Métodos de Microbiologia de anaeróbios estritos e de Biologia Molecular foram empregados para se conhecer a diversidade de microrganismos relacionados à degradação de ascarel em reatores anaeróbios metanogênicos. A avaliação de potencial metanogênico foi realizada para a escolha da melhor condição nutricional, bem como, para a seleção de material suporte e solvente adequado a solubilização do ascarel. Nos ensaios em batelada, a produção de metano foi maior nos reatores contendo etanol (média de 0,22 - 0,46 molCH4/gSTV, 46h). Remoção de 85,6% (86,7 mg/L de PCB em Aroclor 1016 e 1260) foi obtida na condição com espuma de poliuretano, etanol (46g/L) e formiato (680 mg/L). Diferentes solventes e surfactantes, tais como, DMSO, dioxano, ácido acético, ácido fórmico, n-hexano, acetona, etano, metanol, Tween 80, SDS (10%) e Triton X-100 foram avaliados para a solubilização de ascarel. Dentre esses, metanol, Triton X-100 e ácido fórmico foram eleitos para a realização de ensaio em reatores em batelada contendo espuma de poliuretano, com o propósito de avaliar o potencial metanogênico na degradação de PCB. Os valores de produção de metano foram muito semelhantes (0,21 0,38 molCH4/mLgSTV, 45h) nas diferentes condições, no entanto, a remoção de PCB foi maior nos reatores com metanol 790 mg/L (86,6%), ácido Fórmico 600 mg/L (84,5%) e Triton X-100 1% (72,1%). Portanto, a melhor condição foi contemplada para a operação do reator anaeróbio horizontal de leito fixo (RAHLF) no tratamento do ascarel, ou seja, células imobilizadas em espuma de poliuretano, etanol e formiato (como fonte de carbono), Triton X-100 (0,1%) e metanol (como solvente). No RAHLF, a remoção média de matéria orgânica (DQO) foi de 91% para concentração afluente média de 1270 mg/L. A presença de morfologias semelhantes à Methanosarcina e bacilos fluorescentes foi confirmada em exames microscópicos. Na análise filogenética, por meio de PCR/DGGE e seqüenciamento das bandas recortadas, os grupos encontrados foram relacionados aos Filos Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Spirochaetes, Chlorobi e Chloroflexi, sendo que neste último estão incluídos representantes relacionados a degradação de PCBs. Dentre as arquéias metanogênicas verificou-se similaridade de 99% e 97% com Methanosaeta sp. e Methanolinea sp., relacionadas com a metanogenese acetoclástica e hidrogenotrófica, respectivamente / Molecular biology and microbiology methods were used to study the microbial communities related to degradation of ascarel at methanogenic conditions in an anaerobic reactor. The methanogenic potential was evaluated to choose the better nutritional condition as well as to select the better support material and the most suitable solvent to favor the solubilization of ascarel. The methane production was higher (0.22 0.46 molCH4/mLgSTV, 46h) in batch reactors containing ethanol (46 g/L) and formate (680 mg/L), the PCB elimination attaining 85.6% (86.7 mg/L de PCB as Aroclor 1016 and 1260) when Polyuretane foam was used as support material. Different solvents, namely DMSO, dioxane, n-hexane, acetic acid, formic acid, acetone, ethane, methanol, and surfactants, such as 10% SDS,, Triton X-100, were evaluated aiming o determine the better condition to solubilize ascarel. According to the results of such experiments, methanol, formic acid and Triton X-100 were selected for carrying out the batch experiments in reactors containing polyurethane foam to evaluate the methane production during the PCBs degradation. Regardless of the operation conditions the methane production rates were similar (0.21 0.38 molCH4/gSTV, 45h), however the elimination of PCB was higher in the reactors containing methanol (790 mg/L), formic acid (600 mg/L) and Triton X-100 (1%). Therefore, the better condition for treating ascarel-containing residues in a bench-scale horizontal-flow immobilized biomass (HAIB) was attained with cells immobilized in polyurethane foam when ethanol and formate were used as carbon sources, and in presence of Triton X-100 and methanol, the average elimination of organic material attaining 91% for affluent concentration of 1270 mg/L. The presence of Methanosarcina and fluorescent rods was confirmed by microscopy analysis. According to the filogenetics analysis, which was carried out by PCR/DGGE and band-sequencing, the Bacteria domain are related to the Filos Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Spirochaetes, Chlorobi and Chloroflexi, this latter being directly related to the degradation of PCB. Among the methanogenic Archea, a similiraty of 99% and 97% was observed to Methanosaeta sp. and Methanolinea sp. related to acetoclastic and hydrogenthrophic methanogenesis, respectively

O ácido clavulânico é um potente inibidor de β-lactamases utilizado como terapêutico em associação à amoxicilina. O processo industrial de obtenção envolve o cultivo bacteriano em processo descontínuo, enquanto que a sua purificação é realizada, principalmente, por processos de extração líquido-líquido com solventes orgânicos e etapas cromatográficas. Assim, métodos alternativos como a purificação empregando sistemas micelares de duas fases aquosas (SMDFA), os quais oferecem um ambiente hidrofóbico e hidrofílico que possibilita seletividade na partição de biomoléculas de acordo com sua hidrofobicidade, são de grande interesse. Neste trabalho estudou-se a viabilidade da utilização de sistema micelar misto (não-iônico/aniônico) de duas fases aquosas formados pelos tensoativos não-iônico Triton X-114 e aniônico AOT na extração do ácido clavulânico proveniente de cultivo submerso de Streptomyces clavuligerus em processo descontínuo. A estabilidade do ácido clavulânico em relação ao pH, sais e suas concentrações, temperatura e aos tensoativos foi investigada visando limitar as regiões a serem estudadas nas extrações. Determinou-se ainda o ponto névoa dos sistemas Triton X-114/Tampão e Triton X-114/AOT/Tampão em diferentes condições, bem como, estudos de migração da biomolécula para as fases e do tempo necessário para o equilíbrio do sistema. A partir destas investigações iniciais, foram definidos os níveis das variáveis: concentração de AOT (0,50, 0,75 e 1,00 mM), Triton X-114 (1, 3 e 5% m/m), NaCl (0, 0,05 e 0,10 M) e temperatura (24, 26 e 28°C), cujas influências sobre o coeficiente de partição (KAC) e recuperação da biomolécula na fase diluída (nAC) foram investigadas através de um planejamento fatorial. A análise estatística e o modelo matemático obtido a partir dos resultados para KAC revelou ser possível obterem-se KAC≈ 1,65 e nAC≈ 71,58%. No entanto, a análise estatística empregando nAC como resposta apontou condições experimentais desprovidas de significado físico-químico. Em experimentos seriados realizados com Triton X-114 3% m/m, Tampão Mcllavine pH 6,5 e adição gradual de AOT, um aumento da concentração deste tensoativo levou a maiores KAC e Balanço de massa (BMAC)≈ 85%. Desta forma é possível concluir que o sistema micelar misto de duas fases aquosas proporciona baixa perda da biomolécula e partição para a fase diluída, que é uma vantagem devido a menores problemas em uma etapa subsequente de purificação. / Clavulanic acid is a potent inhibitor of β-lactamases that is used as a therapeutic in conjunction with amoxicillin. Its industrial process of production involves bacterial growing in a batch process, while its purification is carried out mainly by process of liquid-liquid extraction with organic solvents and chromatographic steps. Thus, alternative methods like the purification employing two-phase aqueous micellar systems, which offer both hydrophobic and hydrophilic environments to solute species and allow selectivity in partitioning depending on the hydrophobicity of biomolecules, are of great concern. This work studied the feasibility of using two-phase aqueous mixed (nonionic/anionic) micellar systems formed by nonionic surfactant Triton X-114 and anionic surfactant AOT to extract clavulanic acid from broths fermented by Streptomyces clavuligerus in batch process. The stability of clavulanic acid at different values of pH, salts and their concentration, temperature and in the presence of different surfactants was investigated so as to limit the areas to be submitted to further studies. The cloud-point of the systems Triton X-114/Buffer and Triton X-114/AOT/Buffer was also determined under different conditions, and studies were performed on partitioning the biomolecule between the phases and the time needed to balance of the system. From these initial investigations the following levels of the variables were defined: concentration of AOT (0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 mM), Triton X-114 (1, 3 and 5% w/w), NaCl (0, 0.05 and 0.10 M) and temperature (24, 26 and 28°C), whose influences on the partition coefficient (KCA) and yield in the top phase (nCA) were investigated using factorial design. Statistical analysis and the mathematical model derived from the results allowed obtaining KCA≈ 1.65 e nCA≈ 71.58%. However, the statistical analysis using the response nCA indicated experimental conditions devoid of any physico-chemical meaning. In serial experiments performed with Triton X-114 3% w/w, Mcllvaine buffer at 6.5 pH and gradual addition of AOT, an increase in the concentration of anionic surfactant led to higher KCA and mass balance (BMCA≈ 85%). Thus, is possible conclude that the two-phase aqueous mixed micellar system provides low loss and partition to dilute phase, which is an advantage because it implies less problems in a subsequent step of purification.

Métodos de Microbiologia de anaeróbios estritos e de Biologia Molecular foram empregados para se conhecer a diversidade de microrganismos relacionados à degradação de ascarel em reatores anaeróbios metanogênicos. A avaliação de potencial metanogênico foi realizada para a escolha da melhor condição nutricional, bem como, para a seleção de material suporte e solvente adequado a solubilização do ascarel. Nos ensaios em batelada, a produção de metano foi maior nos reatores contendo etanol (média de 0,22 - 0,46 molCH4/gSTV, 46h). Remoção de 85,6% (86,7 mg/L de PCB em Aroclor 1016 e 1260) foi obtida na condição com espuma de poliuretano, etanol (46g/L) e formiato (680 mg/L). Diferentes solventes e surfactantes, tais como, DMSO, dioxano, ácido acético, ácido fórmico, n-hexano, acetona, etano, metanol, Tween 80, SDS (10%) e Triton X-100 foram avaliados para a solubilização de ascarel. Dentre esses, metanol, Triton X-100 e ácido fórmico foram eleitos para a realização de ensaio em reatores em batelada contendo espuma de poliuretano, com o propósito de avaliar o potencial metanogênico na degradação de PCB. Os valores de produção de metano foram muito semelhantes (0,21 0,38 molCH4/mLgSTV, 45h) nas diferentes condições, no entanto, a remoção de PCB foi maior nos reatores com metanol 790 mg/L (86,6%), ácido Fórmico 600 mg/L (84,5%) e Triton X-100 1% (72,1%). Portanto, a melhor condição foi contemplada para a operação do reator anaeróbio horizontal de leito fixo (RAHLF) no tratamento do ascarel, ou seja, células imobilizadas em espuma de poliuretano, etanol e formiato (como fonte de carbono), Triton X-100 (0,1%) e metanol (como solvente). No RAHLF, a remoção média de matéria orgânica (DQO) foi de 91% para concentração afluente média de 1270 mg/L. A presença de morfologias semelhantes à Methanosarcina e bacilos fluorescentes foi confirmada em exames microscópicos. Na análise filogenética, por meio de PCR/DGGE e seqüenciamento das bandas recortadas, os grupos encontrados foram relacionados aos Filos Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Spirochaetes, Chlorobi e Chloroflexi, sendo que neste último estão incluídos representantes relacionados a degradação de PCBs. Dentre as arquéias metanogênicas verificou-se similaridade de 99% e 97% com Methanosaeta sp. e Methanolinea sp., relacionadas com a metanogenese acetoclástica e hidrogenotrófica, respectivamente / Molecular biology and microbiology methods were used to study the microbial communities related to degradation of ascarel at methanogenic conditions in an anaerobic reactor. The methanogenic potential was evaluated to choose the better nutritional condition as well as to select the better support material and the most suitable solvent to favor the solubilization of ascarel. The methane production was higher (0.22 0.46 molCH4/mLgSTV, 46h) in batch reactors containing ethanol (46 g/L) and formate (680 mg/L), the PCB elimination attaining 85.6% (86.7 mg/L de PCB as Aroclor 1016 and 1260) when Polyuretane foam was used as support material. Different solvents, namely DMSO, dioxane, n-hexane, acetic acid, formic acid, acetone, ethane, methanol, and surfactants, such as 10% SDS,, Triton X-100, were evaluated aiming o determine the better condition to solubilize ascarel. According to the results of such experiments, methanol, formic acid and Triton X-100 were selected for carrying out the batch experiments in reactors containing polyurethane foam to evaluate the methane production during the PCBs degradation. Regardless of the operation conditions the methane production rates were similar (0.21 0.38 molCH4/gSTV, 45h), however the elimination of PCB was higher in the reactors containing methanol (790 mg/L), formic acid (600 mg/L) and Triton X-100 (1%). Therefore, the better condition for treating ascarel-containing residues in a bench-scale horizontal-flow immobilized biomass (HAIB) was attained with cells immobilized in polyurethane foam when ethanol and formate were used as carbon sources, and in presence of Triton X-100 and methanol, the average elimination of organic material attaining 91% for affluent concentration of 1270 mg/L. The presence of Methanosarcina and fluorescent rods was confirmed by microscopy analysis. According to the filogenetics analysis, which was carried out by PCR/DGGE and band-sequencing, the Bacteria domain are related to the Filos Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Spirochaetes, Chlorobi and Chloroflexi, this latter being directly related to the degradation of PCB. Among the methanogenic Archea, a similiraty of 99% and 97% was observed to Methanosaeta sp. and Methanolinea sp. related to acetoclastic and hydrogenthrophic methanogenesis, respectively

O ácido clavulânico é um potente inibidor de β-lactamases utilizado como terapêutico em associação à amoxicilina. O processo industrial de obtenção envolve o cultivo bacteriano em processo descontínuo, enquanto que a sua purificação é realizada, principalmente, por processos de extração líquido-líquido com solventes orgânicos e etapas cromatográficas. Assim, métodos alternativos como a purificação empregando sistemas micelares de duas fases aquosas (SMDFA), os quais oferecem um ambiente hidrofóbico e hidrofílico que possibilita seletividade na partição de biomoléculas de acordo com sua hidrofobicidade, são de grande interesse. Neste trabalho estudou-se a viabilidade da utilização de sistema micelar misto (não-iônico/aniônico) de duas fases aquosas formados pelos tensoativos não-iônico Triton X-114 e aniônico AOT na extração do ácido clavulânico proveniente de cultivo submerso de Streptomyces clavuligerus em processo descontínuo. A estabilidade do ácido clavulânico em relação ao pH, sais e suas concentrações, temperatura e aos tensoativos foi investigada visando limitar as regiões a serem estudadas nas extrações. Determinou-se ainda o ponto névoa dos sistemas Triton X-114/Tampão e Triton X-114/AOT/Tampão em diferentes condições, bem como, estudos de migração da biomolécula para as fases e do tempo necessário para o equilíbrio do sistema. A partir destas investigações iniciais, foram definidos os níveis das variáveis: concentração de AOT (0,50, 0,75 e 1,00 mM), Triton X-114 (1, 3 e 5% m/m), NaCl (0, 0,05 e 0,10 M) e temperatura (24, 26 e 28°C), cujas influências sobre o coeficiente de partição (KAC) e recuperação da biomolécula na fase diluída (nAC) foram investigadas através de um planejamento fatorial. A análise estatística e o modelo matemático obtido a partir dos resultados para KAC revelou ser possível obterem-se KAC≈ 1,65 e nAC≈ 71,58%. No entanto, a análise estatística empregando nAC como resposta apontou condições experimentais desprovidas de significado físico-químico. Em experimentos seriados realizados com Triton X-114 3% m/m, Tampão Mcllavine pH 6,5 e adição gradual de AOT, um aumento da concentração deste tensoativo levou a maiores KAC e Balanço de massa (BMAC)≈ 85%. Desta forma é possível concluir que o sistema micelar misto de duas fases aquosas proporciona baixa perda da biomolécula e partição para a fase diluída, que é uma vantagem devido a menores problemas em uma etapa subsequente de purificação. / Clavulanic acid is a potent inhibitor of β-lactamases that is used as a therapeutic in conjunction with amoxicillin. Its industrial process of production involves bacterial growing in a batch process, while its purification is carried out mainly by process of liquid-liquid extraction with organic solvents and chromatographic steps. Thus, alternative methods like the purification employing two-phase aqueous micellar systems, which offer both hydrophobic and hydrophilic environments to solute species and allow selectivity in partitioning depending on the hydrophobicity of biomolecules, are of great concern. This work studied the feasibility of using two-phase aqueous mixed (nonionic/anionic) micellar systems formed by nonionic surfactant Triton X-114 and anionic surfactant AOT to extract clavulanic acid from broths fermented by Streptomyces clavuligerus in batch process. The stability of clavulanic acid at different values of pH, salts and their concentration, temperature and in the presence of different surfactants was investigated so as to limit the areas to be submitted to further studies. The cloud-point of the systems Triton X-114/Buffer and Triton X-114/AOT/Buffer was also determined under different conditions, and studies were performed on partitioning the biomolecule between the phases and the time needed to balance of the system. From these initial investigations the following levels of the variables were defined: concentration of AOT (0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 mM), Triton X-114 (1, 3 and 5% w/w), NaCl (0, 0.05 and 0.10 M) and temperature (24, 26 and 28°C), whose influences on the partition coefficient (KCA) and yield in the top phase (nCA) were investigated using factorial design. Statistical analysis and the mathematical model derived from the results allowed obtaining KCA≈ 1.65 e nCA≈ 71.58%. However, the statistical analysis using the response nCA indicated experimental conditions devoid of any physico-chemical meaning. In serial experiments performed with Triton X-114 3% w/w, Mcllvaine buffer at 6.5 pH and gradual addition of AOT, an increase in the concentration of anionic surfactant led to higher KCA and mass balance (BMCA≈ 85%). Thus, is possible conclude that the two-phase aqueous mixed micellar system provides low loss and partition to dilute phase, which is an advantage because it implies less problems in a subsequent step of purification.

Este trabalho apresenta: 1) Duas revisões bibliográficas sendo uma sobre a síntese de α-ceto-tioésteres e -ésteres e a outra sobre a decomposição de sulfóxidos e sulfonas sulfeniladas; 2) Investigações prévias indicando a viabilidade da decomposição térmica e a estabilidade relativa dos derivados bissulfenilados de tioésteres de diferentes estados de oxidação Ia-e, obtidos a partir do α-ceto-tioéster; 3) O estudo de síntese de precursores de α-ceto-tioésteres II e α-ceto-ésteres III, a saber: α - metilsulfonil- α - metiltio tioésteres IVa-c, -éster V e α, α - dimetiltio - ésteres VIa-c; 4) Decomposição térmica de α-metilsulfonil-α-metiltio-tioésteres Iva, b e c e -éster V sintetizados aos α-ceto-tioésteres e ésteres correspondentes, pelo emprego do método elaborado anteriormente por Wladislaw e col. e sugestão do mecanismo da mesma. A síntese de α metilsulfonil α metiltio tiopropionato de etila (Ivb), foi efetuada a partir do ácido α-cloro propiônico através de quatro passos reacionais, a saber: sulfenilação por substituição, oxidação à sulfona , tioesterificação e sulfenilação pelo emprego de NaH/MeS02SMe em DMSO. A obtenção do α - benzil - α - metilsulfonil - α - metiltio - tioacetato de etila (Ivc) foi efetuada a partir de ácido α-cloro acético através de reações de sulfenilação por substituição oxidação à sulfona tioesterificação alquilação com brometo de benzila e NaH em DMSO e, finalmente, a sulfenilação que só foi possível com o emprego de N-metiltioftalimida. A síntese de α-metilsulfonil-α-metiltio-propionato de etila (V) foi efetuada a partir do α-metilsulfonil malonato VIIa pelo eemprego do método de descarbetoxilação sulfenilativa usando 1,4 diazabiciclo [2,2,2] octano (DABCO) em tolueno sob refluxo e MeSO2SMe. Os compostos VIIa,b e c foram preparados a partir dos malonatos de dietila alquil - substituidos, seguido de sulfenilação e oxidação à sulfona. É de interesse a inédita reação de α - metilsulfonil fenilmalonato de dietila (VIIb), com DABCO em benzeno sob refluxo e MeSO2SMe, que conduziu à dessulfonilação sulfenilativa fornecendo o α - metiltio - fenilmalonato de dietila. É apresentada uma discussão mecanística tanto sobre descarbetoxilação, como sobre dessulfonilação sulfenilativas. A síntese de α,α-dimetiltio-ésteres VIa-c foi efetuada pela reação de sulfenilação com descarboxilação dos mono-ácidos malônicos correspondentes. O acompanhamento da descarboxilação e experimentos de deuteração permitiram esclarecer a sequência dos passos reacionais nestas novas reações. Cabe ressaltar que são compostos ainda não descritos na literatura os precursores IVa, IVb, IVc, V e Vib e 11 intermediários envolvidos nas reações efetuadas. Os resultados apresentados neste trabalho, além de importância sintética, trazem uma contribuição para a Química de Compostos Orgânicos de Enxofre. / This work presents: 1) Two literature reviews, one about the synthesis of α-keto thioesters and esters and the other on the decomposition of sulfenylated sulfoxides and sulfones; 2) Previous investigations indicating the viability of thermal decomposition and the relative stability of the dithioderivatives of different oxidation states Ia-e,which were obtained from the α-keto thioester; 3) The study of synthesis of α-keto thioesters II and esters III precursors, which are the following: α-methylsulfonyl-α-methylthio-thioesters IVa-c and -ester V, and α, α - dimethylthio esters VIa-c; 4) Thermal decomposition of the synthesized α - methylsulfonyl- α -methylthio- thioesters Iva,b e c and ester V, to the corresponding α-keto thioesters and α-keto ester, through the method developed by Wladislaw et al., with the suggestion of the mechanism. α-Methylsulfonyl-α-methylthio ethyl thiopropionate (Ivb) was synthesized from α-chloro-propionic acid in four steps: sulfenylative substitution, oxidation to sulfone, thioesterification and sulfenylation using NaH/MeSO2SMe in DMSO. α-Benzyl-α-methylsulfonyl-α-methylthio ethyl thioacetate (,i>Ivc) was obtained from α-chloro acetic acid through the following steps: sulfenylative substitution, oxidation to sulfone, thioesterification, alkylation with benzylbromide and NaH in DMSO, and finally, the sulfenylation which was successful only with the use of N-methylthiophtalimide. α-Methylsulfonyl-α-methylthio ethyl propionate (V) was synthesized through the sulfenylative decarbethoxylation of α methylsulfonyl diethyl malonate VIIa employing DABCO (1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2.]octane), in refluxing toluene, and MeSO2Sme. The compounds VIIa,b e c were obtained by the alkylation of malonates, followed by sulfenylation and oxidation to sulfones. An interesting and novel reaction, the sulfenylative desulfonylation, was observed when α-methylsulfonyl phenyldiethyl malonate (VIIb) was treated with DABCO, in refluxing benzene and MeSO2SMe, which led to the α-methylthio diethyl malonate. A mechanistic discussion about the sulfenylative decarbethoxylation and sulfenylative desulfonylation is presented. α, α-dimethylthio esters VIa-c were synthesized by sulfenylation and decarboxylation of the corresponding malonic half-esters. The sequence of the steps of this new reaction could be determined by deuteration experiments and by following the evolution of CO2. The precursors IV, IVb, IVc, V e Vib and 11 intermediates were unknown compounds. This work, besides the synthetical importance, presents some contribution to the Organosulfur Chemistry.

<p>When the heavy hydrogen isotopes deuterium (D) and tritium (T) undergo nuclear fusion large amounts of energy are released. At the Joint European Torus (JET) research is performed on how to harvest this energy. Two of the most important fusion reactions, d+d→³He+n (E_n = 2.5 MeV) and d+t→⁴He+n (E_n = 14 MeV), produce neutrons. This thesis investigates how measurements of these neutrons can provide information on the fusion performance.</p><p>The Magnetic Proton Recoil (MPR) neutron spectrometer has operated at JET since 1996. The spectrometer was designed to provide measurements on the 14 MeV neutron emission in DT operation, thereby conveying information on the state of the fuel ions. However, a majority of today’s fusion experiments are performed with pure D fuel. Under such conditions, the measurements with the MPR were severely hampered due to interfering background. This prompted an upgrade of the instrument. The upgrade, described in this thesis, included a new focal plane detector, a phoswich scintillator array, and new data acquisition electronics, based on transient recorder cards. This combination allows for pulse shape discrimination techniques to be applied and a signal to background of 5/1 has been achieved in measurements of the 2.5-MeV neutrons in D experiments. The upgrade also includes a new control and monitoring system, which enables the monitoring and correction of gain variations in the spectrometer’s photo multiplier tubes. Such corrections are vital for obtaining good data quality.</p><p>In addition, this thesis describes a new method for determining the total neutron yield and hence the fusion power by using a MPR spectrometer in combination with a neutron emission profile monitor. The system has been operated at JET both during DT and D experiments. It is found that the systematic uncertainties are considerably lower (≈6 %) than for traditional systems. For a dedicated system designed for the next generation fusion experiments, i.e, ITER, uncertainties of 4 % could be attained.</p><p>Neutron spectroscopy can also be an important tool for determining the neutron emission from residual tritium in D plasmas. This information is combined with other measurements at JET in order to determine the confinement of the 1 MeV tritons from the d+d→t+p reactions.</p>

When the heavy hydrogen isotopes deuterium (D) and tritium (T) undergo nuclear fusion large amounts of energy are released. At the Joint European Torus (JET) research is performed on how to harvest this energy. Two of the most important fusion reactions, d+d→3He+n (En = 2.5 MeV) and d+t→4He+n (En = 14 MeV), produce neutrons. This thesis investigates how measurements of these neutrons can provide information on the fusion performance. The Magnetic Proton Recoil (MPR) neutron spectrometer has operated at JET since 1996. The spectrometer was designed to provide measurements on the 14 MeV neutron emission in DT operation, thereby conveying information on the state of the fuel ions. However, a majority of today’s fusion experiments are performed with pure D fuel. Under such conditions, the measurements with the MPR were severely hampered due to interfering background. This prompted an upgrade of the instrument. The upgrade, described in this thesis, included a new focal plane detector, a phoswich scintillator array, and new data acquisition electronics, based on transient recorder cards. This combination allows for pulse shape discrimination techniques to be applied and a signal to background of 5/1 has been achieved in measurements of the 2.5-MeV neutrons in D experiments. The upgrade also includes a new control and monitoring system, which enables the monitoring and correction of gain variations in the spectrometer’s photo multiplier tubes. Such corrections are vital for obtaining good data quality. In addition, this thesis describes a new method for determining the total neutron yield and hence the fusion power by using a MPR spectrometer in combination with a neutron emission profile monitor. The system has been operated at JET both during DT and D experiments. It is found that the systematic uncertainties are considerably lower (≈6 %) than for traditional systems. For a dedicated system designed for the next generation fusion experiments, i.e, ITER, uncertainties of 4 % could be attained. Neutron spectroscopy can also be an important tool for determining the neutron emission from residual tritium in D plasmas. This information is combined with other measurements at JET in order to determine the confinement of the 1 MeV tritons from the d+d→t+p reactions.

This research presents advancements in the coupling of capillary electrochromatography (CEC) to mass spectrometry (MS) for the analysis of different chemical classes of surfactants. Chapter 1 provides a brief introduction that summarizes the mechanics and fundamentals of CEC, including instrumentation and applications for CEC-MS. Chapter 2 describes the on-line hyphenation of a packed CEC column with an internally tapered tip coupled to electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-mass spectrometry (APCI-MS) for the analysis of betaine-type amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants (Zwittergent®). The interesting aspects include CEC-MS column manufacture and charaterization, as well as a comparison between the CEC-ACPI-MS and CEC-ESI-MS ionization pattern of zwittergents. In Chapter 3, the CEC-MS of alkyltrimethyl-ammonium ions (ATMA+) with chain length ranging from C1-C18 is optimized using an internally tapered CEC-MS column packed with mixed mode C6/strong cation exchange stationary phase and coupled to an ESI source. In addition, the optimized CEC-ESI-MS protocol is applied for the challenging analysis of commercial sample Arquad S-50 ATMA+ containing cis-trans unsaturated and saturated soyabean fatty acid derivatives. In Chapter 4, a novel CEC-UV method for separation of the various Triton X-100 oligomers is presented. A systematic mobile phase tuning and comparison of monomeric vs. polymeric stationary phases was conducted. In Chapter 5, we present the first application of CEC coupled to MS for analysis of Triton X (TX-) series surfactants. A characterization from the viewpoint of the ion and adduct formation for TX-series nonionic surfactants with a variable number of ethoxy units (n=1.5-16) in the scan mode are first discussed. Next, utilizing the TX-series as model alkylphenolpolyethoxylates (APEOs), a detailed investigation of the chromatographic separation and MS detection are performed followed by analysis of very long chain TX series with n=30-70. In Chapter 6, CEC-MS utilizing full scan positive ion mode of ESI was employed to study the effect of fragmentor voltage on the in-source collision induced dissociation (IS-CID) of several APEO nonionic surfactants. Finally, in Chapter 7, the preparation and characterization of a novel liquid crystalline stationary phase suitable for separation of neutral and charged compounds in packed column CEC is evaluated.

Les membranes modèles représentent un outil indispensable pour l'étude des membranes biologiques, elles ont en effet grandement contribué à leur description. Dans ce travail, nous nous sommes intéressés à l'étude de la coexistence de phases liquide-ordonnée (lo) et liquide-désordonnée (ld) au sein de membranes modèles de type LUV (« Large Unilamellar Vesicle »). Nous avons cherché en premier lieu à mettre au point une méthodologie permettant de détecter la formation de la phase lo et d'estimer quantitativement la fraction membranaire Φo en phase lo dans des LUVs de composition ternaire PC/SM/Chol (phosphatidylcholine / sphingomyéline / cholestérol), capable d'induire une coexistence de phase. Pour cela, les propriétés d'auto-extinction de fluorescence et de distribution sélective en fonction de la phase lipidique d'une sonde fluorescente unique (C12NBD-PC) ont été mises à profit. La deuxième partie de notre travail a été consacrée à l'étude de la solubilisation par le détergent Triton X-100 des membranes de LUVs présentant une coexistence de phase lo/ld. Nous avons cherché à démontrer qu'il était possible d'extraire la fraction membranaire se trouvant strictement en phase lo. Pour cela, les transitions de structure induites par l'interaction du Triton X-100 avec des LUVs à 4°C ont été étudiées par une procédure de séparation par gradient de densité. Nous avons tenté d'évaluer le rapport effectif approprié détergent/lipides nous permettant d'isoler les fractions résistantes correspondant aux domaines en phase lo existant au niveau de la membrane des LUVs avant l'addition de détergent.

In Chapter I is a general description of novel metal complexes which hydrolytically cleave peptides, proteins, DNA, and other biological molecules. These reagents are becoming the more important as potential therapeutic agents. A panel of ligands was investigated for coordination to ZrIV and other metals in groups 4, 5, and 6 to effect the greatest degree of hydrolysis. Chapter II describes a ZrIV complex which is capable of hydrolyzing a 30 amino acid peptide, insulin chain B, with amino acid specificity. Oxidized insulin chain B peptide was hydrolyzed after only 4 h of treatment at pH 7.0 and 60 °C using ZrCl4 in the presence of 4,13-diaza-18-crown-6. MALDI-TOF and ESI LC-MS mass spectra indicated that insulin chain B was hydrolyzed by ZrIV at the Gly8-Ser9, Ser9-His10, and Gly20-Glu21 amide bonds within the oligopeptide. To our surprise, the cysteine sulfonic acid sequences Cys(SO3H)7-Gly8 and Cys(SO3H)19-Gly20 were also cleaved. To the best of our knowledge, this constitutes the first example of metal-assisted hydrolysis of a Cys(SO3H)-Xaa amide bond. This is significant in light of the fact that cysteine sulfonic acid formation in proteins is triggered by oxidative stress and has been associated with amyloid fibril formation, Parkinson’s disease, and other deleterious, physiological processes. Chapter III describes the metal-assisted hydrolysis of sphingomyelin which is a principle phospholipid component of animal cell membranes. The sphingomyelin assays showed evidence of metal-assisted hydrolysis after 20 h of treatment at lysosomal pH 4.8 and cytosolic pH 7.0 at both physiological temperature 37 °C and 60 °C. The metal ion CeIV was the most reactive, followed by ZrIV, and then HfIV. The goal of this work is to develop metal-based reagents to reverse the lethal build-up of sphingomyelin that occurs in lysosomes of patients suffering from Niemann-Pick disease.