Today, and for the foreseeable future, coal and other fossil fuels will provide a major portion of the energy services demanded by both developed and developing countries around the word. In order to reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide associated with combustion of coal for electricity generation, a wide range of carbon capture technologies are being developed. This thesis models the oxyfuel carbon capture process for pulverized coal and presents performance and cost estimates of this system in comparison to other low-carbon fossil fuel generators. Detailed process models for oxygen production, flue gas treatment, and carbon dioxide purification have been developed along with the calculation strategies necessary to employ these components in alternative oxyfuel system configurations for different types of coal-fired power plants. These new oxyfuel process models have been implemented in the widely-used Integrated Environmental Control Model (IECM) to facilitate systematic comparisons with other low-carbon options employing fossil fuels. Assumptions about uncertainties in the performance characteristics of gas separation processes and flue gas duct sealing technology, as well as plant utilization and financing parameters, were found to produce a wide range of cost estimates for oxyfuel systems. In case studies of a new 500 MW power plant burning sub-bituminous Powder River Basin coal, the estimated levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) 95% confidence interval (CI) was 86 to 150 [$/MWh] for an oxyfuel system producing a high-purity [99.5 mol% CO2] carbon dioxide product while capturing 90% of the flue gas carbon dioxide. For a CoCapture oxyfuel system capturing 100% of the flue gas CO2 together with all other flue gas constituents, the estimated LCOE 95% CI was 90 to 153 [$/MWh] (all costs in constant 2012 US Dollars). Using the IECM, an oxyfuel system for CO2 capture also was compared under uncertainty to an existing amine-based post-combustion capture system for a new 500 MW power plant, with both systems capturing 90% of the CO2 and producing a high-purity stream for pipeline transport to a geological sequestration site. The resulting distribution for the cost of CO2 avoided showed the oxyfuel-based system had a 95% CI of 44 to 126 [$/tonne CO2] while the amine-based system cost 95% CI ranged from 50 to 133 [$/tonne CO2]. The oxyfuel cost distribution had a longer tail toward more expensive configurations but over 70% of the distribution showed the oxyfuel-based system to be ~10[$/tonne CO2] lower in cost compared to the amine-based capture system. An evaluation of several low-carbon generation options fueled by coal and natural gas further considered both direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions. This analysis showed oxyfuel to be economically competitive with all capture system considered, and also indicated oxyfuel to be the preferred carbon capture technology for minimizing overall carbon intensity. Combined, these results suggest that oxyfuel is a promising carbon capture technology, and the only one which offers the unique ability to capture all the combustion gases to become a truly zero emission coal plant. Realization of the latter option, however, is contingent on the development of new regulatory policies for underground injection of mixed flue gas streams that is outside the scope of this thesis.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) conjugated to nuclear localization sequences (NLS) and labeled with Auger electron-emitters have great potential for targeted radiotherapy of cancer. This approach may be especially appropriate for the 25-30% of patients with breast cancer whose tumors display overexpression of HER2. Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is a humanized anti-HER2 mAb approved for immunotherapy of HER2-amplified breast cancer. The goal of this research was to radiolabel trastuzumab with [111]In, and to modify it with peptides harboring the NLS (CGYGPKKKRKVGG) of the simian virus 40 large-T antigen for targeted radiotherapy of breast cancer. It was hypothesized that the NLS-peptides would mediate the translocation of covalently linked [111]In-trastuzumab molecules into the nuclei of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells where subcellular-range Auger electrons are most damaging to DNA and lethal to cells. Trastuzumab was derivatized with sulfosuccinimidyl-4-(N-maleimidomethyl)-cyclohexane-1-carboxylate for reaction with NLS-peptides and labeled with [111]In using diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. The dissociation constant for binding of [111]In-NLS-trastuzumab to HER2-overexpressing SK-BR-3 human breast cancer cells was reduced < 3-fold compared to [111]In-trastuzumab, demonstrating relatively preserved receptor-binding affinity. The NLS-peptides did not affect the biodistribution of [111]In-trastuzumab, but promoted its nuclear uptake in HER2-overexpressing MDA-MB-361 xenografts. The cytotoxicity of [111]In-NLS-trastuzumab on breast cancer cells correlated with their HER2 expression. Moreover, [111]In-NLS-trastuzumab was 2-fold and 5-fold more potent at killing MDA-MB-361 and SK-BR-3 cells compared to [111]In-trastuzumab, and nearly 3-fold and 6-fold more effective than unlabeled trastuzumab, respectively. Methotrexate is a known radiosensitizer that can amplify the lethal effects of ionizing radiation on tumor cells. Non-cytotoxic, but radiosensitizing doses of methotrexate were therefore combined with [111]In-NLS-trastuzumab; this enhanced the sensitivity of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells to [111]In-NLS-trastuzumab. The blood t1/2 of [111]In-NLS-trastuzumab in non-tumor bearing BALB/c mice was 23-34 h when administered intravenously or intraperitoneally. The maximum tolerated dose was 9.2-18.5 MBq; doses >18.5 MBq caused decreased leukocyte and platelet counts. [111]In-NLS-trastuzumab exhibited strong anti-tumor effects against HER2-overexpressing MDA-MB-361 xenografts, reducing their growth rate 2-fold and 3-fold compared to mice administered [111]In-trastuzumab or unlabeled trastuzumab, respectively. These promising results suggest that [111]In-NLS-trastuzumab may be a useful Auger electron radioimmunotherapeutic agent for HER2-positive breast cancer in humans.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) conjugated to nuclear localization sequences (NLS) and labeled with Auger electron-emitters have great potential for targeted radiotherapy of cancer. This approach may be especially appropriate for the 25-30% of patients with breast cancer whose tumors display overexpression of HER2. Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is a humanized anti-HER2 mAb approved for immunotherapy of HER2-amplified breast cancer. The goal of this research was to radiolabel trastuzumab with [111]In, and to modify it with peptides harboring the NLS (CGYGPKKKRKVGG) of the simian virus 40 large-T antigen for targeted radiotherapy of breast cancer. It was hypothesized that the NLS-peptides would mediate the translocation of covalently linked [111]In-trastuzumab molecules into the nuclei of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells where subcellular-range Auger electrons are most damaging to DNA and lethal to cells. Trastuzumab was derivatized with sulfosuccinimidyl-4-(N-maleimidomethyl)-cyclohexane-1-carboxylate for reaction with NLS-peptides and labeled with [111]In using diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. The dissociation constant for binding of [111]In-NLS-trastuzumab to HER2-overexpressing SK-BR-3 human breast cancer cells was reduced < 3-fold compared to [111]In-trastuzumab, demonstrating relatively preserved receptor-binding affinity. The NLS-peptides did not affect the biodistribution of [111]In-trastuzumab, but promoted its nuclear uptake in HER2-overexpressing MDA-MB-361 xenografts. The cytotoxicity of [111]In-NLS-trastuzumab on breast cancer cells correlated with their HER2 expression. Moreover, [111]In-NLS-trastuzumab was 2-fold and 5-fold more potent at killing MDA-MB-361 and SK-BR-3 cells compared to [111]In-trastuzumab, and nearly 3-fold and 6-fold more effective than unlabeled trastuzumab, respectively. Methotrexate is a known radiosensitizer that can amplify the lethal effects of ionizing radiation on tumor cells. Non-cytotoxic, but radiosensitizing doses of methotrexate were therefore combined with [111]In-NLS-trastuzumab; this enhanced the sensitivity of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells to [111]In-NLS-trastuzumab. The blood t1/2 of [111]In-NLS-trastuzumab in non-tumor bearing BALB/c mice was 23-34 h when administered intravenously or intraperitoneally. The maximum tolerated dose was 9.2-18.5 MBq; doses >18.5 MBq caused decreased leukocyte and platelet counts. [111]In-NLS-trastuzumab exhibited strong anti-tumor effects against HER2-overexpressing MDA-MB-361 xenografts, reducing their growth rate 2-fold and 3-fold compared to mice administered [111]In-trastuzumab or unlabeled trastuzumab, respectively. These promising results suggest that [111]In-NLS-trastuzumab may be a useful Auger electron radioimmunotherapeutic agent for HER2-positive breast cancer in humans.

This thesis aims to throw an illuminating light on the as yet neglected concept of nothing in Kant’s system, a concept which is taken into consideration, by Kant, in accordance with the guiding thread of the categories of the understanding. My main argument is that Kant has a fourfold division of nothing and each has a transcendental function in his system. This function is basically a limiting one; setting up negative determinations without which Kant’s system would have never been constituted as it is now. It is shown in the thesis that the concept of nothing is divided basically into four: first, nothing as ens rationis that limits and thereby protects knowledge, secondly nothing as nihil privativum that defines the boundaries of phenomenal reality, thirdly nothing as ens imaginarium that makes possible the unity of experience and finally, nothing as nihil negativum that draws the lines of logical thinking. All make, in the last resort and by being the concepts of the opposite, experience possible. The thesis consists of four chapters. The first chapter is an exposition of all four divisions of nothing, the second is the display specifically of the concepts of ens rationis and nihil negativum, and the third is of the concepts of ens imaginarium and nihil privativum. The auxiliary argument of the thesis is that while Hegel makes a strong charge of externality against and thereby severely criticizes the Kantian concept of the thing-in-itself, - the concept of which I propose to be contained under the concept of ens rationis- Kant has equally convincing arguments against such a charge. This is the topic of the fourth and final chapter which has an implicit aim of creating the image of a powerful critical Hegel but on the other hand an equally enduring and war-like Kant. Kant is presented as a philosopher who has powerful responses to institute a balance between himself and his opponent. When Kant’s differing concepts of nothing are taken into account, Hegel’s attack of externality, it is maintained, appears not to have taken into account the full measure of the resources of the Kantian position. Even when it is said that the attack is against one specific concept of the thing-in-itself alone, Kant still seems to have enough resources for toleration and defence indeed.

Espalhamento de íons com energia média (MEIS), em conjunto com as técnicas de sombreamento e bloqueio, representa um poderoso método para a determinação de parâmetros estruturais e vibracionais de superfícies cristalinas. Esta determinação é realizada pela comparação do rendimento de íons detectados em função do Ângulo de espalhamento, as chamadas curvas de bloqueio, com simulaçõe computacionais. Em geral, um número grande de estruturas-tentativa é utilizada e a melhor concordância entre resultados experimentais e teóricos encontrada é considerada a estrutura real. Apesar do imenso sucesso, este tipo de abordagem na determinação da superfície não é únivoco em determinados sistemas. Além disso, as formas do espectro de perda de energia iônica não são, normalmente, analisadas pois requerem um conhecimento profundo dos mecanismos de transferência de energia. A probabilidade de excitação/ionização para cada camada interna em uma colisão única representa um aspecto importante. Neste trabalho, cálculos por Canais Acoplados são usados para o descrever os mecanismos de transferência de energia em conjunto com a simulação Monte Carlo das trajetórias iônicas no interior do cristal. Este método possibilita a simulação da distribuição de perda de energia do pico de superfície para diversos sistemas físicos. Primeiramente, foi realizado estudo com deposição de Y e a formação do siliceto bidimensional Si(111)(1×1)-Y para diversas preparações da superfície e diferentes ângulos de espalhamento. Os resultados mostraram que existem contribuições para o espectro em energia referentes á rugosidade e não homogeneidade da superfície. Entretanto, para incidência e detecção do feixe de íons quase-normais á superfície da amostra, a concordância entre os espectros em energia simulados e experimentais é satisfatória. Posteriormente, foi realizado um estudo com a deposição de fração de monocamada de metais alcalinos (K, Rb e Cs) sobre Al(111). A perda de energia, neste caso, pode ser completamente atribuída a colisões atômicas únicas nos metais alcalinos. Os espectros de energia experimentais referentes a Rb e Cs apresentam notável assimetria em relação ao K, fenômeno este atribuído ás excitaçõesde elétrons 3d e 4d, respectivamente, e a múltiplas ionizações destes estados. Houve excelente concordância entre teoria e experimento referente aos espalhamentos por Rb e Cs. Com relação ao K, ocorreu discrepÂncia na região de baixa energia do espectro, resultante de problemas com a preparação da amostra. Finalmente, tanto o espectro em energia quanto as curvas de bloqueio referentes á medidas na superfície limpa de Cu(111) foram simulados e comparados com resultados experimentais. A determinação da superfície através do método “clássico” mostrou que alguns conjuntos de parâmetros estruturais e vibracionais podem resultar em curvas de bloqueio idênticas. Por outro lado, a simulação dos espectros em energia, não apresentou estes problemas, o que sugere fortemente a necessidade de um modelo com correlação (ƒcorr = 0,4). Este resultado mostra que a simulação do espectro em energia pode ser utilizado em conjunto com a simulação das curvas de bloqueio de forma a servir de ferramenta auxiliar na determinação de parâmetros estruturais e vibracionais de superfícies. / Medium-energy ion scattering (MEIS) in connection with shadowing and blocking techniques is a powerful method for the determination of structural and vibrational parameters of crystalline surfaces. This determination has been done by comparing the yield of detected ions as function of scattering angle, the so-called blocking curves, between experimental data with computational simulations. In general, a large set of guess-structures has to be simulated, and the best fit is regarded as the real structure. Besides its enourmous success, this kind of approach for surface determination may give rise to non-unique structures for some physical systems. Moreover, the shape of ion energy-loss spectrum is usually not fully analyzed, because this requires an improved knowledge on the energy-transfer mechanisms. The differential excitation/ ionization probability for each subshell in a single collision is the important quantity. In the present work, Coupled Channels calculations are used to describe energy-transfer mechanisms in connection with Monte Carlo simulations for the ionic trajectories inside the crystal. This method describes reliable energy-loss distribution for the surface peak of several physical systems. Firstly, the study of Y overlayers and Si(111)(1×1) two-dimensional silicide phase formed by Y on this surface, in various scattering geometries and with different surface preparations was performed. The experimental results indicate that additional broadening contributions arise from surface inhomogeneity and roughness, but for near-normal incident and outgoing trajectories the theory and experiment agree satisfactory. Subsequently, the study of alkali-metals (K, Rb and Cs) adsorbed onto Al(111) surface was done. The energy losses can be attributed entirely to single atomic collisions from the alkali atoms, and the experiments reproduce the markedly increased asymmetry in scattering from Rb and Cs relative to K, attributable largely to the role of 3d and 4d excitations, respectively, and particularly the role of multiple excitations of these states. For Rb and Cs scattering, the data show excellent quantitative agreement between theory and experiment. In the case of K scattering, a discrepancy of a low-energy shoulder is attributed to a problem associated with the sample preparation. At last, both energy loss spectrum and blocking curves related to clean Cu(111) measurements were simulated and compared to experimental results. The surface determination through the “classical” method showed that a set of different structural and vibrational parameters can result in nearly identical simulated blocking curves. On the other hand, the energy loss spectrum simulation, which did not present this behaviour, strongly suggests the adoption of a correlated surface model (ƒcorr = 0,4). This result shows that the energy loss spectra simulation can be used in connection with the blocking curve simulation as an important tool in performing structural and vibrational surface determination.

Espalhamento de íons com energia média (MEIS), em conjunto com as técnicas de sombreamento e bloqueio, representa um poderoso método para a determinação de parâmetros estruturais e vibracionais de superfícies cristalinas. Esta determinação é realizada pela comparação do rendimento de íons detectados em função do Ângulo de espalhamento, as chamadas curvas de bloqueio, com simulaçõe computacionais. Em geral, um número grande de estruturas-tentativa é utilizada e a melhor concordância entre resultados experimentais e teóricos encontrada é considerada a estrutura real. Apesar do imenso sucesso, este tipo de abordagem na determinação da superfície não é únivoco em determinados sistemas. Além disso, as formas do espectro de perda de energia iônica não são, normalmente, analisadas pois requerem um conhecimento profundo dos mecanismos de transferência de energia. A probabilidade de excitação/ionização para cada camada interna em uma colisão única representa um aspecto importante. Neste trabalho, cálculos por Canais Acoplados são usados para o descrever os mecanismos de transferência de energia em conjunto com a simulação Monte Carlo das trajetórias iônicas no interior do cristal. Este método possibilita a simulação da distribuição de perda de energia do pico de superfície para diversos sistemas físicos. Primeiramente, foi realizado estudo com deposição de Y e a formação do siliceto bidimensional Si(111)(1×1)-Y para diversas preparações da superfície e diferentes ângulos de espalhamento. Os resultados mostraram que existem contribuições para o espectro em energia referentes á rugosidade e não homogeneidade da superfície. Entretanto, para incidência e detecção do feixe de íons quase-normais á superfície da amostra, a concordância entre os espectros em energia simulados e experimentais é satisfatória. Posteriormente, foi realizado um estudo com a deposição de fração de monocamada de metais alcalinos (K, Rb e Cs) sobre Al(111). A perda de energia, neste caso, pode ser completamente atribuída a colisões atômicas únicas nos metais alcalinos. Os espectros de energia experimentais referentes a Rb e Cs apresentam notável assimetria em relação ao K, fenômeno este atribuído ás excitaçõesde elétrons 3d e 4d, respectivamente, e a múltiplas ionizações destes estados. Houve excelente concordância entre teoria e experimento referente aos espalhamentos por Rb e Cs. Com relação ao K, ocorreu discrepÂncia na região de baixa energia do espectro, resultante de problemas com a preparação da amostra. Finalmente, tanto o espectro em energia quanto as curvas de bloqueio referentes á medidas na superfície limpa de Cu(111) foram simulados e comparados com resultados experimentais. A determinação da superfície através do método “clássico” mostrou que alguns conjuntos de parâmetros estruturais e vibracionais podem resultar em curvas de bloqueio idênticas. Por outro lado, a simulação dos espectros em energia, não apresentou estes problemas, o que sugere fortemente a necessidade de um modelo com correlação (ƒcorr = 0,4). Este resultado mostra que a simulação do espectro em energia pode ser utilizado em conjunto com a simulação das curvas de bloqueio de forma a servir de ferramenta auxiliar na determinação de parâmetros estruturais e vibracionais de superfícies. / Medium-energy ion scattering (MEIS) in connection with shadowing and blocking techniques is a powerful method for the determination of structural and vibrational parameters of crystalline surfaces. This determination has been done by comparing the yield of detected ions as function of scattering angle, the so-called blocking curves, between experimental data with computational simulations. In general, a large set of guess-structures has to be simulated, and the best fit is regarded as the real structure. Besides its enourmous success, this kind of approach for surface determination may give rise to non-unique structures for some physical systems. Moreover, the shape of ion energy-loss spectrum is usually not fully analyzed, because this requires an improved knowledge on the energy-transfer mechanisms. The differential excitation/ ionization probability for each subshell in a single collision is the important quantity. In the present work, Coupled Channels calculations are used to describe energy-transfer mechanisms in connection with Monte Carlo simulations for the ionic trajectories inside the crystal. This method describes reliable energy-loss distribution for the surface peak of several physical systems. Firstly, the study of Y overlayers and Si(111)(1×1) two-dimensional silicide phase formed by Y on this surface, in various scattering geometries and with different surface preparations was performed. The experimental results indicate that additional broadening contributions arise from surface inhomogeneity and roughness, but for near-normal incident and outgoing trajectories the theory and experiment agree satisfactory. Subsequently, the study of alkali-metals (K, Rb and Cs) adsorbed onto Al(111) surface was done. The energy losses can be attributed entirely to single atomic collisions from the alkali atoms, and the experiments reproduce the markedly increased asymmetry in scattering from Rb and Cs relative to K, attributable largely to the role of 3d and 4d excitations, respectively, and particularly the role of multiple excitations of these states. For Rb and Cs scattering, the data show excellent quantitative agreement between theory and experiment. In the case of K scattering, a discrepancy of a low-energy shoulder is attributed to a problem associated with the sample preparation. At last, both energy loss spectrum and blocking curves related to clean Cu(111) measurements were simulated and compared to experimental results. The surface determination through the “classical” method showed that a set of different structural and vibrational parameters can result in nearly identical simulated blocking curves. On the other hand, the energy loss spectrum simulation, which did not present this behaviour, strongly suggests the adoption of a correlated surface model (ƒcorr = 0,4). This result shows that the energy loss spectra simulation can be used in connection with the blocking curve simulation as an important tool in performing structural and vibrational surface determination.

Espalhamento de íons com energia média (MEIS), em conjunto com as técnicas de sombreamento e bloqueio, representa um poderoso método para a determinação de parâmetros estruturais e vibracionais de superfícies cristalinas. Esta determinação é realizada pela comparação do rendimento de íons detectados em função do Ângulo de espalhamento, as chamadas curvas de bloqueio, com simulaçõe computacionais. Em geral, um número grande de estruturas-tentativa é utilizada e a melhor concordância entre resultados experimentais e teóricos encontrada é considerada a estrutura real. Apesar do imenso sucesso, este tipo de abordagem na determinação da superfície não é únivoco em determinados sistemas. Além disso, as formas do espectro de perda de energia iônica não são, normalmente, analisadas pois requerem um conhecimento profundo dos mecanismos de transferência de energia. A probabilidade de excitação/ionização para cada camada interna em uma colisão única representa um aspecto importante. Neste trabalho, cálculos por Canais Acoplados são usados para o descrever os mecanismos de transferência de energia em conjunto com a simulação Monte Carlo das trajetórias iônicas no interior do cristal. Este método possibilita a simulação da distribuição de perda de energia do pico de superfície para diversos sistemas físicos. Primeiramente, foi realizado estudo com deposição de Y e a formação do siliceto bidimensional Si(111)(1×1)-Y para diversas preparações da superfície e diferentes ângulos de espalhamento. Os resultados mostraram que existem contribuições para o espectro em energia referentes á rugosidade e não homogeneidade da superfície. Entretanto, para incidência e detecção do feixe de íons quase-normais á superfície da amostra, a concordância entre os espectros em energia simulados e experimentais é satisfatória. Posteriormente, foi realizado um estudo com a deposição de fração de monocamada de metais alcalinos (K, Rb e Cs) sobre Al(111). A perda de energia, neste caso, pode ser completamente atribuída a colisões atômicas únicas nos metais alcalinos. Os espectros de energia experimentais referentes a Rb e Cs apresentam notável assimetria em relação ao K, fenômeno este atribuído ás excitaçõesde elétrons 3d e 4d, respectivamente, e a múltiplas ionizações destes estados. Houve excelente concordância entre teoria e experimento referente aos espalhamentos por Rb e Cs. Com relação ao K, ocorreu discrepÂncia na região de baixa energia do espectro, resultante de problemas com a preparação da amostra. Finalmente, tanto o espectro em energia quanto as curvas de bloqueio referentes á medidas na superfície limpa de Cu(111) foram simulados e comparados com resultados experimentais. A determinação da superfície através do método “clássico” mostrou que alguns conjuntos de parâmetros estruturais e vibracionais podem resultar em curvas de bloqueio idênticas. Por outro lado, a simulação dos espectros em energia, não apresentou estes problemas, o que sugere fortemente a necessidade de um modelo com correlação (ƒcorr = 0,4). Este resultado mostra que a simulação do espectro em energia pode ser utilizado em conjunto com a simulação das curvas de bloqueio de forma a servir de ferramenta auxiliar na determinação de parâmetros estruturais e vibracionais de superfícies. / Medium-energy ion scattering (MEIS) in connection with shadowing and blocking techniques is a powerful method for the determination of structural and vibrational parameters of crystalline surfaces. This determination has been done by comparing the yield of detected ions as function of scattering angle, the so-called blocking curves, between experimental data with computational simulations. In general, a large set of guess-structures has to be simulated, and the best fit is regarded as the real structure. Besides its enourmous success, this kind of approach for surface determination may give rise to non-unique structures for some physical systems. Moreover, the shape of ion energy-loss spectrum is usually not fully analyzed, because this requires an improved knowledge on the energy-transfer mechanisms. The differential excitation/ ionization probability for each subshell in a single collision is the important quantity. In the present work, Coupled Channels calculations are used to describe energy-transfer mechanisms in connection with Monte Carlo simulations for the ionic trajectories inside the crystal. This method describes reliable energy-loss distribution for the surface peak of several physical systems. Firstly, the study of Y overlayers and Si(111)(1×1) two-dimensional silicide phase formed by Y on this surface, in various scattering geometries and with different surface preparations was performed. The experimental results indicate that additional broadening contributions arise from surface inhomogeneity and roughness, but for near-normal incident and outgoing trajectories the theory and experiment agree satisfactory. Subsequently, the study of alkali-metals (K, Rb and Cs) adsorbed onto Al(111) surface was done. The energy losses can be attributed entirely to single atomic collisions from the alkali atoms, and the experiments reproduce the markedly increased asymmetry in scattering from Rb and Cs relative to K, attributable largely to the role of 3d and 4d excitations, respectively, and particularly the role of multiple excitations of these states. For Rb and Cs scattering, the data show excellent quantitative agreement between theory and experiment. In the case of K scattering, a discrepancy of a low-energy shoulder is attributed to a problem associated with the sample preparation. At last, both energy loss spectrum and blocking curves related to clean Cu(111) measurements were simulated and compared to experimental results. The surface determination through the “classical” method showed that a set of different structural and vibrational parameters can result in nearly identical simulated blocking curves. On the other hand, the energy loss spectrum simulation, which did not present this behaviour, strongly suggests the adoption of a correlated surface model (ƒcorr = 0,4). This result shows that the energy loss spectra simulation can be used in connection with the blocking curve simulation as an important tool in performing structural and vibrational surface determination.

Ontologies are machine processable artifacts and the core structures of the Semantic Web. OWL (Web Ontology Language) is a W3C Recommendation language for developing ontologies; it is based on Description Logics, allowing for precise knowledge representation and sound and complete automated reasoning over the collection of axioms in an OWL document. Although ontologies are useful for sharing terminologies, their design and reuse are difficult and time consuming processes. Despite the efforts of the community towards the development of OWL ontologies, there is a lack of methods and tools for reusing and inspecting ontologies, i.e., reverse engineering methods. This thesis focuses on the area by investigating the detection of regularities in ontologies, for the purpose of abstracting sets of axioms into patterns that can be verified and reused. Its main contribution is the Regularity Inspector for Ontologies (RIO) framework, which implements methods to find syntactic regularities (repetitive structures in the asserted axioms) and semantic regularities (repetitive structures in the entailments) in an ontology. Regularity detection is achieved through the use of cluster analysis for detecting similarities in sets of axioms. This thesis provides experimental evidence for the effectiveness of regularity analysis for the inspection of patterns, and the discovery of modeling irregularities (often modelling errors) during quality assurance for real, large ontologies. In particular, empirical analysis showed that RIO could successfully detect regularities in ontologies, revealing the patterns adopted by the developers. It can be also used to trace pattern deviations as part of checking conformance to an intended design template during quality assurance of an ontology. This work has been motivated by the existence of pattern based systematic development methodologies and the lack of methods for discovering patterns in existing ontologies --- the natural complement of these pattern based development methodologies.

The purpose of this study is to determine the optimum conditions for obtaining a leukocyte button which most effectively will be subsequently labelled with 111In oxine. As in all radiopharmaceuticals, the highest radiopharmaceutical purity, or the fraction of total radioactivity in the desired radiopharmaceutical form (111In oxine leukocyte), the better the product. Many 111In ocine labelled leukocytes are contaminated by labelled platelets, red cells, and proteins, resulting in a “dirty” product. But with careful leukocyte culturing, sedimentation, centrifugation, and labelling, as demonstrated by this study, a highly desirable, pure radiopharmaceutical can be made. In an attempt to further purify the leukocyte button beyond centrifugation, hypotonic red cell lysing and its effect on leukocyte viability will be studied. The optimum incubation time will be determined by examining the leukocyte and red cell elution profiles at different incubation times. And, 0.9% saline washes of plasma and proteins from the leukocytes will be varied by both volume and number to determine if extra washes will optimize the labelling efficiency.

Title: Electronics and adsorption properties of model catalytic systems contains cerium Author: Miloš Cabala Department: Department of Surface and Plasma Science, Supervisor: RNDr. Kateřina Veltruská, Department of Surface and Plasma Science, Abstract: The doctoral thesis contains the study of model catalyst systems based on cerium and ceria. The thesis deals with model systems of CeAg, CeO2/Cu(111), Ni- CeO2/Cu(111) a Ni-Sn-CeO2/Cu(111). We have studied these systems using photoelectron spectroscopy, ion scattering spectroscopy and low energy electron diffraction. Model systems were prepared under strictly defined conditions. The strong bimetallic interaction was observed on the CeAg layers. Molecular adsorption of carbon monoxide on CeAg was demonstrated. We also observed intensive reaction of these layers with oxygen. By measurements in different directions of surface Brillouin zone, we managed to reconstruct the band structure of the prepared CeO2/Cu(111) layer. We have shown that the Cu substrate interacts weakly with deposited CeO2 layer. This interaction results in a charge transfer from Cu into CeO2. Overall, in the valence spectrum we have identified three main electron bands corresponding to O 2p state bound in CeO2. It has been proven that the deposition of Ni on CeO2 layers leads to partial...