que j’ai développé, appelé ECLIPS3D. La caractéristique la plus importante de la circulation atmosphérique est la présence d’un jet superrotatif, étendu en latitude.J’ai donc étudié la création de ce jet à l’aide d’arguments théoriques pour s’assurer de sa pertinence physique. L’étude de la solution linéaire dépendante du temps, associée à des arguments numériques sur la convergence de quantité de mouvement par les vents verticaux m’ont permis d’établir une compréhension globale, cohérente de l’accélération de la superrotation dans l’atmosphère de ces planètes.Avec ce travail, j’ai amélioré ma compréhension théorique des planètes géantes et développé des codes qui peuvent être utilisés pour améliorer nos connaissances sur la structure interne et la dynamique atmosphérique des planètes géantes, que ce soit Jupiter, Saturne ou les Jupiter chauds. / Through this thesis, I have been motivated by the will to improve our knowledge of giant planets, from our neigh- bouring Jupiter to the far away worlds across the galaxy: hot Jupiters.With the latest, extremely precise observations of the satellite Juno, new models of the interior of Jupiter can be derived. A precise enough method is required to take full advantage of these outstanding data, and I therefore studied the concentric Maclaurin spheroid method and its limitations.With contemporary understanding on the equations of state, diffusive properties and phase transition/separation of hydrogen and helium, I could then focus on producing new interior models of Jupiter. Combining the gravitational observations of Juno with the elemental observations of Galileo has proven to be a complicated task, which required to decompose the planet into at least four regions from the outer envelope to the inner, compact core. I have shown that the size of the compact core is degenerated with the entropy variation within the planet.Concerning hot Jupiters, I have reminded of the need to understand their atmospheric dynamics to constrain their interior structure, as the wind circulation can lead to an inflation of their radius. Studying numerically their at- mospheric dynamics was performed with the University of Exeter’s global circulation model as well as with the development of a linear solver that I called ECLIPS3D. An important, robust feature is the presence of a broad equatorial superrotation in the atmosphere of these planets.Finally, I have explored the spin up of this superrotation on theoretical grounds, to assess its physical relevance. I have calculated the linear time dependent solution to show the importance of differential drag and radiative damp- ing, and have used numerical simulations to highlight the importance of vertical momentum acceleration. Globally, a coherent picture of the initial spin up of superrotation was obtained.Through this work, I have improved my theoretical understanding of giant planets and developed various codes that can be used to study and improve our knowledge of the interior structure and atmospheric dynamics of giant planets, from Jupiter and Saturn to hot Jupiters.

Cette thèse menée à l'interface entre deux écoles doctorales, a permis d'étudier la diversité virale et de proposer l'utilisation de biomarqueurs pour répondre à des questions environnementales. La première partie présente l'étude et la caractérisation de familles de virus géants isolées au laboratoire Information Génomique et Structurale. La première, les Pandoravirus, découverte il y a 2 ans, remet en question la définition de virus, leur origine et leur mode d'évolution. Ce virus possède un génome dépassant 2,5 Mb codant pour plus de 2500 protéines, dont 90% complètement inédites. Une autre famille de virus, les Marseilleviridae, m'a permis de mesurer leur vitesse d'évolution. Les particularités de cette famille sont (i) des génomes extrêmement conservés et (ii) la séparation de la famille en différentes lignées en fonction de leur pourcentage d'identité nucléotidique. J'ai pu étudier l'évolution de cette famille, montrant que la majorité des gènes de ces virus sont conservés entre les lignées et sous pression de sélection, donc nécessaires à leur réplication. La deuxième partie avait pour but de valider l'utilisation de marqueurs biologiques afin de répondre à une question environnementale. Il s'agissait d'identifier l'origine de l'eau saumâtre d'une rivière souterraine. Pour cela nous avons recensé les communautés de procaryotes de différentes sources d'eau douce et d'eau de mer dans le but de les comparer aux communautés de la rivière souterraine. Cette démarche nous a permis de conclure sur l'origine à la fois marine et terrestre de l'eau de l'exsurgence souterraine. Des hypothèses sur le mode d'acheminement de ces eaux vers l'exsurgence sont également proposées. / This thesis which takes place between two doctoral schools, allowed us to study viral diversity and to suggest the use of a biomarker to answer environmental questions. The first part presents a work on the characterization of two giant virus families isolated in the IGS laboratory. The first family, Pandoraviruses, questions the definition of virus, their origin and the way they evolve. This virus’ genome is bigger than 2,5 Mb, which codes for more than 2,500 proteins, of which 90% were unknown before. The isolation of new members of this family could allow us to study their evolution. Another virus family, Marseilleviridae, allowed me to study their evolution speed. This family features are (i) to have highly conserved genomes and (ii) the family is separated in three lineages, according to their nucleotide identity percentage. I thus studied the evolution of this family, showing that most genes of these viruses are conserved between lineages and under selection pressure, therefore necessary for their replication. The second part describes a work to validate the use of a biologic marker in order to respond an environmental question. We tried to identify the origin of underground river brackish water flowing from a submarine karstic spring in Port-Mio, Cassis. For that we initiated a comparison of prokaryotic community from various springs of fresh water, sea water, and the underground river. This method, coordinated to biogeochemical data allowed us to identify biomarkers which are specific of each sample. We can then conclude that this brackish water finds an origin in both fresh and sea water. Hypothesis on the way these waters flows in the spring are also proposed.

O sucesso da gestação depende da adequada comunicação materno-fetal, que em algumas espécies têm um contato mais íntimo devido à capacidade migratória de populações de células trofoblásticas. Nos bovinos esse mecanismo é realizado pelas células trofoblásticas gigantes (CTGs), com invasão limitada até a lâmina basal do epitélio materno. Apesar dessa leve invasão das CTGs, é possível encontrar células fetais circulantes no sangue periférico da vaca gestante, levando ao microquimerismo fetal. Além de toda uma sinalização local e sistêmica e mudanças conformacionais, a migração das CTGs também é dependente da tolerância imunológica do epitélio materno que possui uma baixa expressão de MHC de classe I. Em contrapartida, o trofoblasto expressa MHC de classe Ib para impedir a ativação das células natural killers uterinas (uNK) contra ele mesmo. Neste contexto, o objetivo desse trabalho foi estudar a ocorrência e contribuir para o entendimento dos mecanismos da migração celular na placenta bovina, com marcadores exclusivos do cromossomo Y e de um modelo de clone transgênico expressando a proteína GFP. A hipótese testada foi que o microquimerismo fetal observado mediante a detecção do gene TSPY no sangue periférico da vaca gestante de embrião macho, e de GFP nos tecidos placentários maternos, associado à expressão de MHC classe 1b (Qa2) na interface materno-fetal. Para tanto, 153 embriões produzidos por fertilização in vitro (FIV) foram transferidos, resultando em 34 embriões machos e 31 fêmeas no dia 62 de gestação, quando foi realizada a coleta de sangue periférico da receptora. Dentre estas gestações, foram selecionadas de 25 machos, 4 fêmeas e 5 perdas gestacionais (confirmadas no D39 por ultrassonografia) para detecção de TSPY. Também foram produzidas gestações de clones transgênicos, expressando GFP com 30, 60 e 90 dias que foram utilizadas para a detecção de mRNA e a proteína GFP. Nas gestações de FIV 60% dos embriões machos, 50% das fêmeas e 40% das perdas gestacionais foram positivos para TSPY. A detecção de TSPY nas gestações de fêmeas possivelmente é resultante da persistência do microquimerismo de gestações anteriores. Nas gestações de clones transgênicos, observou-se a presença de mRNA e proteína GFP no endométrio, também indicando migração nesta região ou o transporte da GFP, e outros conteúdos do trofoblasto, para o epitélio materno. Nos placentônios, usando anticorpo anti-GFP pode-se ver a marcação positiva tanto no trofoblasto como no epitélio materno, possivelmente decorrente de liberação das CTGs no estroma endometrial após a fusão. As CTGs, quando em formação sincicial, têm a sua expressão de GFP diminuída, o que também foi observado, utilizando-se anticorpo anti-Qa2 (antígeno murino para MHC classe Ib). O epitélio materno e o trofoblástico também foram marcados para Qa2. Mediante as técnicas utilizadas, observamos que o microquimerismo pôde ser identificado nas gestações analisadas com o uso dos marcadores TSPY no sangue e o GFP nos tecidos placentários maternos. Este estudo mostra que na placenta bovina ocorre uma migração de células fetais além do epitélio materno e abre novas perspectivas para estudos das características da interação materno-fetal ainda pouco explorada nos bovinos. / The pregnancy success depends of adequate materno-fetal communication, that in some species are have a more intimate contact due migratory capacity of trophoblastic cells populations. In bovines, this mechanism is realized by trophoblast giant cells (TGC) with limited invasion until basal lamina of maternal epithelium. Besides this light invasion of TGCs, is possible to encounter circulate fetal cells in peripheral blood of pregnant cow, leading to fetal microchimerism. Beyond local and systemic sinalization and conformational changes, TGC migration is also dependent of immunologic tolerance of maternal epithelium that possess a downregulation of classe I MHC. In complement, the trophoblast express classe Ib MHC to inhibit natural killers cells activation. In this context, the objective of this work was to study the occurrence and contribute for knowledge cellular migration mechanisms in bovine palcenta, with Y-specific markers and a model of transgenic clone expressing GFP. The tested hypothesis was that fetal microchimerism observed by detection od TSPY gene in peripheral blood of cow pregnant of male embryo, and of GFP in maternal placental tissues associated by expression of class Ib MHC (Qa2) in materno-fetal interface. For this, 153 embryos produced by in vitro fertilization (IVF) were trasnfered, resulting in 34 male embryos and 31 female in day 62 of pregnancy, when recipient peripheral blood was collected. Among these pregnancies, 25 males, 4 females and 5 pregnancy losses (confirmed at 39 days of pregnancy by ultrassonography) was selected for TSPY detection. Also were produced pregnancies of transgenic cloned, embryos expressing GFP, with 30, 60 and 90 days of pregnancy that utilized for GFP mRNA and protein detection. In IVF pregnancies, 60% of male embryos, 50% of females and 40% of pregnancy losses were positive for TSPY. The detection of TSPY in female pregnancies possible is resultant of persistence of microchimerism of anterior pregnancies. In transgenic cloned pregnancies, was observed presence of GFP mRNA and protein in endometrium, also indicating migration in this region or GFP transport, and another trophoblast content, to maternal epithelium. In placentomes, using anti-GFP antibody, could be observed positive immunolabeling in trophoblast and maternal epithelium, possible due CTGs liberation in endometrial stroma after fusion. The CTGs, in syncytium formation, have a downregulation of GFP, that also be observed, utilizing anti-Qa2 antibody (murine antigen of classe Ib MHC). The maternal and trophoblastic epithelium also was Qa2 immunolabed. By utilized techniques, microchimerism could be indentified in analyzed pregnancies with use of markers for TSPY in maternal blood and GFP in maternal placental tissues. This study show that in bovine placenta occurs fetal cell migration further maternal epithelium and show new perspectives for studies of materno-fetal interaction characteristics until under explored in bovines.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-28T20:15:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2008- Daniela de Oliveira Franco Acuna.pdf: 2634530 bytes, checksum: 5433beffd9a4776e67f732e78762b6bb (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-02-19 / The snail, Achatina fulica (Giant African snail), is registered in almost all Brazilian territory, and may act as an intermediate host of parasites of the man. This study aimed to describe the morphology of the nematode larvae found in A. fulica, through light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and to relate the prevalence of infection to the collection places of the snails and to the antropic activity. Sixty snails were collected from April/2006 to April/2007, in the Mesquita City, RJ, transferred to laboratory, kept in terraria, measured and dissected to verify the infection, distribution of the cysts in tissues of the snails. The cysts were collected and the larvae were separated. The material thus obtained was used to LM and SEM. The occurrence of A. fulica in the less conserved area was greater than that in the more conserved area. However, there was not a significant relation between the intensity of infection and the collection places and the antropic activity. Fourteen snails (23%) were infected and the biggest number of cysts/snail verified was 130 and the minor was 1, in snails that with 106 and 55mm of shell length, respectively. A strong correlation was observed between the size of the snail and the number of cysts and there was a greater concentration of these in the pallial cavity, 87%. Of this total, 49% were in the area more vascularized and 38% in the less vascularized area of this cavity. The cysts presented spherical shape, light pink colored and measured 0.97-1.57mm in diameter and with an unique larva involved by an amorphous material. Two hundred twenty two encysted larvae were recovered, 30 larvae were used to the morphological studies. The length of the larvae varied of 2.57-5.8mm, being classified in: small - until 3.5mm; medium - of 3.53-4.5mm and great - above of 4.52mm. The average length of the larvae in the three groups was of 2.85; 3.87 and 5.23mm, respectively, and the total average of 4.2mm. The larvae presented white cuticle, shining, transversally striated and the lateral line extending to the posterior extremity of the body. In the anterior end, it is observed mouth provided with three lips, with amphids and papillae, followed by a muscular oesophagus with average length of 0.61mm, ending in an esophagus bulb. The nervous ring it was observed in the medium third of the oesophagus and the intestine ends in an opening located next to the posterior end. The tail had a length varying of 0.15-0.42mm, is located after this opening may present two types of endings: abrupt or that it sharpens gradually. The difference in the ending of the tail may suggest sexual dimorphism, although not to have been observed reproductive structures. The identification to the specific level was not possible, this pointed to the necessity of continuation of this study. The expressive population density of A.fulica observed in the conserved area less it confirms the influence of the antropic action on the dispersion of this snail. / O molusco Achatina fulica (Caramujo gigante africano) ? registrado em quase todo territ?rio nacional, havendo a possibilidade de atuar como hospedeiro de parasitos do homem. Este estudo objetivou descrever a morfologia dos est?gios larvais de nemat?ides encontrados em A. fulica, atrav?s de microscopia de luz e eletr?nica de varredura, e relacionar a preval?ncia de infec??o aos locais de coleta dos moluscos e ? atividade antr?pica. Sessenta moluscos foram coletados de abril de 2006 a abril de 2007, no munic?pio de Mesquita, RJ, transferidos para o laborat?rio, mantidos em terr?rios, medidos e dissecados para verifica??o da infec??o, distribui??o dos cistos pelos tecidos do molusco, coleta dos cistos e obten??o das larvas. Procedeu-se a fixa??o e o processamento para microscopia de luz e eletr?nica de varredura. A ocorr?ncia de A. fulica na ?rea menos conservada foi maior que na ?rea mais conservada. Por?m n?o houve uma rela??o significativa entre a intensidade de infec??o aos locais de coleta e ? atividade antr?pica. Quatorze moluscos (23%) estavam infectados e o maior n?mero de cistos verificado por molusco foi de 130 e o menor de 01, em moluscos que apresentavam 106 e 55mm de comprimento de concha, respectivamente. Foi observada uma forte correla??o entre o tamanho do molusco e o n?mero de cistos encontrados e maior concentra??o destes na cavidade paleal, 87%. Desse total, 49% estavam na ?rea mais vascularizada e 38% na menos vascularizada da cavidade. Os cistos apresentavam formato esf?rico, colora??o rosada e mediam de 0,97 a 1,57mm de di?metro e na maioria das vezes com uma ?nica larva que se encontrava envolvida por um material amorfo. Foram recuperadas 222 larvas encistadas. Destas, 30 foram utilizadas no estudo morfol?gico. O comprimento das larvas variou de 2,57 a 5,8mm, sendo classificados em: pequeno at? 3,5mm; m?dio de 3,53 a 4,5mm e grande - acima de 4,52mm. O comprimento m?dio das larvas nos tr?s grupos foi de 2,85; 3,87 e 5,23mm, respectivamente, e a m?dia total de 4,2mm. As larvas apresentavam cut?cula branca, brilhante e estriada no sentido transversal e linha lateral at? a extremidade posterior do corpo. Na extremidade anterior, observa-se a boca provida de tr?s l?bios, com anf?dios e papilas, seguida por um es?fago musculoso com comprimento m?dio de 0,61mm, terminando em um bulbo esofagiano. O anel nervoso foi observado no ter?o m?dio do es?fago e o intestino termina em uma abertura localizada pr?ximo ? extremidade posterior. A cauda, com comprimento variando de 0,15 a 0,42mm, se forma a partir desta abertura e apresenta dois tipos de termina??es: abrupta ou que afina gradativamente. A diferen?a na termina??o da cauda pode sugerir dimorfismo sexual, apesar de n?o terem sido observados prim?rdios de ?rg?os reprodutores. Com os resultados obtidos n?o foi poss?vel a identifica??o ao n?vel espec?fico, havendo dessa forma a necessidade de continua??o deste estudo. A densidade populacional expressiva de A. fulica observada na ?rea menos conservada confirma a influ?ncia da a??o antr?pica sobre a dispers?o deste molusco.

[pt] A presente dissertação apresenta o desenvolvimento de um transdutor de pressão de alta sensibilidade, desenvolvido para aplicações biomédicas. O transdutor é baseado em um sensor de magnetoimpedância gigante (MIG), anteriormente desenvolvido, pelo Laboratório de Biometrologia da PUC-Rio. O conhecimento a cerca das principais características do fenômeno MIG serviu de guia para as ações que foram tomadas, a fim de se estabelecer uma configuração que apresentasse maior sensibilidade ao transdutor. Mesmo que algumas dificuldades encontradas, principalmente devidas a características acústicas não levadas em consideração, apontem para a necessidade de aperfeiçoamentos, com a configuração desenvolvida no presente trabalho já é possível obter o registro do pulso arterial carotídeo. Comparações entre o transdutor ora desenvolvido e com outros transdutores de pressão existentes no mercado também destinados a aplicações biomédicas, apontam para uma sensibilidade do transdutor ora desenvolvido de magnitude igual ou mesmo superior aos convencionais. / [en] This dissertation presents a high sensitivity pressure transducer, developed for biomedical applications. The transducer is based on a Giant Magnetoimpedance (GMI) sensor previously developed at the Laboratory of Biometrology of PUC-Rio. Knowing the main characteristics of the phenomenon and of the GMI strips used, the configuration which should yield the highest possible sensitivity has been implemented. Even though some enhancements in the acoustic characteristics of the transducer are still necessary, it was already possible to record the carotid arterial pulse. Comparing the transducer herein presented with other pressure transducers also destined to biomedical applications, it already has a sensitivity of the same order of magnitude or even higher.

Les domaines millimétrique et submillimétrique sont des domaines qui permettent de caractériser la physico-chimie des atmosphères <br />planétaires par l'observation des molécules qui les composent. Le télescope spatial Herschel et l'interféromètre ALMA, qui <br />entreront prochainement en service, permettront d'améliorer considérablement notre connaissance des atmosphères planétaires.<br /><br />L'un des principaux objectifs de cette thèse est de développer un modèle d'analyse des observations millimétriques et submillimètriques qui seront effectuées avec Herschel et ALMA. C'est en ce sens que nous détaillons un modèle qui tient compte de la géométrie sphérique des corps observés et des spécificités instrumentales propres aux télescopes utilisés. <br /><br />Dans un premier temps, ce qui a permis notamment de valider notre modèle de transfert radiatif, nous avons étudié l'origine des <br />composés oxygénés dans les atmosphères des planètes géantes. Nous présentons l'analyse d'observations de Saturne et d'Uranus, effectuées avec les télescopes de l'IRAM et du JCMT, pour contraindre les sources de monoxyde de carbone dans ces atmosphères. Nous améliorons ainsi les limites supérieures précédemment publiées et réalisons la première observation du monoxyde de carbone dans l'atmosphère de Saturne dans <br />le domaine submillimètrique. Cette observation prouve l'existence d'une source externe pour ce composé. Nous analysons également des observations récentes de Jupiter, effectuées par le télescope spatial Odin, pour contraindre l'origine externe de l'eau dans la stratosphère de cette planète. Les observations confirment que la chute de la comète Shoemaker-Levy~9 est vraisemblablement la source principale d'eau. <br /><br />Dans un second temps, nous avons appliqué notre modèle à l'étude de la structure thermique et la dynamique de l'atmosphère de Mars, à partir d'observations du monoxyde de carbone. Ces observations sont comparées aux prédictions d'un modèle de circulation générale, ce qui permet de vérifier la validité de ses prédictions et de fournir de nouvelles contraintes observationnelles pour ce type de modélisations.<br /><br />Enfin, nous avons appliqué notre modèle à l'étude des planètes géantes avec le télescope spatial Herschel, dans le cadre du programme-clé de temps garanti du télescope spatial Herschel "Water and related chemistry in the Solar System''. Nous avons également identifié les améliorations à apporter à notre modèle pour analyser des observations ALMA.

Amyloid is a form of abnormal protein aggregation within the living body. Massive deposits can lead to organ failure. There is also increasing evidence that smaller pre-amyloid aggregates exert direct toxic effects to cells. To date 25 different proteins are known to occur as amyloid deposition in human tissues, although not all of these conditions are known to be associated with clinical diseases. This thesis deals with the very common form of amyloid localized to the arterial media. The fibril protein called ‘medin’ was identified in 1999. Medin is a 50 amino acid residue internal fragment of the precursor protein lactadherin. Lactadherin, first found in human milk, is expressed in various tissues such as breast epithelium (including carcinomas), macrophages and aorta. The function of the protein is not known but it has several functional domains. There is an EFG like domain, including an RGD-sequence, in the N-terminal part of the molecule. The C-terminal part consists of C1 and C2 coagulation factor V and VIII like domains. Medin is from within the C2 domain. This region is suggested to be involved in phosphatidyl serine binding, important in phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. Medin amyloid was originally described from studies of the aorta. It is shown here that deposits are more widely spread and can be found in many large arteries, particularly within the upper part of the body. The prevalence of medin amyloid increases with age and deposits are found, to a certain degree, in virtually everyone above the age of 60 years. The amyloid is not only found extracellularly but intracellular deposits may also occur. Amyloid is usually associated with elastic lamina or lamellae which often show signs of fragmentation. Given the localization of amyloid to elastic structures of the arterial media, three different vascular diseases were studied: temporal (giant cell) arteritis, thoracic aortic aneurysm and thoracic aortic dissection. Medin amyloid was found in temporal arteries with and without inflammation. In inflamed arteries, amyloid was mainly located along the broken internal elastic lamina. Medin was also demonstrated within giant cells. It is suggested that medin may be an antigen triggering autoimmune giant cell arteritis. In the study of thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections, we found significant less medin amyloid in diseased aortic tissues compared with a control material. On the other hand, immunoreactive medin, probably in the state of oligomeric aggregates, was regularly found in association with aneurysms and dissections but not in the control material. It is suggested that medin oligomers exert toxic effects on smooth muscle cells which may lead to weakening of the arterial wall with aneurysm or dissection as a consequence.

Magnetization dynamics in nano-contact spin torque oscillators (STOs) is investigated from an experimental and theoretical point of view. The fundamentals of magnetization dynamics due to spin transfer torque are given. A custom-made high frequency (up to 46 GHz) in large magnetic fields (up to 2.2 T) microwave characterization setup has been built for the purpose and described in this thesis. A unique feature of this setup is the capability of applying magnetic fields at any direction θe out of the sample plane, and with high precision. This is particularly important, because the (average) out-of-plane angle of the STO free magnetic layer has fundamental impact on spin wave generation and STO operation. By observing the spin wave spectral emission as a function of θe, we find that at angles θe below a certain critical angle θcr, two distinct spin wave modes can be excited: a propagating mode, and a localized mode of solitonic character (so called spin wave bullet). The experimental frequency, current threshold and frequency tuneability with current of the two modes can be described qualitatively by analytical models and quantitatively by numerical simulations. We are also able to understand the importance, so far underestimated, of the Oersted field in the dynamics of nano-contact STOs. In particular, we show that the Oersted field strongly affects the current tuneability of the propagating mode at subcritical angles, and it is also the fundamental cause of the mode hopping observed in the time-domain. This mode hopping has been observed both experimentally using a state-of-the-art real-time oscilloscope and corroborated by micromagnetic simulations. Micromagnetic simulations also reveal details of the spatial distribution of the spin wave excitations. By investigating the emitted power as a function of θe, we observed two characteristic behaviors for the two spin wave modes: a monotonic increase of the power for increasing out-of-plane angles in the case of the propagating mode; an increase towards a maximum power followed by a drop of it at the critical angle for the localized mode. Both behaviors are reproduced by micromagnetic simulations. The agreement with the simulations offers also a way to better understand the precession dynamics, since the emitted power is strongly connected to the angular variation of the giant magnetoresistance signal. We also find that the injection locking of spin wave modes with a microwave source has a strong dependence on θe, and reaches a maximum locking strength at perpendicular angles. We are able to describe these results in the theoretical framework of non-linear spin wave dynamics. / QC 20101130

The prevalence of play in the animal kingdom makes it a well-studied phenomenon, yet little is known about play fighting behavior in bears. I investigated the effects of sex, partner (dam or cub), and early rearing conditions on play fighting behavior in giant panda cubs by observing video tapes that were recorded at two facilities in China over a three-year period. Two of the three factors, sex and partner, had significant effects on the play fighting behavior of giant panda cubs. I found sex differences in play fighting, with males exhibiting significantly higher rates of biting behavior than females during play bouts with other cubs. This lends support to the motor training hypothesis and suggests that there is a relationship between adult roles and earlier play fighting behavior. Partner had a significant effect on play fighting, in that cubs exhibited significantly higher rates of Bite, Break Away, Paw Swat, and Re-engage behaviors during play bouts with cubs. These differences suggest that cubs and dams might provide different opportunities as partners during play fighting bouts. Because some behaviors occurred at higher rates with dams, it is possible that dams engage in self-handicapping behavior during play fighting bouts with cubs. Early rearing conditions did not have significant effects on behaviors when they were examined by category or by individual behaviors. Similar results were found when cubs that had access to adult females after six months of age were excluded from the analyses. These results suggest that early rearing conditions have little effect on the play fighting behavior of captive giant panda cubs. Certain aspects of giant panda behavioral ecology, however, might contribute to stability in play signals, regardless of early rearing conditions. Future studies of play fighting behavior in bears should further examine these and other factors, and that data from these studies need to be interpreted in light of the relationship of bears to other carnivores.

Anthropogenic atmospheric aerosols (suspended particulate matter) can modify the radiative balance (and climate) of the Earth by altering the properties and global distribution of clouds. Current climate models however cannot adequately account for many important aspects of these aerosol-cloud interactions, ultimately leading to a large uncertainty in the estimation of the magnitude of the effect of aerosols on climate. This thesis focuses on the development of physically-based descriptions of aerosol-cloud processes in climate models that help to address some of such predictive uncertainty. It includes the formulation of a new analytical parameterization for the formation of ice clouds, and the inclusion of the effects of mixing and kinetic limitations in existing liquid cloud parameterizations. The parameterizations are analytical solutions to the cloud ice and water particle nucleation problem, developed within a framework that considers the mass and energy balances associated with the freezing and droplet activation of aerosol particles. The new frameworks explicitly account for the impact of cloud formation dynamics, the aerosol size and composition, and the dominant freezing mechanism (homogeneous vs. heterogeneous) on the ice crystal and droplet concentration and size distribution. Application of the new parameterizations is demonstrated in the NASA Global Modeling Initiative atmospheric and chemical and transport model to study the effect of aerosol emissions on the global distribution of ice crystal concentration, and, the effect of entrainment during cloud droplet activation on the global cloud radiative properties. The ice cloud formation framework is also used within a parcel ensemble model to understand the microphysical structure of cirrus clouds at very low temperature. The frameworks developed in this work provide an efficient, yet rigorous, representation of cloud formation processes from precursor aerosol. They are suitable for the study of the effect of anthropogenic aerosol emissions on cloud formation, and can contribute to the improvement of the predictive ability of atmospheric models and to the understanding of the impact of human activities on climate.