A series of experiments was performed with the Texas A&M University Nuclear Science Center Reactor (NSCR) to verify ²³⁵U delayed neutron emission rates. A custom device was created to accurately measure a sample's pneumatic flight time and the Nuclear Science Center's (NSC's) pneumatic transfer system (PTS) was redesigned to reduce a sample's pneumatic flight time from over 1,600 milliseconds to less than 450 milliseconds. Four saturation irradiations were performed at reactor powers of 100 and 200 kW for 300 seconds and one burst irradiation was performed using a $1.61 pulse producing 19.11 MW-s of energy. Experimental results agreed extremely well with those of Keepin. By comparing the first ten seconds of collected data, the first saturation irradiation deviated ~1.869% with a dead time of 2 microseconds, while the burst irradiation deviated ~0.303% with a dead time of 5 microseconds. Saturation irradiations one, three and four were normalized to the initial count rate of saturation irradiation two to determine the system reproducibility, and deviated ~0.449%, ~0.343% and ~0.389%, respectively.

Les processus mitochondriaux tels que la réplication et la traduction sont effectués par des complexes multiprotéiques. Par contre, le métabolisme et la voie de maturation des ARN mitochondriaux (p. ex précurseurs des ARNt et des ARNr) sont habituellement traités comme une suite de réactions catalysées par des protéines séparées. L’exécution fidèle et optimale de ces processus mitochondriaux, exige un couplage étroit nécessaire pour la canalisation des intermédiaires métaboliques. Or, les évidences en faveur de l'interconnexion postulée de ces processus cellulaires sont peu nombreuses et proviennent en grande partie des interactions protéine-protéine. Contrairement à la perception classique, nos résultats révèlent l’organisation des fonctions cellulaires telles que la transcription, la traduction, le métabolisme et la régulation en supercomplexes multifonctionnels stables, dans les mitochondries des champignons (ex Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus nidulans et Neurospora crassa), des animaux (ex Bos taurus), des plantes (B. oleracea et Arabidopsis thaliana) et chez les bactéries (ex E. coli) à partir desquelles les mitochondries descendent. La composition de ces supercomplexes chez les champignons et les animaux est comparable à celle de levure, toutefois, chez les plantes et E. coli ils comportent des différences notables (ex, présence des enzymes spécifiques à la voie de biosynthèse des sucres et les léctines chez B. oleracea). Chez la levure, en accord avec les changements dûs à la répression catabolique du glucose, nos résultats révèlent que les supercomplexes sont dynamiques et que leur composition en protéines dépend des stimulis et de la régulation cellulaire. De plus, nous montrons que l’inactivation de la voie de biosynthèse des lipides de type II (FASII) perturbe l’assemblage et/ou la biogenèse du supercomplexe de la RNase P (responsable de la maturation en 5’ des précurseurs des ARNt), ce qui suggère que de multiples effets pléiotropiques peuvent être de nature structurale entre les protéines. Chez la levure et chez E. coli, nos études de la maturation in vitro des précurseurs des ARNt et de la protéomique révèlent l’association de la RNase P avec les enzymes de la maturation d’ARNt en 3’. En effet, la voie de maturation des pré-ARNt et des ARNr, et la dégradation des ARN mitochondriaux semblent êtres associées avec la machinerie de la traduction au sein d’un même supercomplexe multifonctionnel dans la mitochondrie de la levure. Chez E. coli, nous avons caractérisé un supercomplexe similaire qui inclut en plus de la RNase P: la PNPase, le complexe du RNA degradosome, l’ARN polymérase, quatre facteurs de transcription, neuf aminoacyl-tRNA synthétases, onze protéines ribosomiques, des chaperons et certaines protéines métaboliques. Ces résultats supposent l’association physique de la transcription, la voie de maturation et d’aminoacylation des ARNt, la dégradation des ARN. Le nombre de cas où les activités cellulaires sont fonctionnellement et structurellement associées est certainement à la hausse (ex, l’éditosome et le complexe de la glycolyse). En effet, l’organisation en supercomplexe multifonctionnel représente probablement l’unité fonctionnelle dans les cellules et les analyses de ces super-structures peuvent devenir la prochaine cible de la biologie structurale. / It is known that processes such as transcription, translation and intron splicing require a multitude of proteins (plus a few non-protein components) organized in large ‘molecular machines’. But, according to traditional views, processing of RNA precursors (e.g., tRNA and rRNA) and metabolic pathways are pools of individual enzymes (single proteins or small complexes), with sequential enzymatic reaction steps connected via diffusible metabolites. This perception is incompatible with the ‘molecular crowding’ in most cellular compartments (e.g., 60% in the mitochondrial matrix). It is also not in line with the cumulating indirect evidence from comprehensive studies of protein-protein interactions and affinity purification, showing that numerous protein complexes involving different metabolic and regulatory processes are interconnected. However, direct evidence of extensive cross-talk among diverse cellular processes remains to be clearly demonstrated. Here we show that in mitochondria of yeast and other fungi (Neurospora crassa and Rhizopus oryzae), animal (Bos taurus), plant (Brassica oleracea), and in E. coli (standing for the “bacterial ancestor” of mitochondria), metabolism is physically interlinked (in supercomplexes) with translation, replication, transcription and RNA processing. Further, the supercomplexes also contain a variety of helper proteins, in support of earlier reports that describe such proteins as important structural units assisting complex assembly. Whereas the composition of supercomplexes in fungi (e.g., Neurospora crassa), animals and yeast is relatively similar, plants and E. coli present substantial compositional differences (e.g., plant-specific enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of sugars and secondary metabolites). In yeast, the supercomplex pattern of glucose-repressed cells is completely different from that of cells grown on galactose/glycerol, and the protein composition perfectly correlates with known regulatory changes under glucose repression. The destabilization of the complex organization is also illustrated by the deletion of genes in the mitochondrial fatty acid type II biosynthetic pathway (mutant strain oar1Δ). Mutants have both, a defect in fatty acid synthesis and in 5’ processing of mitochondrial tRNA, and no longer have a supercomplex containing Oar1p and components of RNase P (5’ tRNA processing). The pleiotropic mutant phenotype is best explained by a structural (assembly) defect. Also in yeast mitochondria, we demonstrate that RNase P and tRNA Z activities are part of a large complex, which further includes the RNA degradosome complex, five additional RNA processing proteins, and several other mitochondrial pathways. 5’ and 3’ tRNA processing enzymes are also associated in a large, multifunctional supercomplex in E. coli that includes six out of the seven proteins of the RNA degradosome, nine aminoacyl-tRNA synthases, RNA polymerase plus four transcription factors, eleven ribosomal proteins plus four translation factors, several components of protein folding and maturation, and a small set of metabolic enzymes. Apparently, not only is RNA processing coordinated, but it is also structurally connected to aminoacylation, transcription and other cellular functions. The number of documented cases where functionally related activities are structurally integrated is definitely increasing (e.g., editosome, glycolysis complex, etc). Indeed, structural integration of related functions and pathways may turn out to be a principle and the analyses of such super-structures may become a next structural biology frontier.

137 f. / Submitted by Ana Hilda Fonseca (anahilda@ufba.br) on 2013-04-05T12:52:18Z No. of bitstreams: 1 TESE_Doutorado_Neuza Neves.pdf: 14182671 bytes, checksum: 1dc20a7a01160b563c11a087932580c1 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ana Hilda Fonseca(anahilda@ufba.br) on 2013-06-07T14:39:03Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 TESE_Doutorado_Neuza Neves.pdf: 14182671 bytes, checksum: 1dc20a7a01160b563c11a087932580c1 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2013-06-07T14:39:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 TESE_Doutorado_Neuza Neves.pdf: 14182671 bytes, checksum: 1dc20a7a01160b563c11a087932580c1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009 / Ozônio pode afetar a saúde humana sendo a ele atribuída a responsabilidade por centenas de milhares de mortes prematuras a cada ano e por centenas de internações hospitalares adicionais, além da perda de milhões de dias de trabalho. Estes impactos na saúde são causados tanto por exposições a longo prazo (crônica) quanto a curto prazo (aguda). De forma semelhante a que ocorre atualmente próximo às grandes cidades do mundo e aos centros industriais, as concentrações ambientais de ozônio estavam ultrapassando o padrão de qualidade do ar estabelecido no Brasil, nas vizinhanças do Pólo Petroquímico de Camaçari, especialmente durante os anos de 2000 a 2003. Com o objetivo de avaliar a formação e dispersão de ozônio na região do Recôncavo Baiano, foi desenvolvido um estudo, usando modelagem matemática, para melhor compreender as principais fontes dos precursores de ozônio, bem como sua formação e dispersão na referida região. A metodologia adotada no estudo foi a elaboração de um inventário de emissões atmosféricas para as regiões urbanas e industriais e utilização do modelo matemático fotoquímico denominado STEM III – Sulfur Transport and Deposition Model, da Universidade de Iowa (USA), para simular a formação e dispersão deste poluente fotoquímico secundário na atmosfera na região do Recôncavo Baiano. Os resultados do modelo foram comparados com as concentrações medidas por uma rede de monitoramento contínuo da qualidade do ar do Pólo Petroquímico, referente a um período em abril de 2003. Concluiu-se que os resultados calculados para ozônio na região do Recôncavo Baiano, através do modelo matemático STEM são adequados, uma vez que há concordância satisfatória com os dados medidos. Os desvios encontrados ocorreram especificamente durante os episódios com baixas velocidades do vento, quando foram registrados picos de concentrações deste poluente próximo ao Pólo Petroquímico de Camaçari. Os modelos matemáticos meteorológicos não descrevem adequadamente a situação real quando a velocidade do vento é inferior a 1 m/s. ix Os resultados das simulações demonstram que a formação de ozônio ocorre em regiões situadas muito além dos locais onde estão situadas as estações de monitoramento do ar do Pólo, e atinge áreas distantes de Salvador e da região industrial, como Feira de Santana e Santo Estevão, situadas a jusante dos ventos que sopram do quadrante Este, predominantes na região. Todas as concentrações calculadas para ozônio foram inferiores ao limite de 160 µg/m3 estabelecidas pela Resolução CONAMA 003/90, para períodos horários e portanto, não deverão causar impactos na saúde humana. No entanto as concentrações encontradas até cerca de 100 a 150 Km das fontes consideradas podem afetar os ecossistemas pois as concentrações máximas simuladas estão próximas do limite de 40 ppb.h (do inglês:Accumulated Dose Over Threshold of 40 ppb.h - AOT40), na região Oeste e Noroeste do domínio estudado. O regime de formação de ozônio na região de Camaçari e de Candeias é limitado pelo NOx, e as reduções das emissões de NO2 efetuadas pelo Pólo Petroquímico à partir de 2004 resultaram na eliminação das violações dos limites de ozônio na sua região de influência. Considerando-se o atual cenário de desenvolvimento do Brasil, em dez anos as concentrações de ozônio nas áreas costeiras do Recôncavo poderão representar uma ameaça para a produtividade agrícola desenvolvida na região situada no interior da Bahia, e eventualmente poderão representar também uma ameaça para a saúde humana, a depender do aumento das emissões, particularmente veiculares. / Salvador

Os materiais nanoestruturados vêm sendo extensivamente estudados, não somente pelas novas propriedades e suas possíveis aplicações tecnológicas, mas também pela busca de uma melhor compreensão dos aspectos físicos e químicos causados por suas reduzidas dimensões. A céria (CeO2) tem despertado grande interesse nas últimas décadas, pois tem papel vital em tecnologias emergentes para aplicações em setores que vão desde a área ambiental através do desenvolvimento de novos catalisadores, passando pela área energética com o desenvolvimento de células de combustível em estado sólido e em novas tecnologias como a spintrônica por meio do desenvolvimento de novos materiais, os óxidos magnéticos diluídos. As propriedades físico-químicas da céria são diretamente dependentes do método de síntese e da morfologia das partículas. Nesse contexto, esse trabalho teve como objetivo realizar a síntese através dos métodos dos precursores poliméricos e hidrotérmico assistido por micro-ondas e a caracterização físico-química de nanopartículas do sistema Ce(1-x)MxO2 (M = Cu, Co). Ensaios catalíticos destes pós foram realizados para verificar sua eficácia como catalisadores na reação de oxidação preferencial de monóxido de carbono, e na produção de hidrogênio através da reforma a vapor de etanol. As amostras foram caracterizadas por difração de raios X, espectroscopia UV-Visível, EPR, Raman e fotoluminescência, BET, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e transmissão e TPR. As amostras sintetizadas pelo método dos precursores poliméricos são constituídas por nanopartículas com tamanho da ordem de 30 nm, enquanto que as amostras sintetizadas pelo método hidrotérmico assistido por micro-ondas são constituídas por nanobastões com tamanho da ordem de 10 nm de diâmetro por 70 nm de comprimento. Dentre as amostras sintetizadas pelo método dos precursores poliméricos, o catalisador Ce0,97Cu0,03O2 foi o que apresentou o melhor resultado na conversão do CO (100%)(CO-PROX), e o catalisador Ce0,80Co0,20O2 apresentou 100% de conversão de etanol. Para as amostras sintetizadas pelo método hidrotérmico assistido por micro-ondas o catalisador Ce0,97Cu0,03O2 foi o que apresentou o melhor resultado na conversão do CO (85%)(CO-PROX), e todos os catalisadores com cobalto apresentaram 100% de conversão de etanol. As caracterizações físico-químicas revelaram que diferentes espécies de cobre/cobalto presentes nos catalisadores, o teor de cobre/cobalto presente e as interações entre o cobre/cobalto e o suporte de CeO2 são os fatores que mais contribuem na eficiência dos catalisadores. / Nanostructured materials have been extensively studied, not only by new properties and their possible technological applications, but also by the search for a better understanding of the physical and chemical aspects caused by its small size. Ceria (CeO2) have attracted great interest in recent decades, because it plays a vital role in emerging technologies for applications in sectors ranging from environmental area through the development of new catalysts, passing by the energy area with the development of solid state fuel cells and in new technologies such as spintronics through the development of new materials, the diluted magnetic oxides. The physico-chemical properties of ceria are directly dependent on the synthesis method and the morphology of the particles. In this context, this study aimed the synthesis via polymeric precursors and microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods and the physico-chemical characterization of nanoparticles from the Ce(1-x)MxO2 (M = Cu, Co) system. Catalytic tests of the powders were carried out to verify its efficiency as catalysts on carbon monoxide preferential oxidation reaction, and hydrogen production by steam reforming of ethanol. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV-visible, EPR, Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopies, BET, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and TPR. Samples synthesized by polymeric precursors method consist of nanoparticles with sizes of about 30 nm, while the samples synthesized by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method consist of nanorods with 10 nm average diameter and 70 nm length. Among the samples synthesized by the polymeric precursors method, Ce0,97Cu0,03O2 was the one that presented the best result in the CO conversion (100%)(CO-PROX), and the Ce0,80Co0,20O2 catalyst presented 100% of ethanol conversion. For samples synthesized by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method the Ce0,97Cu0,03O2 catalyst was the one that presented the best result in the CO conversion (85%) (CO-PROX), and all catalysts with cobalt presented 100% of ethanol conversion. The physical-chemical characterizations revealed that different species of copper/cobalt present in the catalysts, the copper/cobalt content and interactions between copper/cobalt and the CeO2 support are the main factors that contribute on the efficiency of the catalysts.

Les cellules précurseur d'oligodendrocytes (CPOs) représentent la majeure source d'oligodendrocytesmyélinisants durant le développement post-natal. Ces progéniteurs, identifiés par l'expression du protéoglycane NG2, sont non seulement extrêmement abondants avant la myélinisation, mais ils persistent aussi dans le cerveau mature. À l'instar d'autres cellules non-neuronales, elles expriment un large panel de canaux ioniques et de récepteurs pour des neurotransmetteurs. Cependant, ils sont uniques de part leur capacité à recevoir de véritables contacts synaptiques neuronaux glutamatergiqueset GABAergiques. Durant cette thèse, nous avons caractérisé les propriétés électrophysiologiques des CPOs durant le développement post-natal du cortex en champ de tonneaux de la souris (premier mois post-natal). En effectuant des enregistrements de patch-clamp, des analyses par RT-PCR sur cellule unique et des analyses pharmacologiques, nous avons observé que la courbe I-V à rectification sortante devient linéaire durant le développement, résultant d'une régulation positive de l'expression des canaux potassiques de type Kir4.1. Dotés de ces canaux, les CPOs adultes sont capables de détecter les augmentations locales de potassium extracellulaire générées par l'activité neuronale. Cette régulation positive développementale des canaux Kir4.1 dans les CPOs révèle que ces cellules ont un gain de fonction durant le développement, leur conférant la capacité de communiquer avec les neurones via un mécanisme non-synaptique lié au potassium. Ce changement développemental soutient aussi l'idée que les CPOs sont probablement plus que des progéniteurs. Dans la deuxième partie de cette thèse, nous nous sommes intéressés à l'étude des patrons de connectivité du réseau GABAergique interneurones-CPOs dans le cortex en champ de tonneaux jeune (deuxième semaine post-natale). Dans un premier temps, nous avons tiré avantage de la haute précision latérale et axiale de la photolyse holographique en mono-photon pour stimuler les interneurones GABAergiques avec une résolution à l'échelle de la cellule, de manière à évoquer un potentiel d'action. Nous avons ensuite utilisé cette technique pour cartographier la connectivité entre interneurones et CPOs. Nous avons trouvé que la probabilité de connexion des CPOs est près de moitié moins que celle des cellules pyramidales, et implique plutôt une microcircuitrie locale. De plus, en effectuant des enregistrements pairés, nous avons observé que les CPOs sont contactés transitoirement par des interneurones à décharge rapide et à décharge régulière. Ces connections se caractérisents pour la présence d'un ou deux sites de libération uniquement. Étonnamment, les sites post-synaptiques contenant des récepteurs GABAA avec la sous-unité γ2 sont principalement connectés par les interneurones à décharge rapide, indiquant que ces cellules constituent une afférence spécifique auprès des CPOs. Ici nous décrivons pour la première fois l'émergence de réseaux corticaux spécifiques entre neurones et cellules non-neuronales. / Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are the main source of myelinating oligodendrocytes during postnatal development. These progenitors, identified by the expression of the proteoglycan NG2, are extremely abundant before myelination, but also persist in the mature brain. Similarly to other non-neuronal cells they express a wide range of ionic and ligand-gated ion channels. However, they are unique by their ability to receive truly glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic contacts from neurons. During this thesis, we characterized the electrophysiological properties of OPCs during the postnatal development of the mouse somatosensory cortex (post postnatal month). By performing patch-clamp recordings, single-cell RT-PCR analyses and pharmacological approaches, we found that outwardly rectifying I-V curves become linear during development, as the result of an upregulation of Kir4.1 potassium channels. Endowed with these channels, adult OPCs are able to sense local extracellular potassium increases generated by neuronal activity. This developmental upregulation of Kir4.1 channels in OPCs revealed that these cells gain physiological properties during development, conferring them the capacity to communicate with neurons, via a non-synaptic potassium-mediated mechanism. This developmental change also supports the view that OPCs are probably more than simple progenitors. In the second part of this thesis, we were interested in study the connectivity patterns underlying the GABAergic interneuron-OPC network in the young somatosensory cortex (second postnatal week). First, we took advantage of the high lateral and axial precision of one-photon holographic photolysis to stimulate GABAergic interneurons at a single cell resolution in order to evoke an action potential. We then used this technique to map the connectivity between interneurons and OPCs. We found that the connectivity probability of OPCs was around half less than that of pyramidal cells and involved more local microcircuits. In addition, by performing paired-recordings, OPCs showed to be transiently contacted by fast-spiking (FSI) and non-fast-spiking (NFSI) interneurons, through single or double release sites. Interestingly, postsynaptic sites containing GABAA receptors with the γ2 subunit were predominantly connected by FSI, indicating that these cells provide a specific input to OPCs. Here we described for the first time the emergence of specific cortical network between neurons and non-neuronal cells. In conclusion, this thesis contributed to get a better understanding of the different modes of communication between neurons and OPCs and the establishment of new signaling mechanisms used by neurons to control the activity of these precursors.

In this thesis, a novel in-situ method for incorporating nanoscale ceramic particles into metal has been developed. The ceramic phase is introduced as an organic-polymer precursor that pyrolyzes in-situ to produce a ceramic phase within the metal melt. The environment used to shield the melt from burning also protects the organic precursor from oxidation. The evolution of volatiles (predominantly hydrogen) as well as the mechanical stirring causes the polymer particles to fragment into nanoscale dispersions of a ceramic phase. These “Polymer-based In-situ Process-Metal Matrix Composites” (PIP-MMCs) are likely to have great generality, because many different kinds of organic precursors are commercially available, for producing oxides, carbides, nitrides, and borides. Also, the process would permit the addition of large volume fractions of a ceramic phase, enabling nanostructural design, and production of MMCs with a wide range of mechanical properties, meant especially for high temperature applications. An important and noteworthy feature of the present process, which distinguishes it from other methods, is that all the constituents of the ceramic phase are built into the organic molecules of the precursor (e.g., polysilazanes contain silicon, carbon, and nitrogen); therefore, a reaction between the polymer and the host metal is not required to produce the dispersion of the refractory phase. The polymer precursor powder, with a mean particle size of 31.5 µm, was added equivalent to 5 and 10 weight % of the melt (pure magnesium) by a liquid metal stir-casting technique. SEM and OM microstructural observations show that in the cast structure the pyrolysis products are present in the dendrite boundary region in the form of rod/platelets having a thickness of 100 to 200 nm. After extrusion the particles are broken down into fine particles, having a size that is comparable to the thickness of the platelets, in the 100 to 200 nm range, and are distributed more uniformly. In addition, limited TEM studies revealed the formation of even finer particles of 10-50 nm. X-ray diffraction analysis shows the presence of a small quantity of an intermetallic phase (Mg2Si) in the matrix, which is unintended in this process. There was a significant improvement in mechanical properties of the PIP-MMCs compared to the pure Mg. These composites showed higher macro-and micro-hardness. The composite exhibited better compressive strength at both room temperature and at elevated temperatures. The increase in the density of PIP-composites is less than 1% of Mg. Five weight percent of the precursor produced a two-fold increase in the room-temperature yield strength and reduced the steady state creep rate at 723 K by one to two orders of magnitude. PIP-MMCs showed higher damping capacity and modulus compared to pure Mg, with the damping capacity increasing by about 1.6 times and the dynamic modulus by 11%-16%. PIP-composites showed an increase in the sliding wear resistance by more than 25% compared to pure Mg.

Le nitrite est un ingrédient essentiel à la fabrication du jambon cuit, pourtant les risques sanitaires dont il est accusé remettent en question son utilisation. L’emploi de cet unique additif permet de remplir de nombreuses fonctions comme la protection antioxydante et antimicrobienne mais aussi le développement de la couleur et de l’arôme. C’est sur cette dernière fonction que ce travail de thèse s’est focalisé avec pour objectif la suppression du nitrite dans la fabrication du jambon cuit. La mise en œuvre de plusieurs techniques complémentaires de chromatographie en phase gazeuse couplées à l’olfactométrie a permis dans une première partie d’identifier le 2-methyl-3-furanthiol, 2-methyl-3-(methyldithio)furan, et le bis(2-methyl-3-furyl)disulfide comme les molécules soufrées responsables de l’arôme du jambon cuit. Il est apparu qu’en l’absence de nitrite et par conséquent en absence de protection antioxydante, les composés odorants issus de l’oxydation sont produits massivement et ont tendance à perturber l’arôme global du jambon cuit. Afin de restaurer l’arôme en l’absence de nitrite, l’étude a été organisée selon 2 axes : le premier visant à favoriser la production des molécules soufrées clés de l’arôme et le second visant à limiter la formation des composés d’oxydation perturbateurs de l’arôme grâce à l’utilisation d’antioxydants naturels. Les recherches ont été conduites sur des mini-jambons cuits modèles. La thiamine a été identifiée comme précurseur majoritaire du 2-methyl-3-furanthiol, du 2-methyl-3-(methyldithio)furan, et du bis(2-methyl-3-furyl)disulfide dans les conditions de fabrication du jambon cuit et des extraits d’acérola, de canneberge, d’oignon et de thé ont été sélectionnés pour leurs propriétés antioxydantes. L’évaluation en parallèle de l’oxydation et de l’arôme a montré que ces quatre extraits utilisés en mélange permettaient, non seulement d’égaler les performances antioxydantes du nitrite, mais aussi de rehausser la note aromatique « jambon cuit » par rapport à la formulation non nitritée de référence. L’association de la thiamine et des extraits végétaux a finalement permis de réaliser des jambons non nitrités qui, en termes d’arôme et d’oxydation, se rapprochent fortement d’un jambon nitrité. Les formulations réalisées constituent donc une première piste satisfaisante pour répondre à la problématique de la suppression du nitrite dans le jambon cuit. La protection antimicrobienne des nouvelles formulations doit être validée et la restauration de la couleur rose du jambon demeure une problématique organoleptique. / Sodium nitrite is an essential ingredient in the cooked ham production process, yet its use is under challenge due to food safety concerns. Sodium nitrite is a multifunctional additive used for its ability to act on several fronts—from inhibiting oxidation and preventing microbial growth to giving desirable colour and aroma. This study focused on the aroma function under a wider objective to reduce nitrite use in cooked ham processing. Using several complementary methods with gas chromatography–olfactometry, we first identified 2- methyl-3-furanthiol, 2-methyl-3-(methyldithio)furan and bis(2-methyl-3-furyl)disulfide as the odour- active sulphur-compounds responsible for cooked ham flavour. It emerged that in the absence of nitrite—and therefore the absence of inhibited oxidation—the massive formation of an array of odour-active compounds produced by oxidative breakdown tended to disrupt the overall aroma of the final cooked ham. Next, in an effort to restore this aroma in the absence of nitrite, the study was organized into two strands, where the first strand aimed to promote the production of key aroma-active sulphur-compounds while the second strand aimed to minimize the formation of aroma-disruptive oxidation compounds by using natural antioxidants. This research was led on model cooked mini-hams. We identified thiamine as the major precursor of 2-methyl-3-furanthiol, 2-methyl-3-(methyldithio)furan and bis(2-methyl-3-furyl)disulfide under cooked ham production conditions, and we selected acerola, cranberry, onion and tea extracts as natural antioxidants. The coupled evaluations of oxidation and aroma showed that the formulated mixture of these four extracts not only equalled the antioxidant performances of added sodium nitrite but also lifted the “cooked ham” head note compared to the reference no-added-nitrite formulation. The association of thiamine and vegetal extracts ultimately made it possible to produce no-added-nitrite hams that, in terms of aroma and oxidation levels, proved almost identical to nitrite-added ham. The engineered formulations thus offer a good research track to suppress the sodium nitrite in cooked ham. The problem of how to restore the distinctive pink colour of cooked ham is an issue that remains to be resolved, and the ability of these new formulations to inhibit microbial growth needs to be validated.

La composition minérale du sol influence la physiologie de la vigne, le potentiel qualitatif des baies et la qualité du vin. Parmi les éléments que la vigne prélève du sol, l'azote impacte son développement, la composition des baies ainsi que la synthèse de certains métabolites secondaires. Son effet peut être direct sur la voie métabolique, ou indirecte par exemple à travers une modification de la vigueur de la vigne. Le présent travail s’intéresse à un possible effet direct de l’azote sur la synthèse des thiols volatils, en particulier le 3SH (3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol) à l’odeur de pamplemousse et ses précurseurs (Glut-3SH et Cys-3SH), ainsi que l'IBMP (3-isobutyl-2-méthoxypyrazine) à l’odeur de poivron vert, en absence d’une contrainte hydrique et d’une modification de la vigueur des ceps. La vigne a été étudiée en faisant varier le statut azoté, en conditions contrôlées et en plein champ. Cependant l’état hydrique et la vigueur ont été similaires entre les modalités. Une augmentation de la teneur en Glut-3SH dans les baies et les moûts ainsi que du contenu en 3SH dans le vin a été observée en réponse à une augmentation de l’alimentation en azote. En revanche, aucun effet n’a été perçu sur la teneur en Cys-3SH, ni sur l'expression de VviGST3, VviGST4 et VviGGT de sa voie de synthèse. Cette observation semble montrer qu’en réponse à l’azote, le 3SH est synthétisé à partir du Glut-3SH, indépendamment du Cys-3SH et des trois gènes mentionnés. De nouveaux gènes candidats de la voie de biosynthèse des précurseurs du 3SH ont été identifiés par séquençage d’ARN. Le statut azoté de la vigne n’a pas influencé la teneur en IBMP, ni l'expression de VviOMT3 et VviOMT4, gènes clés de sa voie de biosynthèse. L’effet de N sur l’IBMP décrit précédemment est probablement indirect et dû à une modification du microclimat dans la zone de la grappe, induite par une vigueur plus forte des vignes ayant un statut azoté élevé. / Soil is a major component of the viticultural terroir. Its mineral composition influences vine physiology, berry quality potential and wine quality. Among the elements that vines pick up from the soil, nitrogen (N) has the strongest impact on vine physiology, berry composition and the synthesis of compounds that have an important sensory impact. This study has investigated a possible direct effect of N on the synthesis of volatile thiols i.e. 3SH (3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol) responsible for grapefruit aroma and its S-conjugates precursors (Glut-3SH and Cys-3SH), as well as IBMP (3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine) responsible for green pepper aroma, without interference with water status and vigor variations. Vines were grown under variable N status in controlled conditions and in field trials. Water status was controlled during the season and vine vigor was similar among treatments. N supply increased Glut-3SH level in berries and in must and 3SH content in wines. In contrast, no effect of N was perceived on Cys-3SH concentration and on the expression of VviGST3, VviGST4 and VviGGT genes, which play a major role in its biosynthetic pathway. This observation indicates that, in response to N supply, 3SH could be synthetized from Glut-3SH, independently from Cys-3SH and the three mentioned genes. New candidate genes from the 3SH precursors pathway were also identified by whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing. There was no significant effect of vine N status on IBMP levels in berries, musts and wines, neither on the expression of VviOMT3 and VviOMT4, which are key genes in the biosynthetic pathway of IBMP. This result indicates that when an effect of N on IBMP was found in previous studies, it was likely mediated through the modification of bunch-zone microclimate, induced by the increased vigor of high N-status vines.

La mise au point de techniques de fractionnement des moûts de Sauvignon blanc par chromatographie de partage centrifuge et par chromatographie Flash, a permis de mettre en évidence la présence de deux « nouvelles » formes précurseurs du 3SH (le S-3-(hexan-1-al)-glutathion et l'acide S-3-glutathionyl-hydroxyhexanesulfonique). L’ensemble de ces résultats a permis de confirmer la contribution majeure des S-conjugués au potentiel en 3SH des moûts. Le S-3-(hexan-1-ol)-L-cystéine, le S-3-(hexan-1-ol)-glutathion ainsi que les deux nouvelles formes identifiées, permettent d’expliquer près de 65% du 3SH libéré dans les vins. Par ailleurs, nous avons montré que l’ensemble des formes précurseurs appartenait à la même voie d’assimilation de la levure et que le S-3-(hexan-1-ol)-L-cystéine est un intermédiaire indispensable à la biotransformation des S-conjugués au glutathion, précurseurs du 3-sulfanylhexanol. De plus, le pourcentage de biotransformation des différents S-conjugués en 3SH semble directement lié à leur position dans le flux métabolique. / The development of fractionation techniques in Sauvignon Blanc musts such as centrifugal partition chromatography and flash chromatography, permitted to identify two precursor forms of 3-sulfanylhexanol : the S-3-(hexan-1-al)-glutathione, and the S-3-glutathionyl-hydroxy hexanesulfonic acid. These results confirmed the major contribution of S-conjugates in the potential liberation of 3-sulfanylhexanol in musts. The two newly identified forms along with S-3-(hexan-1-ol)-L-cysteine and S-3-(hexan-1-ol)-glutathione, explain up to 65% of the total release of 3-sulfanylhexanol. Futhermore, we showed that all precursor forms belonged to the same assimilation pathway of yeast and the S-3-(hexan-1-ol)-L-cysteine is an essential intermediate in the metabolism of S-glutathione conjugates, which is a precursor of 3-sulfanylhexanol . Finally, the biotransformation percentage of different S-conjugates of 3-sulfanylhexanol seems directly related to their position in the metabolic flow.

The thesis presented here is focused on the synthesis of iron-bismuth alkoxides and siloxides as precursors for multiferroic BiFeO₃ systems. Spectrum of novel cyclopentadienyl substituted iron-bismuth complexes of the general type [{Cp^y(CO)₂Fe}BiX₂], as potential precursors for cyclopentadienyl iron-bismuth alkoxides or siloxides [{Cp^y(CO)₂Fe}Bi(OR)₂] (R-O^tBu, OSiMe₂^tBu), were obtained and characterised. The use of wide range of cyclopentadienyl rings in the iron carbonyl compounds allowed for a comprehensive analysis of its influence on structure, reactivity as well as solubility of the studied complexes, which are crucial features of potential precursors. The results fill the gap in the chemistry of cyclopentadienyl iron-bismuth complexes. In this work a new method of preparation of novel alkoxides or siloxides iron-bismuth complexes has been developed. In the reaction of Fe₂(CO)₉ with Bi(O^tBu)₃ or Bi(OSiMe₂^tBu)₃ molecular precursors for preparation of heterobimetallic oxides were obtained. Moreover, characterised compounds allowed to extend the knowledge about existence of iron-bismuth clusters and open new ways for the further investigations on the carbonyl iron-bismuth siloxides and alkoxides. The resulting compounds are good single source precursors for the BiFeO₃ materials. The presented synthetic route can be generalized and other heterobimetallic compounds can be obtained. This work should also be helpful in the designing new precursors for synthesis of metal oxides.