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Metals sorption in soils is influenced by several factors, including pH, ionic strength, the presence of ionic composition or organic ligands, total amount of metals, and adsorbent loading. These conditions should be considered when evaluating metal sorption capacity of soil material or when applying laboratory results to field conditions. Metal sorption experiments were conducted on Bertie sandy and Starr-Dyke clay loam soils from long-term field studies in which soils received annual applications of copper-rich pig manure for 16 years. Adsorption of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn as affected by different background electrolytes at various concentrations was investigated. Electrolytes were Na+, Ca2+, or Al3+ in perchlorate solution, and their concentrations ranged from 0.001 to 0.5 molc L-1. Increasing ionic strength decreased metal adsorption capacity. Electrolyte cation composition had a greater effect on adsorption than did electrolyte concentration. The order of sensitivity to cation composition of the electrolyte was Zn > Cd > Cu > Pb, and this effect was greater in Bertie sandy loam than Starr-Dyke clay loam soils. Little difference in Cu and Pb adsorption was observed between Na+ and Ca2+ in background solution. Most added Cu was adsorbed at low concentrations regardless of pH, but at high concentrations Cu sorption was strongly related to solution pH. Increases in pH resulted in greater Cu sorption due to pH-dependent negative charges and precipitation. The USEPA recommends that soil systems receiving high metal loading rates be maintained at pH 6.5 or above because of the increased metal adsorption. However, pig manure applications to the Bertie soil resulted in greater Cu in soil solution than in control (no manure) soil at pH > 6.5 due to soluble organic matter. Using the Langmuir equation to determine adsorption maxima for soil systems does not always give adequate estimates of adsorption and values from the equations are highly dependent upon soil environmental parameters. Given the limitations in prediction of adsorption maxima, and given that the amount of nonsorbed metal is as important as the adsorbed amount, the isolines of metal remaining in soil solution were provided with a given set of soil environmental factors. / Ph. D.

The SH3 and cysteine rich domain 3 (Stac3) gene is expressed specifically in skeletal muscle and essential for skeletal muscle contraction and postnatal life in mice. In this dissertation project, I conducted two studies to further understand the role of STAC3 in skeletal muscle development, growth, and contraction. In the first study, I compared the contractile responses of hindlimb muscles of Stac3 knockout and control mice to electrical stimulation, high [K+]-induced membrane depolarization, and caffeine and 4-chloro-m-cresol (4-CMC) activation of ryanodine receptor (RyR). Frequent electrostimulation-, high [K+]-, 4-CMC- and caffeine-induced maximal tensions in Stac3-deleted muscles were approximately 20%, 29%, 58% and 55% of those in control muscles, respectively. 4-CMC- and caffeine-induced increases in intracellular calcium were not different between Stac3-deleted and control myotubes. Myosin-ATPase and NADH-tetrazolium reductase staining as well as gene expression analyses revealed that Stac3-deleted hindlimb muscles contained more slow type-like fibers than control muscles. These data together confirm a role of STAC3 in EC coupling but also suggest that defective EC coupling is only partially responsible for the significantly reduced contractility in Stac3-deleted hindlimb muscles. In the second study, I determined the potential role of STAC3 in postnatal skeletal muscle growth, fiber composition, and contraction by disrupting Stac3 gene expression in postnatal mice through the Flp-FRT and tamoxifen-inducible Cre-loxP systems. Postnatal Stac3 deletion inhibited body and limb muscle mass gains. Histological staining and gene expression analyses revealed that postnatal Stac3 deletion decreased the size of myofibers and increased the percentage of myofibers containing centralized nuclei without affecting the total myofiber number. Postnatal Stac3 deletion decreased limb muscle strength. Postnatal Stac3 deletion reduced electrostimulation- but not caffeine-induced maximal force output in limb muscles. Similarly, postnatal Stac3 deletion reduced electrostimulation- but not caffeine-induced calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. These results demonstrate that STAC3 is important to myofiber hypertrophy, myofiber type composition, contraction, and EC coupling in postnatal skeletal muscle. / Ph. D.

This thesis examines whether the fundamental freedoms of the EC Treaty prescribe most-favoured-nation (MFN) treatment. The right to MFN treatment concerns the issue whether taxpayers resident in one Member State can “cherry-pick” the most beneficial tax treaty available to other taxpayers. Two issues of fundamental impor-tance are examined in this thesis. First, whether a resident of a Member State (A) who receives income in another Member State (B), can claim from that state, the most beneficial tax treaty available to a resident of a third Member State (C). Second, whether a resident can claim from his state of residence (A), the same tax treatment as provided in a tax treaty concluded by his state of residence and another Member State (C), when this tax treaty provides better treatment in terms of avoiding double taxa-tion in the state of residence than the tax treaty applicable to the source of income (B). The ECJ has held that discrimination arises only through the application of different rules to comparable situations or the application of the same rule to different situa-tions. The current state of EC law prohibits unequal treatment of residents and non-residents as well as residents who have exercised their rights to free movement in comparison to residents who have not. The condition is that they must be considered to be in comparable situations and that there is no objective difference to justify the difference in treatment. The ECJ has so far not ruled on the MFN issue. It is there-fore uncertain as to whether Member States are obligated to treat; 1) different non-resident taxpayers equally and, 2) whether Member States are prohibited from treat-ing their own residents differently when they exercise their rights to free movement in different Member States. This thesis identifies the requirements for the application of MFN treatment and ex-amines in which tax treaty provisions it is possible to apply MFN treatment. The ECJ, has in its case law, concluded that the application of tax treaties must be exer-cised in accordance EC law. It can be argued that a well-functioning internal market cannot allow bilateral tax treaties to provide preferential tax treatment to residents of one Member State, while denying it to residents of the remaining Member States. However, the application of MFN treatment could have far-reaching ramifications on the Member States’ existing tax treaty network. It is therefore fair to assume, as has been stated in other doctrinal opinions, that the ECJ will approach this issue care-fully when providing its interpretation on the matter.

<p>This thesis examines whether the fundamental freedoms of the EC Treaty prescribe most-favoured-nation (MFN) treatment. The right to MFN treatment concerns the issue whether taxpayers resident in one Member State can “cherry-pick” the most beneficial tax treaty available to other taxpayers. Two issues of fundamental impor-tance are examined in this thesis. First, whether a resident of a Member State (A) who receives income in another Member State (B), can claim from that state, the most beneficial tax treaty available to a resident of a third Member State (C). Second, whether a resident can claim from his state of residence (A), the same tax treatment as provided in a tax treaty concluded by his state of residence and another Member State (C), when this tax treaty provides better treatment in terms of avoiding double taxa-tion in the state of residence than the tax treaty applicable to the source of income (B).</p><p>The ECJ has held that discrimination arises only through the application of different rules to comparable situations or the application of the same rule to different situa-tions. The current state of EC law prohibits unequal treatment of residents and non-residents as well as residents who have exercised their rights to free movement in comparison to residents who have not. The condition is that they must be considered to be in comparable situations and that there is no objective difference to justify the difference in treatment. The ECJ has so far not ruled on the MFN issue. It is there-fore uncertain as to whether Member States are obligated to treat; 1) different non-resident taxpayers equally and, 2) whether Member States are prohibited from treat-ing their own residents differently when they exercise their rights to free movement in different Member States.</p><p>This thesis identifies the requirements for the application of MFN treatment and ex-amines in which tax treaty provisions it is possible to apply MFN treatment. The ECJ, has in its case law, concluded that the application of tax treaties must be exer-cised in accordance EC law. It can be argued that a well-functioning internal market cannot allow bilateral tax treaties to provide preferential tax treatment to residents of one Member State, while denying it to residents of the remaining Member States. However, the application of MFN treatment could have far-reaching ramifications on the Member States’ existing tax treaty network. It is therefore fair to assume, as has been stated in other doctrinal opinions, that the ECJ will approach this issue care-fully when providing its interpretation on the matter.</p>

La caractérisation isotopique des éléments présents dans les combustibles nucléaires irradiés est d'une importance majeure pour la qualification et la validation des codes de calculs neutroniques ainsi que la gestion des déchets nucléaires. Le protocole conventionnel pour l'analyse de ces échantillons nécessite plusieurs étapes de séparation par chromatographie liquide. L'uranium (U), le plutonium (Pu) et une fraction contenant les produits de fission et les actinides mineurs, sont séparés par chromatographie sur résine échangeuse d'ions puis les fractions purifiées d'U et de Pu sont analysées par spectrométrie de masse. L'objectif de cette thèse consiste à étudier et développer un protocole analytique applicable sur des échantillons de type combustibles irradiés et employant une technique séparative transposable sur plateforme miniaturisée qui devra pouvoir être couplée à un spectromètre de masse à source plasma et à système multicollection (ICPMS-MC) afin de réaliser en ligne l'analyse isotopique et élémentaire des éléments présents dans le combustible irradié. Une méthode de séparation de l'U, du thorium (Th) et des lanthanides par électrophorèse capillaire (EC) avec préconcentration de l'échantillon a été développée en utilisant le Th(IV) comme analogue chimique du Pu(IV). L'électrolyte de séparation se compose d'acide acétique 0,25M comme complexant ainsi que de sel d'ammonium 0,1M, pour ajuster la force ionique et permettre la préconcentration. Le montage d'EC a été adapté afin d'être intégré en boite à gants et couplé à un ICPMS-MC. La séparation de l'Am de l'U et du Pu a été réalisée sur quelques nL d'une solution de combustible irradié. / Precise isotopic and elemental characterization of nuclear spent fuel is a major concern for the validation of the neutronic calculation codes and waste management in the nuclear industry. The conventional protocol for the analysis of nuclear fuel samples uses several purification steps by liquid chromatography. Uranium (U) and plutonium (Pu) and a fraction containing fission products and minor actinides are separated using ion exchange chromatography prior to the isotopic characterization of the U and Pu fractions by multi-collector mass spectrometry techniques. The objective of the work presented is to develop a new analytical approach based on miniaturized separation techniques like capillary and microfluidic electrophoresis coupled with a multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICPMS) detection for online isotopic ratio measurements. An electrophoretic separation method of U, Pu and fission products with a stacking step was developed using thorium (Th) as a chemical analog for Pu(IV). The separation electrolyte is composed of acetic acid (0.25M) as complexing agent for the separation and 0.1M of ammonium salt to realize the stacking step. The instrumentation was adapted to be used in glove box and directly coupled to a MC-ICPMS. The separation of Am, Pu and U was realized with few nL of a spent nuclear fuel solution. The reproducibilities obtained on the isotope ratios were in the order of few ‰ and comparable with those obtained with the conventional analytical protocol. This new protocol will help to reduce the quantities analyzed from µg to ng, the liquid waste volume scale from mL to µL and the sample volumes form µL to nL.

Un dispositif expérimental de dépôt électrochimique en couches atomiques (EC-ALE) a été conçu et réalisé dans cette thèse. Sa mise en oeuvre a permis de valider cet équipement. Grâce à la flexibilité de cet équipement, un nouveau point de vue du dépôt en sous potentiel (UPD) du cobalt sur un substrat d'or a été proposé. Les résultats montrent aussi que le dépôt alternatif de monocouches de Co et de Sb est possible. Pour la première fois, l'électrodéposition de films minces Sb2Se3 par la méthode EC-ALE sur des électrodes poly-cristallines d'or a été obtenue et étudiée. Les paramètres de dépôt ont été déterminés et le film mince déposé a été caractérisé par analyses MEB et RAMAN. L'adsorption irréversible et le phénomène UPD réversible de Sb sur une électrode de Pt a aussi été étudié. Les résultats montrent qu'après la réduction en Sb des espèces adsorbées SbO+, des atomes de Sb peuvent être déposés sur cette électrode de Pt modifiée au Sb en utilisant le dépôt en sous potentiel pour augmenter le recouvrement du substrat du Pt par le Sb. / An electrochemical atomic layer epitaxy (EC-ALE) experiment platform was designed and constructed in this thesis, and this platform was proved to be qualified for EC-ALE experiments.Benefiting from the flexibility of the EC-ALE equipment, a new viewpoint about the UPD behavior of cobalt on the gold substrate has been put forward in this work. The results also show that the subsequent alternate deposition of Co and Sb monolayers is feasible.For the first time the electrodeposition of Sb2Se3 thin films by EC-ALE method on polycrystalline Au electrodes has been obtained and investigated. The deposition parameters were determined and the deposit was characterized by SEM and Raman analysis.The irreversible adsorption and reversible UPD behaviour of Sb on Pt electrode have also been studied. The results show that after the irreversibly adsorbed SbO+ species are reduced to metallic Sb, Sb atoms can be further deposited onto this Sb-modified Pt electrode in the way of UPD to increase the coverage of Sb on the Pt substrate.

This diploma thesis describes a simulator of home elevator driven by an EC engine (external combustion engine). The introductory chapter of the thesis deals with the history of elevators. It also contains the description of EC engines, the description of the construction of the simulator and of the mechanical, electrical, and software adjustments carried out as based on the thesis. The main part of the work concentrates on the description of the changes of the drive algorithms, the production of the 3D simulator and the animation in the background of 3D Solid Works. Moreover, it also deals with the experimental performance measurement based on the loading of the stimulator drive.

This master„s thesis elaborates with EC motors problematic. There are described essential features of brushless DC motors, their principles, construction and methods for rotor position detection. There are mentioned commonly used control algorithms of EC motors including theory of three-phase convertors. This thesis also contains a complex design of the universal convertor for EC motor and its practical implementation. Power parts losses calculation, heat-sink calculation and measurements at the convertor prototype are also described in this thesis.

I uppsatsen utreds de svenska personaloptionsreglernas förenlighet med EG-rätten. I 10 kap. 11 § 2 st. 2 p. IL framgår att då en i Sverige obegränsat skattskyldig person upphör att vara bosatt eller att stadigvarande vistas i Sverige likställs flytten med att personaloptionen utnyttjas och skall därför beskattas. Beskattning sker av ännu inte realiserade tillgångar med anledning av utflyttningen. Den typen av beskattning som följer av personaloptionsreglerna är ett exempel på en så kallad exit-skatt. Första steget i utredningen består i att bestämma huruvida personaloptionsreglerna kan utgöra ett otillåtet hinder för den fria rörligheten för arbetstagare och kapital inom unionen. Då hindret uppställs av hemvistlandet är det enligt vår terminologi att ses som ett hemstatshinder då det kan avskräcka landets medborgare eller bosatta från att utnyttja rätten till fri rörlighet. Vi har kommit till slutsatsen att de svenska personaloptionsreglerna utgör ett otillåtet hemstatshinder för den fria rörligheten för arbetstagare och kapital. Andra steget utgörs av att utreda huruvida de svenska personaloptionsreglerna kan rättfärdigas genom fördraget eller rule of reason-testet. Vad det gäller fördragets bestämmelser om avsteg från principen om fri rörlighet i artiklarna 39 och 58 EG anser vi inte att dessa kan berättiga exit-skatt-bestämmelsen i personaloptionsreglerna. Under rule of reason-testet prövas rättfärdigandegrunderna skattesystemets inre sammanhang, effektiv skattekontroll och behovet av att förhindra skatteflykt i förhållande till personaloptionsreglerna. Med hänsyn till praxis från EGD och analysen i uppsatsen synes personaloptionsreglerna inte kunna rättfärdigas genom dessa. Då vi anser att bestämmelsen i 10 kap. 11 § 2 st. 2 p. IL inte kan berättigas vare sig genom fördraget eller rule of reason-testet utgör regeln således ett otillåtet hemstatshinder för den fria rörligheten för arbetstagare och kapital. Konsekvensen av att ett hinder anses otillåtet är att regeln inte får tillämpas av medlemsstaten. / The aim of the thesis is to analyse the Swedish employee stock option legislation’s compliance with EC law. Chapter 10 section 11 subsection 2 of the Swedish income tax act states that when a person subject to unlimited tax liability ceases to be domiciled or permanently resident in Sweden, the change of residence is deemed equal to the redemption of the employee stock options and shall therefore be taxed. Due to the emigration, not yet realized assets are taxed. The kind of taxation present in the Swedish employee stock option legislation is an example of an exit tax. The first part of our analysis consists of determining whether the Swedish employee stock option legislation may constitute an unlawful obstacle for the free movement of workers and capital within the internal market. According to our terminology, an obstacle put up by the home state, capable of deterring citizens or residents of that country from exercising their right to free movement is considered a home state obstacle. We have reached the conclusion that the Swedish employee stock option legislation constitutes an unlawful home state obstacle for the free movement of workers and capital. The second part of this study consists of investigating whether the Swedish employee stock option legislation can be justified under the EC treaty or under the rule of reason test. Concerning the possibilities stated in articles 39 and 58 EC to depart from the principle of free movement, we would like to suggest that the exit taxation provision found in the Swedish employee stock option legislation cannot be justified through neither of them. The rule of reason justification grounds coherence of the tax system, effectiveness of fiscal supervision and the need to prevent tax avoidance are tried in relation to the Swedish employee stock option legislation. By reference to case law from the ECJ and the analysis in the thesis, none of the three seems to be able to justify the Swedish employee stock option legislation. The Swedish employee stock option legislation cannot, according to our analysis, be justified neither through the treaty nor the rule of reason test. In our opinion, it therefore constitutes an unlawful home state obstacle for the free movement of workers and capital. The consequence of an unlawful obstacle is that the member state may not apply that rule.