The Swedish concept for storage of highly radioactive spent nuclear fuel is called the KBS-3 program. The proposed procedure is that the waste will be stored in a deep repository, 500 meters down in the Swedish bedrock, for 100 000 years. The fuel will be sealed inside cast iron cylinders surrounded by copper. The iron-copper canisters will then be placed one by one in holes and embedded in bentonite clay. The environment in the deep repository will be that of an underground rock cave, there will be groundwater and low amounts of oxygen present. Substances which are likely to react with the copper canister and cause corrosion are oxygen, sulphides and reactive water radiolysis products. Gamma radiation from the spent nuclear fuel will penetrate through the canister and further into the bentonite clay. When the gamma radiation comes in contact with the water in the bentonite clay, water radiolysis will occur. Corrosive radiolysis products are for example hydroxyl radicals, solvated electrons and hydrogen peroxide. The main purpose of this work was to study the effect of gamma radiation on copper pieces, in an aqueous environment, both under oxic and anoxic conditions. The surfaces of the copper pieces were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared absorption spectroscopy (IRAS). The dissolution of copper was measured using inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP). A second study was also performed where the reactions of three different oxidants; hydrogen peroxide, permanganate and iridium hexachloride, were studied in the presence of copper in an inert environment. All of the reactions were studied spectrophotometrically and the dissolution of copper was measured using inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP). The SEM measurements showed corrosion products on the irradiated copper pieces both under oxic and anoxic conditions. Under anoxic conditions the corrosion products had a center of a small cavity which was surrounded by a larger, flat, circular area. From that area, wider cavities were spreading out in apparently random directions. SEM-EDS measurements detected oxygen on the surface of the corrosion products. ICP measurements of the water phase showed that the water from irradiated samples contained higher levels of copper than unirradiated samples. ICP measurements from the reactions of copper in the presence of oxidants showed that copper was only dissolved in the presence of iridium hexachloride. These results show that gamma radiation causes corrosion of copper in an aqueous environment, both under oxic and anoxic conditions. It can also be concluded that hydrogen peroxide is not the radiolysis product that causes the dissolution of copper when copper is irradiated in an aqueous and inert environment.

The interaction of carboxylic acids with copper is a phenomenon found both outdoors and, more commonly, indoors. The influence on copper of some carboxylic acids (formic, acetic, propionic, and butyric) have so far been studied at concentrations levels at least three or four orders of magnitude higher than actual indoor conditions (< 20 ppb, volume parts per billion), and with only limited emphasis on any mechanistic approach. In this licentiate study a unique analytical setup has been successfully applied for in situ characterization and quantification of corrosion products formed during initial atmospheric corrosion of copper in the presence of acetic, formic or propionic acid. The setup is based on monitoring mass changes by the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and simultaneously identifying the chemical species by infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (IRAS). Post-analysis of corrosion products was performed by coulometric reduction (mass of copper (I) oxide formed), grazing incidence x-ray diffraction (phase identification) and atomic force microscopy (surface topography). The absolute amounts of mass of individual constituents in the corrosion products, mainly copper (I) oxide or cuprite, copper (II) carboxylate and water or hydroxyl groups, have been deduced in situ during exposure in 120 ppb of carboxylic acid concentration, 95% relative humidity and 20ºC. An overall result is the consistency of analytical information obtained. For copper (I) oxide the quantified data estimated from IRAS, QCM or coulomeric reduction agrees with a relative accuracy of 12 % or better. The interaction of copper with the carboxylic acids seems to follow two spatially separated main pathways. A proton-induced dissolution of cuprous ions followed by the formation of copper (I) oxide, and a carboxylate-induced dissolution followed by the formation of copper (II) carboxylate. The first pathway is initially very fast but levels off with a more uniform growth over the surface. This pathway dominates in acetic acid. The second pathway exhibits a more constant growth rate and localized growth, and dominates in formic acid. Propionic acid exhibits low rates for both pathways. The difference between the carboxylic acids with respect to both total corrosion rate and carboxylate-induced dissolution can be attributed to differences in acid dissociation constant and deposition velocity.

Les carbones amorphes hydrogénés (a–C:H ou HAC) constituent une composante importante de la poussière interstellaire. Ces grains hydrocarbonés sont observés au travers de bandes d’absorption IR à 3.4, 6.9 et 7.3 microns, caractéristiques des vibrations des liaisons C-H aliphatiques. Leurs signatures spectrales sont détectées dans le milieu interstellaire diffus de différentes lignes de visée de la Voie Lactée, mais aussi de nombreuses autres galaxies. Cette thèse porte sur l’étude de ces a–C:H interstellaires, à la fois au travers d’observations de ces poussières, et grâce à la synthèse et la caractérisation d’analogues de laboratoire.Une première partie de mon travail de thèse est consacrée à l’observation de la bande à 3.4 microns des a–C:H du milieu interstellaire diffus galactique en direction de la source IRAS 18511+0146. La bande d’absorption des modes d’élongation C-H détectée dans cette direction, vers différentes lignes de visée proches les unes des autres, présente des profondeurs optiques similaires et les plus fortes observées dans la Voie Lactée en dehors du centre galactique. Différentes interprétations de la profonde bande dans cette direction sont discutées.Des analogues de ces poussières carbonées aliphatiques ont été synthétisés en laboratoire, sous forme de films, grâce à un plasma, et reproduisent bien les bandes IR observées dans le milieu interstellaire diffus. Ces échantillons ont été caractérisés par spectroscopie d’absorption dans l’UV-visible et l’IR.Puisque les a–C:H émettent un rayonnement visible après absorption de photons UV ou visibles, une partie de la thèse est consacrée à une étude systématique de cette photoluminescence. Pour la première fois, les rendements absolus et intrinsèques de photoluminescence d’a–C:H sont déterminés pour une large gamme de longueurs d’onde d’excitation. Les propriétés de la photoluminescence des a–C:H sont confrontées aux observations de l’Emission Rouge Etendue, une large bande d’émission interstellaire dont les porteurs ne sont pas identifiés.Afin de déduire l’influence des rayons cosmiques sur ces poussières carbonées, les analogues produits ont été irradiés par différents ions énergétiques dont le dépôt d’énergie est similaire à celui du rayonnement cosmique interstellaire. Les effets induits ont été suivies par IR. L’analyse de la déshydrogénation des a–C:H observée au travers de la disparition progressive des bandes des C-H aliphatiques permet de déduire l’évolution de ces poussières interstellaires et de leurs signatures spectrales sous l’effet des rayons cosmiques. La destruction induite par les rayons cosmiques est comparée aux effets de l’exposition aux photons UV et aux atomes d’hydrogène afin d’interpréter l’évolution de la bande d’absorption à 3.4 microns observée dans le milieu interstellaire diffus, mais pas dans les nuages denses. / The hydrogenated amorphous carbons (a–C:H or HAC) are an important component of interstellar dust. These hydrocarbon grains are observed through IR absorption bands at 3.4, 6.9 and 7.3 microns, due to aliphatic C-H bond vibrations. Their spectral signatures are detected in the diffuse interstellar medium along several sight lines in the Milky Way and in many external galaxies. This thesis deals with the study of such interstellar a–C:H, both through their astrophysical observation and the synthesis and characterisation of laboratory analogues.A first part of this PhD work concerns the 3.4 microns band observation in the galactic diffuse interstellar medium in the direction of IRAS 18511+0146 source. The C-H stretching mode absorption band detected toward several lines of sight of this cluster has the strongest optical depths observed in the Milky Way outside the galactic center. Different interpretations for this deep absorption band in this direction are discussed.Analogues of the amorphous carbonaceous dust component have been produced in the laboratory with a plasma source. Their IR spectra are in excellent agreement with the absorption bands observed in the diffuse interstellar medium. The samples have been characterised by UV-visible and IR absorption spectroscopy.Since a–C:H emit a visible radiation when they absorb UV or visible photons, a systematic study of this photoluminescence is performed. For the first time, the absolute and intrinsic photoluminescence yield of a–C:H is measured for a broad range of excitation wavelengths. The photoluminescence properties of a–C:H is compared to observations of the Extended Red Emission, a large interstellar emission band whose carriers are not identified.To infer the influence of cosmic rays on this carbonaceous dust, the produced analogues have been irradiated by different swift ions, similar to interstellar cosmic rays. The induced modifications have been monitored by their IR spectrum. The a–C:H dehydrogenation is observed through the progressive disappearance of the aliphatic C-H bands. Its analysis allows us to deduce the evolution of the a–C:H dust and its spectral signatures under cosmic ray exposition. The destruction due to cosmic rays is compared to the effects induced by exposure to UV photons and hydrogen atoms, in order to interpret the evolution of the absorption band at 3.4 microns observed in the diffuse interstellar medium, but not in dense clouds.

Atualmente, no Brasil, a produção de enzimas do tipo KPC constitui o principal mecanismo de resistência aos carbapenêmicos em Klebsiella pneumoniae, contribuindo para a endemicidade hospitalar da espécie. No presente estudo, foi caracterizada a produção de KPC em 38 enterobactérias que foram diferençadas entre os grupos CESP (enterobactérias com produção induzida da βlactamase AmpC, ex., Enterobacter spp., Serratia marcescens e Morganella morganii) e não CESP (ex., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli e Proteus mirabilis). pertencendo a isolados recuperados de pacientes colonizados e/ou apresentando infecção urinária, pneumonia ou bacteremia, em três centros médicos de três diferentes regiões do Brasil (Amazonas, Mato grosso, Minas Gerais), durante 2008-2013. Os isolados apresentaram resistência para cefalosporinas de amplo espectro (86,8 - 94,7%), cefoxitina (86,8%), ertapenem (89,4%), imipenem (89,4%), meropenem (84,2%), amicacina (86,8%), ciprof1oxacina (84,2%), tigeciclina (42,1 %, CIM50= 2 µg/ml), sulfametoxazol/trimetoprim (SXT, 60,5%) e gentamicina (57,8%). Entre bactérias do grupo CESP, os isolados de S. marcescens apresentaram sensibilidade para fosfomicina (CIM50= 8 µg/mL) e sulfametoxazol-trimetoprim (CIM50= 1/19 µg/mL). A produção de carbapenemase foi confirmada pelo teste de Hodge modificado e por inibição por acido fenil borônico em 76,31 e 73,68% dos isolados do grupo CESP e não CESP, respectivamente. A presença do gene blaKPC-2 foi confirmada em 78,9% dos isolados clinicos e variantes do gene blaCTX-M foram identificados em 57,89% das cepas. Cepas de S. marcescens e E. aerogenes clonalmente relacionadas por ERIC-PCR foram associadas a surtos de infecção nosocomial. Resultados do presente estudo confirmam que a produção de KPC no Brasil, ocorre em uma grande variedade de espécies de enterobactérias sendo frequentemente associada com a co-produção de ESBLs do tipo CTX-M, o que poderia favorecer a endemicidade com o subseqüente estabelecimento de surtos de infecção. Um dado relevante, foi à alta resistência a fosfomicina (66,66%) associada à presença do gene fosA2 em cepas de E. aerogenes e K. pneumoniae produtores de KPC-2. / Currently, in Brazil, the production of KPC-type enzymes is considered the main mechanism of carbapenem resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae, which has contributed for the nosocomial endemicity of this specie. In this study, the KPC production was characterized in 38 Enterobacteriaceae isolates differenced among CESP (Enterobacteriaceae with inducible production of AmpC-type β-lactamase, i.e., Enterobacter spp., Serratia marcescens and Morganella morganii) and not CESP (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli e Proteus mirabilis) groups recovered from colonized patients and/or with urinary tract infection, pneumonia or bacteremia, in three medicai centers from different regions of Brazil (Amazonas, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais) during 2011-2013. The isolates were resistant to broad-spectrum cephalosporins (86.8 - 94.7%), cefoxitin (86.8%), ertapenem (89.4%), imipenem (89.4%), meropenem (84.2%), amikacin (86.8%), ciprofloxacin (84.2%), tigecycline (42.1 %, MIC50 = 2 µg/mL), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT, 60.5%) and gentamicin (57.8%). S. Marcescens isolates exhibited additional susceptibility to fosfomycin (MIC50 = 8 µg/mL) and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (MIC50 = 1/19 µg/mL). Carbapenemase production was confirmed by Hodge modified test and inhibition by phenyl boronic acid in 76.31 and 73.68% of CESP and no CESP isolates, respectively. In fact, the presence of the blaKPC-2 gene was confirmed in 78.9% of enterobacterial isolates, whereas blaCTX-M ESBL gene variants were identified in 57.89% of the strains. S. Marcescens and E. aerogenes isolates were clonally related by ERIC-PCR being associated with outbreaks of nosocomial infection. Results of this study confirm that the production of KPC in Brazil occurs in a variety of species of Enterobacteriacea producing CTX-M-rype ESBLs, favoring the endemicity and the establisbment of outbreaks. A relevant finding was the high resistance to fosfomycin (66.66%) associated with the presence of the fosA2 gene in KPC-2-producing E. aerogenes and K. pneumoniae strains.

Atualmente, no Brasil, a produção de enzimas do tipo KPC constitui o principal mecanismo de resistência aos carbapenêmicos em Klebsiella pneumoniae, contribuindo para a endemicidade hospitalar da espécie. No presente estudo, foi caracterizada a produção de KPC em 38 enterobactérias que foram diferençadas entre os grupos CESP (enterobactérias com produção induzida da βlactamase AmpC, ex., Enterobacter spp., Serratia marcescens e Morganella morganii) e não CESP (ex., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli e Proteus mirabilis). pertencendo a isolados recuperados de pacientes colonizados e/ou apresentando infecção urinária, pneumonia ou bacteremia, em três centros médicos de três diferentes regiões do Brasil (Amazonas, Mato grosso, Minas Gerais), durante 2008-2013. Os isolados apresentaram resistência para cefalosporinas de amplo espectro (86,8 - 94,7%), cefoxitina (86,8%), ertapenem (89,4%), imipenem (89,4%), meropenem (84,2%), amicacina (86,8%), ciprof1oxacina (84,2%), tigeciclina (42,1 %, CIM50= 2 µg/ml), sulfametoxazol/trimetoprim (SXT, 60,5%) e gentamicina (57,8%). Entre bactérias do grupo CESP, os isolados de S. marcescens apresentaram sensibilidade para fosfomicina (CIM50= 8 µg/mL) e sulfametoxazol-trimetoprim (CIM50= 1/19 µg/mL). A produção de carbapenemase foi confirmada pelo teste de Hodge modificado e por inibição por acido fenil borônico em 76,31 e 73,68% dos isolados do grupo CESP e não CESP, respectivamente. A presença do gene blaKPC-2 foi confirmada em 78,9% dos isolados clinicos e variantes do gene blaCTX-M foram identificados em 57,89% das cepas. Cepas de S. marcescens e E. aerogenes clonalmente relacionadas por ERIC-PCR foram associadas a surtos de infecção nosocomial. Resultados do presente estudo confirmam que a produção de KPC no Brasil, ocorre em uma grande variedade de espécies de enterobactérias sendo frequentemente associada com a co-produção de ESBLs do tipo CTX-M, o que poderia favorecer a endemicidade com o subseqüente estabelecimento de surtos de infecção. Um dado relevante, foi à alta resistência a fosfomicina (66,66%) associada à presença do gene fosA2 em cepas de E. aerogenes e K. pneumoniae produtores de KPC-2. / Currently, in Brazil, the production of KPC-type enzymes is considered the main mechanism of carbapenem resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae, which has contributed for the nosocomial endemicity of this specie. In this study, the KPC production was characterized in 38 Enterobacteriaceae isolates differenced among CESP (Enterobacteriaceae with inducible production of AmpC-type β-lactamase, i.e., Enterobacter spp., Serratia marcescens and Morganella morganii) and not CESP (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli e Proteus mirabilis) groups recovered from colonized patients and/or with urinary tract infection, pneumonia or bacteremia, in three medicai centers from different regions of Brazil (Amazonas, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais) during 2011-2013. The isolates were resistant to broad-spectrum cephalosporins (86.8 - 94.7%), cefoxitin (86.8%), ertapenem (89.4%), imipenem (89.4%), meropenem (84.2%), amikacin (86.8%), ciprofloxacin (84.2%), tigecycline (42.1 %, MIC50 = 2 µg/mL), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT, 60.5%) and gentamicin (57.8%). S. Marcescens isolates exhibited additional susceptibility to fosfomycin (MIC50 = 8 µg/mL) and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (MIC50 = 1/19 µg/mL). Carbapenemase production was confirmed by Hodge modified test and inhibition by phenyl boronic acid in 76.31 and 73.68% of CESP and no CESP isolates, respectively. In fact, the presence of the blaKPC-2 gene was confirmed in 78.9% of enterobacterial isolates, whereas blaCTX-M ESBL gene variants were identified in 57.89% of the strains. S. Marcescens and E. aerogenes isolates were clonally related by ERIC-PCR being associated with outbreaks of nosocomial infection. Results of this study confirm that the production of KPC in Brazil occurs in a variety of species of Enterobacteriacea producing CTX-M-rype ESBLs, favoring the endemicity and the establisbment of outbreaks. A relevant finding was the high resistance to fosfomycin (66.66%) associated with the presence of the fosA2 gene in KPC-2-producing E. aerogenes and K. pneumoniae strains.

In this thesis, I present the properties of IRAS 19306+1407 central source and its sur- rounding circumstellar envelope (CSE), from the analysis of near-infrared (near-IR) polarimetry and integral field spectroscopy (IFS), with supporting archived HST im- ages and sub-millimetre (sub-mm) photometry. This is supported by axi-symmetric light scattering (ALS), axi-symmetric radiative transfer (DART) and molecular hy-drogen (H2) shock models. The polarimetric images show that IRAS 19306+1407 has a dusty torus, which deviates from axisymmetry and exhibits a ‘twist’ feature. The DART and ALS modelling shows that the CSE consists of Oxygen-rich sub-micrometre dust grains, with a range in temperature from 130±30 to 40±20 K at the inner and outer radius, respectively, with inner and outer radii of 1.9±0.1×1014 and 2.7±0.1×1015 m. The CSE detached 400±10 years ago and the mass loss lasted 5700±160 years, assuming a constant asymptotic giant branch (AGB) outflow speed of 15 km s−1. The dust mass and total mass of the CSE is 8.9±5×10−4 and 1.8±1.0×10 −1 M⊙, assuming a gas-to-dust ratio of 200. The mass loss rate was 3.4±2.1×10−5 M⊙ year−1. The central source is consistent with a B1I-type star with a radius of 3.8 ± 0.6 R⊙, luminosity of 4500 ± 340 L⊙ at a distance of 2.7 ± 0.1 kpc. A purpose built idl package (fus) was developed and used in the SINFONI IFS data critical final reduction steps. It also produced emission line, kinematic and line ratio images. The IFS observations show that H2 is detected throughout the CSE, located in bright arcs and in the bipolar lobes. The velocity of the H2 is greatest at the end of the lobes. Brγ emission originates from, or close, to the central source – produced by a fast jump (J) shock or photo-ionised atomic gas. The 1-0 S(1)/2- 1 S(1) and 1-0 S(1)/3-2 S(3) ratios were used as a diagnostic and determined that H2 was excited by bow shaped shocks; however, these shock models could not wholly explain the observed rotational and vibrational temperatures. The CDR values were fitted by combining continuous (C) or J-bow shock and fluorescence models, with a contribution from the latter, observed throughout the CSE (5–77 per cent). The majority of shock can be described by a C-bow shock model with B = 0.02 to 1.28 mG. Shocks are predominately seen in the equatorial regions. Polarimetry and IFS highlight a ‘twist’ feature, which could be due to an episodic jet undergoing a recent change in the outflow direction. The sub-arcsecond IFS observations reveal a flocculent structure in the south- east bright arc, consisting of several clumps interpreted as a fast-wind eroding an equatorial torus, possibly forming H2 knots seen in (some) evolved planetary nebulae (PNe). My analysis has effectively constrained the following: spectral type, stellar radius, luminosity and distance, chemistry, dust grain properties, geometry, age, mass loss, excitation mechanism and evolutionary state of the post-AGB star and its surrounding CSE. I conclude that IRAS 19306+1407 is a post-AGB object on the verge becoming a PN.

Bactérias multirresistentes (MRs) pertencentes ao grupo ESKAPE (i.e., Enterococcus faecium resistente à vancomicina, VRE; Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina, MRSA; Klebsiella spp., e Escherichia coli produtoras de β-lactamases de amplo espectro; Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Enterobacter spp. resistentes aos carbapenêmicos) são importantes patógenos de infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde (IRAS), onde a sua endemicidade e prevalência tem sido decorrente da seleção de linhagens clonais. Embora, o fenótipo MR decorra da expressão de mecanismos mediados por genes intrínsecos e/ou adquiridos, o crescimento bacteriano na forma de biofilme contribui para um importante fenômeno fisiológico de resistência, o qual é inespecífico quanto ao substrato antimicrobiano. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia de agentes físicos e químicos contra biofilmes produzidos por clones de bactérias MRs de importância clínica e epidemiológica no Brasil. Cerdas de poliamida foram utilizadas como modelo de superfície de adesão para o crescimento de biofilmes, os quais foram monitorados por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). In vivo, o modelo de biofilme foi avaliado pela inserção das cerdas na proleg de larvas de Galleria mellonella, enquanto que, diferentes tratamentos foram aplicados para inibir a formação do biofilme. Adicionalmente, mediante ao ensaio de bioluminescência, o modelo de biofilme produzido pela cepa de P. aeruginosa PAO1/lecA::lux foi avaliado na presença de soluções hipertônicas de cloreto de sódio (NaCl). In vitro, soluções hipertônicas de cloreto de sódio (> 6%) utilizadas de maneira profilática, apresentaram efeito bacteriostático (CIM90= 1,7 M) contra biofilmes produzidos por todos os isolados analisados. Além disso, através do uso profilático de soluções hipertônicas de NaCl, foi possível visualizar a inibição da motilidade dos isolados. Por outro lado, os compostos quaternários de amônio (CQAs) cloreto de benzalcônio (CBA) e cloreto de cetilpiridínio (CCP) apresentaram efeito bactericida (CBM90= 256 µg/mL) contra biofilmes previamente formados em 24h. A atividade de ambos os CQAs foi potencializada na presença de soluções salinas hipertônicas, como avaliado pela metodologia de checkerboard, tendo um efeito sinérgico contra E. coli (ST10, ST101) MCR-1 (∑FIC= 0,5); parcialmente sinérgico contra A. baumannii OXA-23 (ST79), E. cloacae CTX-M-8 (ST131), E. faecium VRE (ST478) e K. pneumoniae KPC-2 (ST340) (∑FIC= 0,75); e indiferente contra cepas de P. aeruginosa SPM-1 (ST277) e S. aureus MRSA (ST5). Adicionalmente, a CIM de carbapenêmicos, fluoroquinolonas e aminoglicosídeos contra biofilmes de bactérias Gram-negativas MRs foi potencializada na presença de solução salina hipertônica resultando em uma queda da CIM >=2. Finalmente, in vivo, para todas as espécies MRs estudadas, biofilmes formados em 08, 12 e 24h resultaram em 100% de morte das larvas de G. mellonella em até 96 horas pós-infecção. O mesmo comportamento foi observado para a cepa PAO1/lecA::lux, sendo possível detectar sinais intensos de bioluminescência nas larvas infectadas com os biofilmes. Entretanto, para os biofilmes previamente tratados com solução salina hipertônica, observou-se a diminuição dos sinais de bioluminescência em até 60%. Já para biofilmes formados em 24, 12 e 08h, o tratamento prévio em solução salina hipertônica e posteriormente com antibióticos resultou em um aumento de até 40, 70 e 80% da sobrevida de G. mellonella, respectivamente. / ESKAPE pathogens (ie, vancomycin-resistant (VRE) Enterococcus faecium; methicillin-resistant (MRSA) Staphylococcus aureus; extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella spp., and Escherichia coli; Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp. Resistant to carbapenems), represents an important group of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria related to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), whereas endemicity have been associated with selection and predominance of clones. Although the MR phenotype derives from the expression of mechanisms mediated by intrinsic and/or acquired genes, bacterial growth in the biofilm form contributes to an important physiological phenomenon of resistance, which is non-specific to the antimicrobial substrate. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of physical and chemical agents against biofilms produced by clones of MDR bacteria of clinical and epidemiological importance, in Brazil. Polyamide bristles were used as adhesion surface model for the growth of biofilms, which were monitored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In vivo, the biofilm model was evaluated by the insertion of the bristles into the proleg of larvae of Galleria mellonella, while different treatments and physicochemical conditions were applied to inhibit biofilm formation. Additionally, the biofilm model produced by the P. aeruginosa PAO1/lecA::lux strain was evaluated in the presence of hypertonic solutions of sodium chloride (NaCl). In vitro, hypertonic solutions of sodium chloride presented a bacteriostatic effect (MIC90 = 1.7 M) against biofilm formation of all the isolates analyzed. Moreover, through the prophylactic use of hypertonic solutions of NaCl, it was possible to observe the inhibition of the motility of the isolates. On the other hand, the ammonium quaternary compounds (QACs) benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) had a bactericidal effect (CBM90 = 256 µg / mL) against previously formed biofilms in 24h. The activity of both QACs was potentiated in the presence of hypertonic saline solutions, as evaluated by the checkerboard methodology, having a synergistic effect against E. coli (ST10, ST101) MCR-1 (∑FIC = 0.5); (ST340) (∑FIC = 0.75), E. faecium VRE (ST478) and K. pneumoniae KPC-2 (ST340), E. cloacae CTX-M-8 (ST131); and indifferent effect against strains of P. aeruginosa SPM-1 (ST277) and S. aureus MRSA (ST5). Furthermore, the MIC of carbapenems, fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides against biofilms of MDR Gram-negative bacteria was potentiated in the presence of hypertonic saline solution resulting in a decrease in MIC >=2-fold. Finally, for all MDR species studied, biofilms formed at 08, 12 and 24h resulted in 100% death of G. mellonella larvae within 96h post-infection. In fact, the same behavior was observed for the strain PAO1/lecA::lux, and it is possible to detect intense bioluminescence signals in the larvae infected with biofilms. However, for biofilms previously treated with hypertonic saline solution, bioluminescence signs decreased by up to 60%. As for biofilms formed at 24, 12 and 8h, pretreatment in hypertonic saline solution and later with antibiotics resulted in an increase of up to 40, 70 and 80% of the survival of G. mellonella, respectively.

Les carbones amorphes hydrogénés (a-C:H ou HAC) constituent une composante importante de la poussière interstellaire. Ces grains hydrocarbonés sont observés au travers de bandes d'absorption IR à 3.4, 6.9 et 7.3 microns, caractéristiques des vibrations des liaisons C-H aliphatiques. Leurs signatures spectrales sont détectées dans le milieu interstellaire diffus de différentes lignes de visée de la Voie Lactée, mais aussi de nombreuses autres galaxies. Cette thèse porte sur l'étude de ces a-C:H interstellaires, à la fois au travers d'observations de ces poussières, et grâce à la synthèse et la caractérisation d'analogues de laboratoire.Une première partie de mon travail de thèse est consacrée à l'observation de la bande à 3.4 microns des a-C:H du milieu interstellaire diffus galactique en direction de la source IRAS 18511+0146. La bande d'absorption des modes d'élongation C-H détectée dans cette direction, vers différentes lignes de visée proches les unes des autres, présente des profondeurs optiques similaires et les plus fortes observées dans la Voie Lactée en dehors du centre galactique. Différentes interprétations de la profonde bande dans cette direction sont discutées.Des analogues de ces poussières carbonées aliphatiques ont été synthétisés en laboratoire, sous forme de films, grâce à un plasma, et reproduisent bien les bandes IR observées dans le milieu interstellaire diffus. Ces échantillons ont été caractérisés par spectroscopie d'absorption dans l'UV-visible et l'IR.Puisque les a-C:H émettent un rayonnement visible après absorption de photons UV ou visibles, une partie de la thèse est consacrée à une étude systématique de cette photoluminescence. Pour la première fois, les rendements absolus et intrinsèques de photoluminescence d'a-C:H sont déterminés pour une large gamme de longueurs d'onde d'excitation. Les propriétés de la photoluminescence des a-C:H sont confrontées aux observations de l'Emission Rouge Etendue, une large bande d'émission interstellaire dont les porteurs ne sont pas identifiés.Afin de déduire l'influence des rayons cosmiques sur ces poussières carbonées, les analogues produits ont été irradiés par différents ions énergétiques dont le dépôt d'énergie est similaire à celui du rayonnement cosmique interstellaire. Les effets induits ont été suivies par IR. L'analyse de la déshydrogénation des a-C:H observée au travers de la disparition progressive des bandes des C-H aliphatiques permet de déduire l'évolution de ces poussières interstellaires et de leurs signatures spectrales sous l'effet des rayons cosmiques. La destruction induite par les rayons cosmiques est comparée aux effets de l'exposition aux photons UV et aux atomes d'hydrogène afin d'interpréter l'évolution de la bande d'absorption à 3.4 microns observée dans le milieu interstellaire diffus, mais pas dans les nuages denses.

A molecular-level understanding of a heterogeneous catalytic reaction is the key goal of heterogeneous catalysis. A surface science approach enables the realization of this goal. However, the working conditions (ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions) of traditional surface science techniques restrict the investigations of heterogeneous catalysis system under industrial working conditions (atmospheric pressures). Polarization Modulation Infrared Reflection-Absorption Spectroscopy (PM-IRAS) can be operated in both UHV and atmospheric pressure conditions with a wide temperature span while providing high resolution (4 cm-1 is used in this dissertation) spectra. In this dissertation, PM-IRAS has been employed as a major technique to: 1) obtain both electronic and chemical information of catalysts from UHV to elevated pressure conditions; 2) explore reaction mechanisms by in situ monitoring surface species with concurrent kinetic measurements. In this dissertation, NO adsorption and dissociation on Rh(111) have been studied. Our PM-IRAS spectra show a transition of NO adsorption on three-fold hollow sites to atop sites occurs at low temperatures (<275 K). NO dissociation is found to account for this transition. The results indicated the dissociation of NO occurs well below the temperature previously reported. Characterizations of highly catalytically active Au films have also been carried out. Electronic and chemical properties of (1 x 1)- and (1 x 3)-Au/TiOx/Mo(112) films are investigated by PM-IRAS using CO as a probe molecule. The Au overlayers are found to be electron-rich and to have significantly different electronic properties compared with bulk Au. The exceptionally high catalytic activity of the Au bilayer structure is related to its unique electronic properties. CO oxidation reactions on Rh, Pd, and Pt single crystals are explored from low CO pressures under steady-state conditions (less than 1 x 10-4 Torr) to high pressures (0.01-10 Torr) at various gaseous reactant compositions. Surface CO species are probed with in situ PM-IRAS to elucidate the surface phases under reaction conditions. These experimental results are used to correlate reaction kinetics and surface reactant species. It is evident that there is a continuum over the pressure range studied with respect to the reaction mechanism. The most active phase has been shown to be an oxygen-dominant surface. The formation of a subsurface oxygen layer is found to deactivate the reaction.

Fundamental understanding of atmospheric corrosion mechanisms requires an in-depth understanding on the dynamic interaction between corrosive constituents and metal/alloy surfaces. This doctoral study comprises field and laboratory investigations that assess atmospheric corrosion and metal release processes for two different groups of alloys exposed in chloride-rich environments. These groups comprise two commercial Zn-Al alloy coatings on steel, Galfan™ (Zn5Al) and Galvalume™ (Zn55Al), and four copper-based alloys (Cu4Sn, Cu15Zn, Cu40Zn and Cu5Zn5Al). In-depth laboratory investigations were conducted to assess the role of chloride deposition and alloy microstructure on the initial corrosion mechanisms and subsequent corrosion product formation. Comparisons were made with long-term field exposures at unsheltered marine conditions in Brest, France. A multitude of surface sensitive and non-destructive analytical methods were adopted for detailed in-situ and ex-situ analysis to assess corrosion product evolution scenarios for the Zn-Al and the Cu-based alloys. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) were employed for morphological investigations and scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy (SKPFM) for nobility distribution measurements and to gain microstructural information. SEM/EDS, infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (IRAS), confocal Raman micro-spectroscopy (CRM) and grazing incidence x-ray diffraction (GIXRD) were utilized to gain information on corrosion product formation and possibly their lateral distribution upon field and laboratory exposures. The multi-analytical approach enabled the exploration of the interplay between the microstructure and corrosion initiation and corrosion product evolution. A clear influence of the microstructure on the initial corrosion product formation was preferentially observed in the zinc-rich phase for both the Zn-Al and the Cu-Zn alloys, processes being triggered by microgalvanic effects. Similar corrosion products were identified upon laboratory exposures with chlorides for both the Zn-Al and the Cu-based alloys as observed after short and long term marine exposures at field conditions. For the Zn-Al alloys the sequence includes the initial formation of ZnO, ZnAl2O4 and/or Al2O3 and subsequent formation of Zn6Al2(OH)16CO3·4H2O, and Zn2Al(OH)6Cl·2H2O and/or Zn5(OH)8Cl2·H2O. The patina of Cu sheet consists of two main layers with Cu2O predominating in the inner layer and Cu2(OH)3Cl in the outer layer, and with a discontinuous presence of CuCl in-between. Additional patina constituents of the Cu-based alloys include SnO2, Zn5(OH)6(CO3)2, Zn6Al2(OH)16CO3·4H2O and Al2O3. General scenarios for the evolution of corrosion products are proposed as well as a corrosion product flaking mechanism for some of the Cu-based alloys upon exposure in chloride-rich atmospheres. The tendency for corrosion product flaking was considerably more pronounced on Cu sheet and Cu4Sn compared with Cu15Zn and Cu5Al5Zn. This difference is explained by the initial formation of zinc- and zinc-aluminum hydroxycarbonates Zn5(OH)6(CO3)2 and Zn6Al2(OH)16CO3·4H2O on Cu15Zn and Cu5Al5Zn, corrosion products that delay the formation of CuCl, a precursor of Cu2(OH)3Cl. As a result, the observed volume expansion during transformation of CuCl to Cu2(OH)3Cl, and the concomitant flaking process of corrosion products, was less severe on Cu15Zn and Cu5Al5Zn compared with Cu and Cu4Sn in chloride-rich environments. The results confirm the barrier effect of poorly soluble zinc and zinc-aluminum hydroxycarbonates Zn5(OH)6(CO3)2 and Zn6Al2(OH)16CO3·4H2O, which results in a reduced interaction between chlorides and surfaces of Cu-based alloys, and thereby reduced formation rates of easily flaked off corrosion products. From this process also follows reduced metal release rates from the Zn-Al alloys. / Bättre molekylär förståelse för metallers atmosfäriska korrosion kräver en fördjupad kunskap i det dynamiska samspelet mellan atmosfärens korrosiva beståndsdelar och metallytan. Denna doktorsavhandling omfattar laboratorie- och fältundersökningar av korrosions- och metallfrigöringsprocesser av två grupper av legeringar som exponerats i kloridrika atmosfärsmiljöer: två kommersiella Zn-Al beläggningar på stål, Galfan™ (Zn med 5% Al, förkortat Zn5Al) och Galvalume™ (Zn55Al), samt fyra kopparbaserade legeringar (Cu4Sn, Cu15Zn, Cu40Zn och Cu5Zn5Al). Undersökningar har genomförts i renodlade laboratorie-miljöer med för-deponerade NaCl-partiklar i en atmosfär av varierande relativ fuktighet. Syftet har varit att utvärdera betydelsen av kloriders deposition och legeringarnas mikrostruktur på korrosionsmekanismen samt bildandet av korrosionsprodukter. Jämförelser av korrosionsmekanismer har även gjorts efter flerårsexponeringar av samma legeringar i en marin fältmiljö i Brest, Frankrike. Undersökningarna har baserats på ett brett spektrum av analysmetoder för detaljerade studier dels under pågående atmosfärisk korrosion (in-situ), och dels efter avslutad korrosion (ex-situ). Legeringarnas mikrostruktur och tillhörande variation i ädelhet hos olika faser har undersökts med svepelektronmikroskopi och energidispersiv röntgenmikroanalys (SEM/EDS) samt med en variant av atomkraftsmikroskopi (engelska: scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy, SKPFM). Korrosionsprodukternas tillväxt har analyserats in-situ med infraröd reflektions-absorptionsspektroskopi (IRAS), samt morfologi och sammansättning av bildade korrosionsprodukter ex-situ med SEM/EDS, konfokal Raman mikro-spektroskopi (CRM) samt röntgendiffraktion vid strykande ifall (GIXRD). Det multi-analytiska tillvägagångssättet har medfört att det komplexa samspelet mellan de skilda legeringarnas mikrostruktur, korrosionsinitiering och bildandet av korrosionsprodukter kunnat studeras i detalj. En tydlig påverkan av mikrostruktur på det initiala korrosionsförloppet har kunnat påvisas. Korrosionsinitieringen sker företrädesvis i mer zinkrika faser för såväl Zn-Al- som Cu-Zn-legeringar och orsakas av mikro-galvaniska effekter mellan de mer zinkrika, mindre ädla, faserna och omgivande faser. Deponerade NaCl-partiklar påskyndar den lokala korrosionen oberoende av mikrostruktur. Snarlika sekvenser av korrosionsprodukter har kunnat påvisas såväl efter laboratorie- som fältexponeringar. För Zn-Al-legeringar bildas först ZnO, ZnAl2O4 och/eller Al2O3, därefter Zn6Al2(OH)16CO3·4H2O och Zn2Al(OH)6Cl·2H2O och/eller Zn5(OH)8Cl2·H2O. På ren koppar bildas ett inre skikt dominerat av Cu2O, ett mellanskikt av CuCl och ett yttre skikt med i huvudsak Cu2(OH)3Cl. Beroende på legeringstillsats har även SnO2 och Zn5(OH)6(CO3)2 kunnat identifieras. En mekanism för flagning av korrosionsprodukter på kopparbaserade legeringar i kloridrika atmosfärer har utvecklats. Tendensen för flagning har visat sig vara mycket mer uttalad på ren Cu och Cu4Sn än på Cu15Zn och Cu5Al5Zn. Skillnaden kan förklaras med hjälp av det tidiga bildandet av Zn5(OH)6(CO3)2 och Zn6Al2(OH)16CO3·4H2O på Cu15Zn och Cu5Al5Zn som fördröjer bildandet av CuCl, en föregångare till Cu2(OH)3Cl. Därigenom hämmas även den observerade volymexpansionen som sker när CuCl omvandlas till Cu2(OH)3Cl, en process som visar sig vara den egentliga orsaken till att korrosionsprodukterna flagar. Resultaten bekräftar barriäreffekten hos de mer svårlösliga faserna Zn5(OH)6(CO3)2 och Zn6Al2(OH)16CO3·4H2O, vilken dels resulterar i en minskad växelverkan mellan klorider och de legeringsytor där dessa faser kan bildas, och dels i en reducerad metallfrigöringshastighet. / <p>QC 20140915</p> / Autocorr, RFSR-CT-2009-00015 Corrosion of heterogeneous metal-metal assemblies in the automotive industry / Atmospheric corrosion and environmental metal dispersion from outdoor construction materials