Urbanisation will require significant expansion of underground infrastructure, which results in unavoidable ground displacements that affect the built environment. Predicting the interaction between a tunnel, the soil and existing structures remains an engineering challenge due to the highly non-linear behaviour of both the soil and the building. This thesis investigates the interaction between a surface structure and tunnelling-induced ground displacements. Specifically, novel three-dimensionally printed building models with brittle material behaviour, similar to masonry, were developed and tested in a geotechnical centrifuge. This enabled replication of building models with representative global stiffness values and realistic building features including strip footings, intermediate walls, a rough soil-structure interface, building layouts and façade openings. By varying building characteristics, the impact of structural features on both the soil and building response to tunnelling in dense sand was investigated. Results illustrate that the presence of surface structures considerably altered the tunnelling-induced soil response. The building-to-tunnel position notably influences the magnitude of soil displacements and causes localised phenomena such as embedment of building corners. An increase of the façade opening area and building length reduces the alteration of the theoretical greenfield settlements, in particular the trough width. Moreover, the impact of varying the building layout is discussed in detail. For several building-tunnel scenarios, building distortions are quantified and the crucial role of building features is demonstrated. Structures spanning the greenfield inflection point experienced more deformation than identical structures positioned in either sagging or hogging, and partitioning a structure either side of the greenfield inflection point is shown to lead to unconservative damage assessments. Results also quantify the significant extent to which structural distortions increase as façade openings and building length increases. Observed building damage and cracking patterns confirm the reported trends. The experimental results are used to evaluate the performance of available methods to assess the behaviour of buildings to tunnelling. Predictions ignoring soil-structure interaction are usually overly conservative, while approaches based on the relative stiffness of a structure and the soil result in inconsistent predictions, though some methods performed better than others. Practical improvements to consider structural details when assessing this tunnel-soil-structure system are finally proposed.

This dissertation describes work carried out between June 1987 and October 1991, in the Low Temperature Physics Group at the Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge. The aim of this work was to use electron tunnelling spectroscopy to measure the density of excitation states of the recently discovered high-temperature superconductors. Tunnelling is the most sensitive method for measuring a superconductor’s energy gap, and historically has provided important evidence for the microscopic mechanism of superconductivity in conventional metals. It was hoped that electron tunnelling would prove equally successful in revealing the mechanism of superconductivity in these new materials. Preliminary experiments showed that a thick, degraded surface layer prevented preparation of high-quality tunnel junctions by conventional evaporation techniques. For this reason, apparatus for the formation and fine control of low-temperature point-contact junctions was constructed, together with new measurement electronics and a computer-controlled data-acquisition system. To test this apparatus, point-contact junctions were formed on conventional superconductors. By increasing pressure of the tip on the sample the junction could be moved from the tunnelling to the metallic regime. Point-contact measurements were then made on a number of ceramic, single-crystal and thin-film high-temperature superconducting materials; some not previously investigated by tunnelling. Although ‘gap-like’ structure was occasionally observed, anomalous features (e.g., voltage-dependent background, broadening, large zero-bias conductance) were always present and usually dominated the tunnelling characteristics. These complicate estimation of the energy gap and preclude measurement of more subtle properties such as gap anisotropy or the effective phonon spectrum, α2F. The origins of these non-ideal features have been much debated in the literature and are reviewed in this dissertation. In the case of thin films deposited by laser ablation the tunnelling characteristics were dominated by single-electron tunnelling effects (Coulomb gap and staircase structure). The results suggest that the surface region consists of numerous, isolated normal metal particles.

Orientador: Daniel Mario Ugarte / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Fisica Gleb Wataghin / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-17T22:12:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Martins_BrunoVieiradaCunha_D.pdf: 17693367 bytes, checksum: cd2b98fba2b0d91ed107d569050c937f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011 / Resumo: O estudo da estrutura de nanosistemas individuais requer o uso de equipamentos capazes de gerar imagens de sistemas com poucos átomos. No caso de nanopartículas metálicas produzidas por síntese química, uma questão relevante e ainda pouco estudada é a organização dos passivantes sobre sua superfície e como isso contribui para a definição de sua estrutura de equilíbrio. Para abordar este tema, devemos ser capazes de gerar imagens de resolução atômica em superfícies com alto grau de curvatura: a microscopia de tunelamento (STM) representa o instrumento mais adequado para este tipo de tarefa. Entretanto, o estudo detalhado requer o uso de métodos não-convencionais de microscopia STM (ex. modulação da tensão de bias ou de setpoint), sendo assim desejável que tenhamos total controle sobre a operação do instrumento. Este domínio preciso sobre as características funcionais consiste na principal razão que justifica a construção de um STM no próprio grupo. Este trabalho descreve o desenho, a construção e a caracterização de um STM de Ultra-Alto Vácuo (UHV). Todo o desenho e a construção foram integralmente realizadas no grupo de pesquisa. Apresentamos e justificamos os parâmetros escolhidos para o projeto, os quais definem o perfil do instrumento. O projeto mecânico consiste em um sistema elástico tipo ¿Parallel-Guiding-Spring Table¿(PSM). O sistema de varredura foi desenvolvido utilizando na configuração tipo tripod para os atuadores piezoelétricos. Desenvolvemos dois protótipos da cabeça STM, ambos compatíveis com UHV. Apresentamos o projeto e a construção da câmara de vácuo e do sistema de amortecimento de vibração. Na parte eletrônica, desenvolvemos um projeto que envolve blocos anal'ogicos de precisão e componentes digitais de 16 bits. O sistema funciona com baixa tensão, o que o torna mais estável e menos suscetível ao ruído e a variações térmicas. O sistema de controle embarcado e seu modelo analítico são analisados de modo a se determinar os parâmetros para operação estável. Caracterizamos todo o sistema e obtivemos imagens para superfícies de Grafite e Au como forma de verificar a performance do equipamento construído. Por fim discutimos as dificuldades do projeto e apresentamos soluções para os pontos que requerem certa otimização / Abstract: The study of the structure of individual nanosystems requires the use of equipments capable of generating images of systems containing just a few atoms. In the case of metallic nanoparticles produced by chemical synthesis, a relevant and not much studied question is the organization of the passivant molecules over the surface and how they contribute to the definition of the equilibrium structure. To adress this issue, we must be capable of generating atomic resolution images on surfaces with a high level of curvature: the Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) represents the most adequate instrument for this job. Nevertheless, the detailed study requires the use of non-conventional methods of STM microscopy (ex. bias voltage and setpoint modulation), then it is desirable to have total control over the instrument operation. This precise domain over the functional characteristics consists in the main reason that motivated the construction of a STM in our group. This work describes the design, construction and characterization of an Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV) STM. The design and construction were both integrally done in our research group. We present and justify the chosed project parameters, which define the profile of the instrument. The mechanical project consists of an elastic system of the ¿Parallel-Guiding- Spring-Table Mechanism¿(PSM) type. The scanning system was developed using the tripod configuration for the piezoelectric actuators. We have developed two prototypes for the STM head, both compatible with UHV. We present the project and construction of the vacuum chamber and the vibration isolating system. For the electronics, we have developed a project that involves precision analog blocks and 16 bits digital components. The system works with low voltage, what turns it more stable e less succeptible to noise and thermal variations. The embedded control system and its model are analysed in order to determine the stable operation parameters. We have characterized the system in detail and obtained images for Graphite and Gold surfaces as a way to verify the performance of the constructed equipment. Finally, we discuss the difficulties of the project and present solutions for the points that require optimization / Doutorado / Física da Matéria Condensada / Doutor em Ciências

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJ) ofCoFeB=MgO=CoFeB and multilayers of (CoFeB=MgO)x3 were produced using the technique of magnetron sputtering, where the insulating film was grown in an atmosphere reactive Ar +O. Multilayers were produced on measures of X-ray difraction and magnetization. Junctions for transport measurements. All curves IxV, nonlinear, were measured at room temperature, and adjustments made using the Simmons model for symmetric barrier. Adjustments were made firt for the positive voltages and then to negative voltages, where the height and thickness of the barrier and the effective area of tunneling was always considered free parameters. Since the effective area of tunneling, much smaller than the area produced during deposition,thus indicating the existence of points where the current tunneling through the barrier,due to fluctuations in the thickness of the insulation. The post was seen exponential growth of the resistance multiplied by the effective area of tunneling as a function of thickness, using only the values calculated from the simulation curves IxV. We also observed the curve of conductance versus voltage, for the investigation of oxidation or not the interface between electrode and barrier, showing that almost 100% of samples of the tunnel junctions was low oxidation of the electrode (positive). / Junções túnel magnéticas (MTJ) deCoFeB=MgO=CoFeB e multicamadas deCoFeB=MgO)x3 foram produzidas utilizando a técnica de magnetron sputtering, onde o filme isolante foi crescido em atmosfera reativas, Ar+O. As multicamadas foram produzidas visando medidas de difração de raio-X (XRD) e magnetização. As junções, para medidas de transporte. Todas as curvas IxV, não lineares, foram medidas a temperatura ambiente, e os ajustes realizados utilizando o modelo de Simmons para barreira simétrica. Os ajustes foram realizados primeiro para as tensões positivas e depois para tensões negativas, onde a altura e a espessura da barreira, e a área efetiva de tunelamento foram considerados parâmetros livres sempre. Sendo a área efetiva de tunelamento, muito menor, do que a área produzida durante a deposição, indicando assim a existência de pontos onde a corrente de tunelamento atravessa a barreira, devido a flutuações na espessura do isolante. A posteriori foi verificado o crescimento exponencial da resistência multiplicada pela área efetiva de tunelamento em função da espessura, utilizando somente valores calculados através das simulações das curvas IxV. Também foi verificada a curva de condutância versus a tensão, para a investigação da oxidação ou não da interfase entre eletrodo e barreira, mostrando que quase 100% das amostras das junções túnel ocorreu oxidação do eletrodo de baixo (positivo).

“Real time grouting control method” är ett koncept för att övervaka och bedöma spridningen av injekteringsbruk under injektering. Målet är att kunna använda penetrationsavstånd som stopkriterium och att kunna övervaka hur injekteringsarbetet fortskrider i realtid, vilket skulle göra injekteringsarbetet mer tids- och kostnadseffektivt. Teorin har prövats med data från ett tunnelprojekt i Sverige med kristallint berg från prekambrium-eran, och med data från dammprojekt i Iran och Laos med sedimentärt berg, samtliga med lovande resultat. RTGC-teorin har nyligen vidareutvecklats, där bedömningar och begränsningar angående jacking föreslås, utifrån en kombination av injekteringstryck och spridning av injekteringsbruk. Teorin har  tvecklats både för elastisk jacking, där deformationer kan kompenseras för, och för plastisk jacking, där deformationerna är permanenta. Effekterna av höga tryck och jacking kan uppskattas och de eventuella negativa konsekvenserna kvantifieras. Mer specifikt ligger fokus på vilken påverkan sprickdeformationer kan ha på penetrationsavståndet och på transmissiviteten i en spricka. Syftet med detta examensarbete har varit att undersöka vilka effekter höga injekteringstryck har på injekteringsprocessen av en tunnel med avseende på jacking. I examensarbetet har teorin för RTGC använts för att analysera data från ett järnvägstunnelsprojekt i Norge, där betydligt högre injekteringstryck än i Sverige generellt sett används. Teorin har kunnat appliceras på data framgångsrikt, även om mindre anpassningar varit nödvändiga. Orsaken till anpassningarna är att teorin främst är utvecklad för ett mer eller mindre konstant injekteringstryck, samtidigt som ett varierande injekteringstryck i viss utsträckning använts i det norska projektet. Resultaten tyder på att det skulle vara möjligt att spara både tid och pengar med hjälp av RTGC, genom att minska åtgången av både tid och injekteringsbruk. Resultaten antyder även att höga injekteringstryck kan orsaka betydande jacking om geologin och sprickornas orientering och längd är ogynnsamma. Om och i vilken utsträckning jackingen påverkar den slutliga tätningen av bergmassan har emellertid inte kunnat studeras i detta projekt, då data kring inläckage ej varit tillgänglig vid genomförandet av analysen. Vidare visas, trots vissa antaganden och förenklingar i den geologiska modellen, att denna teoretiska modell möjliggör en bedömning av effekterna som injekteringstrycket har på det slutliga resultatet. Detta bör kunna användas för att välja ett optimalt injekteringstryck. / The “Real Time Grouting Control Method” is a concept for governing the grout spread during a grouting operation. The goal is to be able to use the penetration length as stop criterion and to be able to monitor the progress of the grouting operation in real-time, which would make grouting operations more efficient in terms of time and cost. The theory has been tested with data from tunnelling projects in Sweden with pre-cambium rock, and with data from dam projects in Iran and in Laos with sedimentary rock, all with promising results. Recently there have been developments in the RTGC-theory that propose jacking limits based on a combination of grout pressure and spread of grout, both for elastic jacking, where deformations can be compensated for, and ultimate jacking, where deformations are permanent. With the theory, the effects of high pressures and elastic jacking can be assessed, and the negative consequences of elastic jacking can be quantified. Specifically, the  focus is on the effect that fracture deformation may have on the distance that the grout penetratesinto a fracture, and on the transmissivity of a fracture. The aim of this thesis is to evaluate what effects high grouting pressures may have on the grouting process with respect to jacking. To obtain this, the theory is used to analyse data from a railway tunnel project in Norway, where considerably higher grouting pressures than in Sweden are used. The application of the theory has been successful, even though some minor adaptions have been necessary. The reason for the adaptions is that the RTGC-theory is developed for a more or less constant grouting pressure, while a varying pressure to some extent has been applied in the Norwegian project. The results suggest that using RTGC could save time and money by reducing grouting time and grout volume. The results also suggest that the high grouting pressures may cause considerable jacking if the geology and fracture situation is unfavourable. If and to what extent the jacking affects the final tightness of the rock mass has however not been possible to determine, given that data regarding measured leakage has not been available at the time for this analysis. It is shown that despite assumptions and simplifications in the geological model, using this theoretical approach enables the estimation of the effect that the grouting pressure has on the outcome of the performed grouting, arguably allowing for the optimum grouting pressure to be selected.

Building a sustainable structure in soil or rock that satisfies all predefined technical requirements implies choosing a rational and effective construction method. An important aspect is how the performance of the structure is verified. For cases when the geotechnical behaviour is hard to predict, the existing design code for geotechnical structures, Eurocode 7, suggests the so-called “observational method” to verify that the performance is acceptable. The basic principle of the method is to accept predefined changes in the design during construction, in order to accommodate the actual ground conditions, if the current design is found unsuitable. Even though this in theory should ensure an effective design solution, formal application of the observational method is rare. It is therefore not clear which prerequisites and circumstances that must be present for the observational method to be applicable and be the more suitable method. This licentiate thesis gives a critical review of the observational method, based on, and therefore limited by, the outcome of the performed case studies. The aim is to identify and highlight the crucial aspects that make the observational method difficult to apply, thereby providing a basis for research towards a more applicable definition of the method. The main topics of discussion are (1) the apparent contradiction between the preference for advanced probabilistic calculation methods to solve complex design problems and sound, qualitative engineering judgement, (2) the limitations of measurement data in assessing the safety of a structure, (3) the fact that currently, no safety margin is required for the completed structure when the observational method is applied, and (4) the rigidity of the current definition of the observational method and the implications of deviations from its principles. Based on the review, it is argued that the observational method can be improved by linking it to a probabilistic framework. To be applicable, the method should be supported by guidelines that explain and exemplify how to make the best use of it. The engineering judgement is however not lost; no matter how elaborate probabilistic methods are used, sound judgement is still needed to define the problem correctly. How to define such a probabilistic framework is an urgent topic for future research, because this also addresses the concerns regarding safety that is raised in the other topics of discussion. / För att i berg eller jord kunna konstruera en anläggning, som uppfyller satta tekniska krav, krävs det att man väljer en rationell och effektiv konstruktionsmetod. En viktig aspekt i detta val är hur man verifierar konstruktionens funktion avseende exempelvis bärförmåga eller stadga. För fall när konstruktionens beteende svårt att förutsäga, erbjuder gällande standard (Eurokod 7) den så kallade observationsmetoden. Denna metod tillåter i förväg förberedda förändringar i designen under konstruktionstiden, om observationer av konstruktionens beteende indikerar att så behövs. På så vis anpassas konstruktionen till de faktiska förhållandena i marken. Trots att detta tillvägagångssätt i teorin borde ge en rationell design, används metoden sällan. Det råder därför oklarheter om vilka förutsättningar och omständigheter som krävs för att observationsmetoden ska kunna användas och dessutom utgöra den bästa lösningen. I denna licentiatuppsats granskas observationsmetoden och dess användbarhet. Målet med licentiatuppsatsen är att belysa de aspekter som kan utgöra svårigheter när observationsmetoden används. Dessa identifierades under arbetet med några fallstudier. Licentiatuppsatsen ger därmed en utgångspunkt för fortsatt forskning för att ta fram en mer användbar definition av observationsmetoden. De viktigaste aspekterna som diskuteras i uppsatsen är (1) den skenbara motsatsen mellan användandet av sannolikhetsbaserade beräkningsmetoder för att lösa komplexa dimensioneringsfrågor och kvalitativa ingenjörsmässiga bedömningar, (2) de begränsningar som finns när man använder mätdata för att utvärdera konstruktioners säkerhet, (3) att det för tillfället saknas krav på säkerhetsmarginal mot brott för konstruktioner som byggts med observationsmetoden, och (4) vad svårigheten att uppfylla Eurokodens strikta definition innebär för metodens användbarhet. Utifrån resultatet av granskningen dras slutsatsen att observationsmetoden kan förbättras genom att ge den ett sannolikhetsbaserat ramverk. För att förenkla användningen bör riktlinjer och anvisningar utformas. Även om metoden utvecklas mot en högre grad av beräkningskomplexitet, kommer ingenjörsmässiga bedömningar också framgent att vara viktiga, eftersom en avgörande aspekt är hur problemställningen formuleras. Med ett sannolikhetsbaserat ramverk ökar möjligheten att lösa de frågeställningar kring säkerhet som också diskuteras i uppsatsen. / <p>QC 20140415</p>

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(工学) / 甲第23491号 / 工博第4903号 / 新制||工||1766(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院工学研究科都市社会工学専攻 / (主査)教授 小池 克明, 教授 岸田 潔, 准教授 奈良 禎太 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) / Kyoto University / DFAM

This thesis reports on the elemental growth of oxide thin films including TiO_x, BaO_x and Ba_xTi_yO_z by Ti/Ba deposition and oxidation. The films were grown on two different substrates, Au(111) and SrTiO₃(001), and studied using a variety of surface characterisation techniques. On the reconstructed Au(111) surface, three different TiO_x structures were obtained with increasing Ti amounts deposited: a (2 × 2) Ti₂O₃ honeycomb structure, a pinwheel structure that is the result of a Moiré pattern, and a triangular island TiO_1.30 structure. The structures arise from raised Ti coverages and have increased Ti densities. Although Ba deposited on the reconstructed Au(111) has a weak interaction with the substrate, the BaO_x thin films can grow epitaxially and lift the Au(111) reconstruction. Two well-ordered phases, a (6 × 6) and a (2√3 × 2√3) BaO_x structure, were obtained which may have octopolar-based surface structures. For Ba & Ti deposition on Au(111), a locally ordered (5 × 5) BaxTiyOz structure was observed in the sub-monolayer regime. What is more interesting is the possible formation of a BaO-TiO surface alloy with short-range ordering achieved by Ba deposition on the (2 × 2) Ti₂O₃-templated Au(111) surface. This is the first time that surface-alloying has been observed for oxides. When Ti is deposited onto the SrTiO₃(001) surface, it is incorporated into the substrate by forming a variety of Ti-rich SrTiO₃ surface reconstructions, such as c(4 × 2), (6 × 2), (9 × 2) and (√5 ×√5)-R26.6°. Ti deposition provides a completely different route to obtaining these reconstructions at much lower anneal temperatures than the previously reported preparation procedures involving sputtering and annealing the SrTiO₃ sample. Anatase islands with (1 × 3) and (1 × 5) periodicities were also formed by increasing the Ti deposition amount and post-annealing. Reconstructed SrTiO₃ substrate surface has a lattice that differs from the bulk crystal and affects the epitaxial growth of BaO, however, a locally ordered BaO_x structure was observed on the sputtered substrate with a growth temperature of 300 °C. Depositing Ba & Ti on SrTiO₃(001) results in the formation of BaO_x clusters and the Ti incorporation into the substrate, forming the familiar Ti-rich SrTiO₃ surface reconstructions.

Les synucléionopathies représentent un groupe de maladies neuro-dégénératives incurables du système nerveux central. Elles regroupent entre autres la maladie de Parkinson, l’atrophie multi-systématisée et la maladie à corps de Lewy. Toutes ces maladies se caractérisent par un déclin progressif des fonctions motrices, cognitives, comportementales et autonomiques. La mal-conformation et l’agrégation de la protéine α-synuclein qui forme des inclusions intraneuronales sont des éléments communs à toutes les synucleinopathies. Ces inclusions portent le nom de corps de Lewy et se forment dans des neurones ou cellules gliales appartenant à des régions cérébrales spécifiques. Elles sont vraisemblablement à l’origine de la perte progressive de neurones dans certaines parties du cerveau. Dans le cas de la maladie de Parkinson et dans d’autres maladies neuro-dégénératives, il a été démontré que la pathologie se propage anatomiquement d’une manière spécifique et prévisible au niveau cérébrale. Ceci suggère donc que la progression de la maladie est étroitement liée au transfert des agrégats d’α-synucléine. Ce procédé est très similaire à celui impliqué dans la maladie du prion qui elle en revanche est infectieuse. Par ailleurs, des inclusions neuronales d’α-synucléine ont été identifiées dans des neurones dopaminergiques d’origine fœtaux qui avaient été transplanté dans des cerveaux de patients parkinsoniens. Cette étude a permis d’envisager pour la première fois la possibilité de la transmission d’inclusions d’α-synucléine entre les neurones. Bien que de nombreuses études aient démontré la propagation d’α-synucléine in vitro et in vivo, le mécanisme permettant ce transfert n’est pas clairement établi. Par conséquent, ma thèse s’attache à étudier le mécanisme de transfert d’assemblages d’α-synucléine (i.e., oligomères et fibrilles). Dans un premier temps, j’ai apporté la preuve que les assemblages d’α-synucléine transfèrent de manière efficace entre les cellules neuronales via les Tunneling nanotubes (TNT). Les TNT sont définis comme étant des ponts membranaires riches en F-actine et permettant de connecter physiquement le cytoplasme de cellules éloignées. Au niveau subcellulaire, j’ai démontré que les assemblages d’α-synucléine qui transfèrent se trouvent dans des lysosomes. En revanche, après le transfert, ces assemblages se retrouvent libres dans le cytoplasme. J’ai également mis en évidence qu’à la suite du transfert, permis par les TNT, les fibrilles d’α-synucléine sont capables de recruter et d’induire l’agrégation de l’α-synucléine soluble afin de perpétuer le processus d’agrégation à l’infinie. Ces résultats indiquent que les TNT peuvent représenter un moyen efficace permettant le transfert d’assemblages d’α-synucléine. Cette découverte offre de nouvelles opportunités pour le développement de nouveaux agents neuro-protectifs contre la propagation des synucléinopathies. / Synucleinopathies are a group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy, characterized by a chronic and progressive decline in motor, cognitive, behavioral, and autonomic functions. The hallmark of these diseases is the misfolding and aggregation of α-synuclein protein accumulating into intracellular inclusions Lewy bodies in neurons and glial cells which leads to the loss of neurons in specific brain regions. In the case of Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, the pathology was shown to progress throughout the brain in a specific and predictable manner suggesting that the progression of the diseases is linked to the transfer of aggregated α-synuclein that is reminiscent of prion diseases that are infectious. Importantly, upon transplantation of fetal dopaminergic neurons in the brain of Parkinson’s patients, neuronal inclusions were found in the grafted neurons strongly suggesting that α-synuclein inclusions could transmit between neurons. While several studies showed α-synuclein propagation in vitro and in vivo the mechanism of intercellular transfer remains elusive. The aim of my thesis was to study the mechanism of transfer of α-synuclein assemblies (i.e., oligomers and fibrils) involved in Parkinson’s pathogenesis. I evidenced that α-synuclein assemblies transferred efficiently via tunneling nanotubes (TNT), F-actin based membranous bridges connecting the cytoplasm of remote cells. I demonstrated that, at the sub-cellular level, the transferred α-synuclein assemblies were specifically confined in lysosomes and that upon transfer a large amount of α-synuclein was found free in the cytosol of acceptor cells. Finally, I showed that after TNT-mediated transfer α-synuclein fibrils recruited and seeded the aggregation of the soluble α-synuclein protein in order to perpetuate aggregation. The identification of TNT as an efficient means of α-synuclein transfer opens new avenues to the development of novel therapies targeting the spreading into the brain of amyloidogenic proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases.

In this thesis Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells with different sodiumdoping of the CIGS absorber and varying Al2O3 rear surface passivationlayer thickness have been manufactured and electrically characterised. Baseline samples and samples without passivation were used asreferences for the passivated samples. For the passivated samplesbetween 1 and 7 nm of Al2O3 were deposited by ALD. The electricalcharacterisation included current-voltage (IV, JV), quantum efficiency (QE, EQE), capacitance-voltage (CV) and temperature dependent currentvoltage (IVT, JVT) measurements. The results show that it is indeed possible to use a tunnel current toconstruct an electrical contact, but that the electrical contact isvery sensitive to sodium doping. The samples with post-depositiontreatment and without Na start to block the tunnel current when thepassivation layer reaches a thickness of about 2 nm, while no blocking of the tunnel current could be observed for the samples with Na pre-deposition. The samples with pre-deposition treatment showed acontinued increase in efficiency all the way to a passivation layerthickness of about 7 nm. When trying to construct samples with eventhicker passivation layer the CIGS started to peel off. For thisreason the optimal thickness for the pre-deposition treated samplescould not be found. The samples with the highest efficiency was thesamples with pre-deposition treatment and thick passivation layer. Those samples showed an increase of 3 percent (absolute) compared tothe unpassivated sample with the same deposition treatment and 1.6 percent higher efficiency compared to the baseline sample. Concluding that tunnelling passivation layer is comparable to the passivationlayer with point contact methods.