bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Development of an International WEC Test Centre in the South West of England
Authors: Smith George H. , Greaves Deborah , Harrington Nick , Cornish Colin , Taylor Jean
Published: February 2010

The international wave energy community is in the process of setting up commercial scale wave energy conversion deployment sites of various sizes. At present there are at least five large scale wave energy test sites being planned, or under development in Europe, from Portugal in the South to Scotland in the North with further facilities internationally, for example, those proposed for Oregon and Hawaii. There are also a growing number of developers now reviewing their options for prototype and commercial development of their technologies around the world. The Wave Hub Project will develop a 20 MW, grid connected, infrastructure off the northern coast of Cornwall, UK for installation of pre-commercial devices in summer 2010. This paper briefly describes various aspects of the development of the Wave Hub infra-structure, but focuses on a unique aspect of this development — the establishment of an associated research institute, PRIMaRE (The Peninsula Research Institute for Marine Renewable Energy), to work in parallel with Wave Hub. The aims of the Institute are to (i) undertake relevant research in marine renewable systems; (ii) provide support to the Wave Hub project and the associated developers; (iii) support businesses in the region, to help develop their activity relating to the marine energy supply chain. The progress of the Wave Hub project is described and the research areas within PRIMaRE are also discussed with an emphasis on resource assessment and physical and environmental modeling and the development of major facilities. Finally, the integrated nature of the project and how it will act as a catalyst for local economic development is described — illustrating how infrastructure development, research collaboration and knowledge transfer may work together to create better opportunities for the development of new and existing businesses.
Armour Layer Fatigue Design Challenges for Flexible Risers in Ultra-Deep Water Depth
Authors: Saevik Svein , Ye Naiquan
Published: February 2010

Fatigue design of armor layers of flexible risers in ultra-deep water depth fields is challenging. Very high internal pressure and tension impose extreme contact pressure between steel armor layers. The paper outlines how these challenges were handled focusing on the physical effects that needed to be included in the structural mechanics model and the procedure used to calculate the lifetime. Residual stresses due to manufacturing plays an important role in reducing the fatigue performance of the pressure layer by affecting the mean stress level. However, this effect can be improved by selecting appropriate factory acceptance test (FAT). A tailor-made finite element program (BFLEX) has been designed to make this sort of analyses possible and ensure the safety of the flexible riser design for ultra-deep water depth. The study is also extended to discuss the fatigue damage owing to friction in the armor layer for the ultra-deep water flexible because of higher contact pressure on the armor layer. Finally, the fatigue behavior of the pressure amour is a typical multi-axial fatigue problem. Various models are proposed to address how different stress components are exposed for the fatigue calculation.
The Transformation Between the Eulerian and Lagrangian Solutions for Irrotational Standing Gravity Waves
Authors: Chen Yang-Yih , Hsu Hung-Chu
Published: February 2010

This study reports the transformations between the third-order Eulerian and Lagrangian solutions for the standing gravity waves on the uniform depth. Regarding the motion of a marked fluid particle, the instantaneous velocity, the mass conservation and the free surface must be the same for either Eulerian or Lagrangian methods. We impose the assumption that the Lagrangian wave frequency is a function of wave steepness. Expanding the unknown function in a small perturbation parameter and using a successive expansion in a Taylor series for the water particle path and the period of a particle motion, the third order asymptotic expressions for the particle trajectories and the period of particle motion can be derived directly in Lagrangian form. It shows that the given Eulerian solutions are capable of being transformed into the completely unknown Lagrangian solutions and the reversible process is also identified.
Applications of Abrasive Fluid-Jets for Completion and Stimulation of Oil and Gas Wells
Authors: Gupta Anuj
Published: February 2010

This paper provides an overview of the development of abrasive-slurry-jet methods for completion and stimulation applications. Abrasive particles added to the fluid dramatically reduced the system pressure requirements. The paper discusses the technical capabilities of cutting through various materials and formations and also discusses improvements and proven applications. Abrasive fluid-jet systems are capable of cutting through rocks of all types, and with greater location control that is not susceptible to the geologically induced deviations encountered with mechanical methods. Abrasive fluid-jets drill rock through the erosion induced by very small particles which individually remove only small fragments but are in such numbers that the drilling rate is at or above that of conventional tools. The particles are powered by the velocity of the supporting fluid, generated in turn by pumps on the surface. The cutting occurs ahead of the nozzle body allowing the nozzle assembly to be fed in the tunnel to create drain-holes. Fluid-jet methods have the potential of improving completion and stimulation efficiency in heterogeneous formations such as fractured and/or vuggy carbonate reservoirs. Application for completion, stimulation and, even, well/platform abandonment have been successful.
Distribution of Wave Impact Forces From Breaking and Non-Breaking Waves
Authors: Fullerton Anne M. , Fu Thomas C. , Ammeen Edward S.
Published: February 2010

Impact loads from waves on vessels and coastal structures are highly complex and may involve wave breaking, making these changes difficult to estimate numerically or empirically. Results from previous experiments have shown a wide range of forces and pressures measured from breaking and non-breaking waves, with no clear trend between wave characteristics and the localized forces and pressures that they generate. In 2008, a canonical breaking wave impact data set was obtained at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, by measuring the distribution of impact pressures of incident non-breaking and breaking waves on one face of a cube. The effects of wave height, wavelength, face orientation, face angle, and submergence depth were investigated. A limited number of runs were made at low forward speeds, ranging from about 0.5 to 2 knots (0.26 to 1.03 m/s). The measurement cube was outfitted with a removable instrumented plate measuring 1 ft2 (0.09 m2), and the wave heights tested ranged from 8–14 inches (20.3 to 35.6 cm). The instrumented plate had 9 slam panels of varying sizes made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and 11 pressure gages; this data was collected at 5 kHz to capture the dynamic response of the gages and panels and fully resolve the shapes of the impacts. A Kistler gage was used to measure the total force averaged over the cube face. A bottom mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) was used to obtain measurements of velocity through the water column to provide incoming velocity boundary conditions. A Light Detecting and Ranging (LiDAR) system was also used above the basin to obtain a surface mapping of the free surface over a distance of approximately 15 feet (4.6 m). Additional point measurements of the free surface were made using acoustic distance sensors. Standard and high-speed video cameras were used to capture a qualitative assessment of the impacts. Impact loads on the plate tend to increase with wave height, as well as with plate inclination toward incoming waves. Further trends of the pressures and forces with wave characteristics, cube orientation, draft and face angle are investigated and presented in this paper, and are also compared with previous test results.
Assessment of Fracture Integrity for Trawl Impact of the Ormen Lange SFD Pipelines
Authors: Olso̸ Erlend , Nyhus Ba˚rd , O̸stby Erling , Hval Morten , Knagenhjelm Hans Olav
Published: February 2010

Ormen Lange Southern Field Development (SFD) is part of the phase 2 development of the Ormen Lange gas field located about 120 km offshore the coast of Norway. The SFD includes an 8 slot template, two 16 inch infield flowlines, one 6 5/8 inch MEG line and one umbilical located at about 850 m water depth. Although there are presently no fishing activities at the development area, the pipeline design has included a design case with evaluation of the structural integrity and potential for failure caused by future interaction with fishing gear such as trawl impact/pull-over and hooking. In contrast to the MEG line and the umbilical, which will be trenched and buried along the whole pipeline route, the 16 inch production flowlines will be left exposed on the seabed and may therefore be subjected to interference with trawl equipment in the future. It was therefore decided that pipeline engineering shall document that impact from trawl equipment during operation will not cause detrimental damage to the exposed flowlines, resulting in leakage of hydrocarbons to the environment and/or high cost of repair. In the event of impact from trawl equipment, it is likely that the pipe will be operating and thus be in a state of internal overpressure. Recent research has shown that the effect of internal pressure can be detrimental to the fracture response of pipelines with circumferential flaws subjected to bending or tensile loading. Today’s analytical equations that are the basis for most engineering critical assessments (ECA) are not capable of accounting for the effect of internal pressure when elastic-plastic fracture mechanics is considered. LINKpipe, which is a special purpose finite element program for assessing the fracture integrity of pipelines, is capable of accounting for the effect of internal pressure and was therefore chosen for the fracture integrity assessment. The flowline was analyzed for a range of defect sizes and material stress-strain behaviors. The finite element model was subjected to bending while under internal pressure, and both surface breaking defects and embedded defects have been assessed to ensure that the Ormen Lange SFD flowlines are capable of withstanding impact from trawl equipment during operation. The analyses were used to determine safe operational windows regarding acceptable defect sizes for both surface breaking and embedded defects for the parameters analyzed.
Liquefaction Triggering Response Under Wave-Induced Cyclic Loading
Authors: Bilge H. Tolga , Unutmaz Berna , Yunatci A. Anil , Yunatci Ipek , Cetin K. Onder
Published: February 2010

Cyclic response of saturated sands has become one of the most popular topics in geotechnical earthquake engineering due to the consequent damages of earthquakes. Related to this topic, detailed performance of offshore structures founded on saturated sands under the effect of cyclic loads carries vital economic importance. It is well-known that besides seismic loading; storm, wind and/or submarine slope failures have direct effect on the strength and deformation behavior of soils through induced sea-level variations. This study summarizes the results of a series of cyclic triaxial tests performed to simulate the behavior of fully-saturated coarse grained sands under wave-induced cyclic loading. Evaluating the excess pore water pressure generation and shear strain accumulation response along with the number of cycles required for liquefaction triggering for sands, having different relative densities, and being subjected to various cyclic shear stress ratios (CSR), the following observations are made; i) number of cycles to liquefaction increases with increasing relative density and decreasing CSR, ii) for medium dense foundation and backfill soils, liquefaction is not triggered for CSR values less than 0.1 under reasonable number of cycles, and iii) number of cycles to liquefaction decreases significantly for soils subjected to CSR values exceeding of 0.25. These results were used to express the effects of the variation in water level and liquefaction triggering response in terms of in-situ test data, wave height and number of waves for the granular backfill of a sample offshore structure.
Modeling Nonlinear Irregular Waves in Reliability Studies for Offshore Wind Turbines
Authors: Agarwal P. , Manuel L.
Published: February 2010

While addressing different load cases according to the IEC guidelines for offshore wind turbines, designers are required to estimate long-term extreme and fatigue loads; this is usually done by carrying out time-domain stochastic turbine response simulations. This involves simulation of the stochastic inflow wind field on the rotor plane, of irregular (random) waves on the support structure, and of the turbine response. Obtaining realistic response of the turbine depends, among other factors, on appropriate modeling of the incident wind and waves. The current practice for modeling waves on offshore wind turbines is limited to the representation of linear irregular waves. While such models are appropriate for deep waters, they are not accurate representations of waves in shallow waters where offshore wind turbines are most commonly sited. In shallow waters, waves are generally nonlinear in nature. It is, therefore, of interest to assess the influence of alternative wave models on the behavior of wind turbines (e.g., on the tower response) as well as on extrapolated long-term turbine loads. The expectation is that nonlinear (second-order) irregular waves can better describe waves in shallow waters. In this study, we investigate differences in turbine response statistics and in long-term load predictions that arise from the use of alternative wave models. We compute loads on the monopile support structure of a 5MW offshore wind turbine model for several representative environmental states where we focus on differences in estimates of the extreme tower bending moment at the mudline due to linear and nonlinear waves. Finally, we compare long-term load predictions using inverse reliability procedures with both the linear and nonlinear wave models. We present convergence criteria that may be used to establish accurate 20-year loads and discuss comparative influences of wind versus waves in long-term load prediction.
Immunotherapy Markedly Increases the Effectiveness of Antimicrobial Therapy for Treatment ofBurkholderia pseudomalleiInfection
Authors: Propst Katie L. , Troyer Ryan M. , Kellihan Lisa M. , Schweizer Herbert P. , Dow Steven W.
Published: February 2010

Burkholderia pseudomalleiis a soil bacterium that is endemic in southeast Asia and northern Australia and that can cause both acutely lethal pneumonia and chronic systemic infections in humans. The effective treatment of infection withB. pseudomalleirequires rapid diagnosis and prolonged treatment with high doses of antimicrobials, and even with appropriate antibiotic therapy, patient relapses are common. Thus, new approaches to the treatment ofB. pseudomalleiinfections are needed. In the present study, we asked whether active immunotherapy with gamma interferon (IFN-γ), a key cytokine regulating the intracellular replication ofB. pseudomallei, could increase the effectiveness of conventional antimicrobial therapy forB. pseudomalleiinfection. Macrophage infection assays andin vivopulmonary challenge models were used to assess the inhibitory effects of combined treatment with IFN-γ and ceftazidime onB. pseudomalleiinfection. We found that treatment with even very low doses of IFN-γ and ceftazidime elicited strong synergistic inhibition ofB. pseudomalleigrowth within infected macrophages.In vivo, active immunotherapy markedly potentiated the effectiveness of low-dose ceftazidime therapy for the treatment of infected mice in a pulmonary challenge model ofB. pseudomallei. Combined treatment was associated with a significant reduction in the bacterial burden and a significant lessening of bacterial dissemination. We concluded, therefore, that immunotherapy with either endogenous or exogenous IFN-γ could significantly increase the effectiveness of conventional antimicrobial therapy for the treatment of acuteB. pseudomalleiinfection.
Static Elastic Characteristics of Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Onanko A. P. , Lyashenko Oleg , Onanko Y. A.
Published: February 2010

In work the influencing of variable deformation ε was researched on elastic and inelastic characteristics: elastic module E and internal friction (IF) of carbon nanotubes and polypropylene; Ti ВТ1-0 alloy.
Directed Immobilisation of Modificated Galactitol-Dehydrogenase on Gold Electrodes for Electrochemical Cofactor Regeneration
Authors: Gajdzik Janine , Lenz Jennifer , Natter Harald , Kohring Gert-Wieland , Giffhorn Friedrich , Wenz Gerhard , Hempelmann Rolf
Published: February 2010

A supplemental cysteine-tag modification of the enzyme galactitol dehydrogenase (GatDH), expressed in Escherichia coli has enabled a directed and covalent immobilisation of the protein on gold surfaces without secondary linkers. The successful enzyme immobilisation was verified by SPR measurements, and the activity of the immobilized GatDH was demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) while NAD+ and the redox mediator 4-carboxy-2,5,7-trinitrofluorenyliden-malonnitrile (CTFM) were both kept in solution. The results represent a proof of concept for the development of electrochemical reactors for the generation of enantiopure fine chemicals as building blocks for pharmaceutical products.
Study of the Electrochemical Carbonylation of Ethanol and Ethylene at Pd/C Anode
Authors: Funakawa Akiyasu , Murayama Toru , Yamanaka Ichiro
Published: February 2010

Electrochemical carbonylations of ethanol, methanol and ethylene were studied at the Pd/C anode with NaClO4 electrolyte. The carbonylation of ethanol to diethyl carbonate (DEC) efficiently proceeded with a current efficiency of 50% as well as the carbonylation of methanol to dimethyl carbonate (DMC). Cross-carbonylations of ethanol and methanol to ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) and of ethylene and methanol to methyl 3-methoxy-propionate and dimethyl succinate proceeded at the Pd/C anode. These facts indicated the formation of an alkoxycarbonyl intermediate on the Pd/C anode during the carbonylation.
Nanocluster Catalysts in Electrochemical Transformations with Formation and Break of P- and C- Bonds
Authors: Budnikova Yulia H. , Mikhaylov Dmitry Y. , Gryaznova Tatyana , Sinyashin Oleg G.
Published: February 2010

Some achievements in the interesting areas of metal nanoparticles (NPs) will be considered on the basis of methods of electrochemistry, namely, the development of preparation and stabilization methods of metal clusters (0, +1) and their derivatives in a solution with the help of classical ligands, rezorcinarenes, etc., the catalytic processes of formation and break of phosphorus and carbon bonds, the "know-how" directed on creation of practically important compounds from the white phosphorus, new approaches to introduction of perfluoroalkyl and other groups.
Measurements and Prediction of Electronic Properties of Discotic Liquid Crystalline Triphenylenes and Phthalocyanines
Authors: Ahmida Mohamed M. , Eichhorn S. H.
Published: February 2010

Objective of this study is the measurement and prediction of the effect of structural changes on the electronic properties of discotic liquid crystals (DLCs), an emerging class of organic semiconductors. Relative changes in frontier orbital energies of potentially discotic triphenylene (TP) and phthalocyanine (Pc) derivatives with different substitution patterns and substituents were predicted by gas phase molecular orbital calculations at a density functional theory (DFT) level. Calculations were performed with different basis sets and obtained frontier orbital energies are compared with experimental data of TP and Pc derivatives that have been studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Particular interest was given to a possible transition from p-type to n-type properties. A LUMO energy of 4.0 eV is used as reference point because this or lower LUMO energies have been proposed to provide potentially air stable n-type organic materials.
High-Temperature Oxidation Resistance of Al2O3- and Cr2O3-Forming Heat-Resisting Alloys with Noble Metals and Rare Earths
Authors: Amano Tadaaki
Published: February 2010

High-temperature oxidation behavior of Al2O3- and Cr2O3-forming heat-resisting alloys with noble metals (Pd, Pt) and rare earths (Y, Lu) was studied in oxidizing atmospheres (oxygen, oxygen-water vapor) for 18ks at 1473, 1573 and 1673K, by mass gain measurements, amount of spalled oxide, observation of surface appearance, XRD, ESM, EPMA, and TEM. For Al2O3-forming alloys, noble metal additions did not decrease mass gain, however, increased oxide adherence in both oxidation conditions. On the other hand, yttrium addition decreased mass gain in both oxidation conditions. After oxidation at 1673K, water vapor caused alumina scale spallation, however, 0.5mass% platinum addition showed good oxide adherence. For Cr2O3-forming alloy, rare earth or silicon addition decreased mass gain, and both rare earth and silicon addition markedly decreased mass gain after oxidation in oxygen for 18ks at 1473 and 1573K. Oxide spallation was amplified by the addition of silicon.
Charged Metal Nanoparticle Monolayers on Semiconductor Substrates
Authors: Bhatt Karthik , Kalkan A. Kaan
Published: February 2010

The present work demonstrates selective charging of metal nanoparticles on semiconductor substrates, exploiting the Fermi level difference. Monolayers of surfactant-free silver nanoparticles (AgNP) were prepared by electroless reduction as well as vapor deposition on high conductivity n- and p-type Si substrates. The selective charging of the AgNP was investigated using electric force microscopy (EFM). As deduced from EFM, polarity and magnitude of the nanoparticle charge can be controlled by varying the Fermi level difference. The present study also reveals the impact of charging on the growth and coalescence of AgNP during chemical reduction. We also demonstrate that the monolayers of charged AgNP can be employed as charge-selective Raman scattering (i.e., surface-enhanced Raman scattering) substrates.
Coating Technologies and Coating Plant Concepts for Thin Film Liquid Coating Layers for Conductive Films
Authors: Glawe Andrea , Graf zu Eulenburg Moritz
Published: February 2010

The demand on nano coating layers, which implies the application of very thin layers, has increased due to the demand of more functional properties and surface characteristics. The market is driven by the development of new functional chemical products like sol-gel products or specific coating solutions with content of nano-scale particles. In the near future new products with new surface properties will control the market, like protective layers as barriers against different environmental influences which will protect humans as well as products. By application of thin layers it is possible to give products effects like "easy-to-clean" properties and to produce surfaces with hydrophobic, oleophobic or hydrophilic properties, to realise reactive layers as well as self lightening effects. Thin layers with highest precision are also used for high-tech applications like flexible solar cell technologies, optical and conductive layers. The publication will show new trends in research and development of coating technologies and on the other side coating products under the aspect of advanced technologies for new innovative products.
Blue Shift of Photoluminescence Spectrum of Porous InP
Authors: Suchikova Yianna , Kidalov Valery , Sukach Georgiy
Published: February 2010

The samples of porous InP were grown up by a method of anode etching on a substrate (100) InP n-type. The samples were characterized by SEM and photoluminescence (PL) where a blue shift was observed in PL. To remove surface oxides from the surface of porous InP using the thermal cleaning of the samples in a stream of high purity hydrogen. Size of walls between pores which makes 3 - 11nm.
Extreme Ultraviolet Interference Lithography for Generation of Platinum Nanoparticles on Glassy Carbon
Authors: Savouchkina Anastasia , Foelske-Schmitz A. , Kötz R. , Wokaun A. , Scherer G.G. , Padeste C. , Ziegler J. , Auzelyte V. , Solak H.
Published: February 2010

In order to investigate corrosion processes of a catalyst and/or its support in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC), model electrodes consisting of platinum upon glassy carbon (GC) were produced via extreme ultraviolet interference lithography (EUV-IL) and subsequent platinum deposition. The exposure experiments were performed at the X-ray Interference Lithography (XIL) beamline of Swiss Light Source (SLS). The influence of exposure parameters (e.g. dose, thickness of the photoresist, amount of deposited platinum) and pre-treatment of the GC substrate upon the size of produced nanostructures and their adhesion to the surface was closely monitored using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The diameter of obtained Pt nanodots was 40-100 nm. It was found that the diameter of the obtained Pt nanodots was only dependent on the EUV dose. Thermal pre-treatment of GC had no obvious influence on the process steps.
High Temperature Phase Transitions Observed in Oxygen Deficient TiO2-x Thin Films
Authors: Bessergenev Valentin
Published: February 2010

The results of the study on dielectric properties of TiO2 thin films at high temperature T up to 900ºC are reported. High-temperature (Tc ~ 700ºC) anomalous behavior of dielectric constant was observed in both anatase and rutile TiO2 thin films. Dielectric properties of TiO2 thin films were studied in air, in controlled Ar/O2 atmospheres, and in vacuum using silicon-based Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor (MIS) Au/TiO2/Si capacitors. Anatase and rutile TiO2 thin films were prepared by CVD method using Ti(OPri)4 and Ti(dpm)2(OPri)2 as precursors (dpm = 2,2,6,6-tetramethylheptane-3,5-dione and Pri = isopropyl).
Relation Between the Morphology of Electrodeposited ZnO Films and the Efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Lizama Tzec Francisco I. , Oskam Gerko
Published: February 2010

The morphology of ZnO films electrodeposited from zinc(II) nitrate solution depends on the reactant concentrations and the deposition current density. The relationship between the film morphology and suitability for application in dye-sensitized solar cells was evaluated, and it was observed that a leaves-type morphology obtained at low current density and high zinc(II) nitrate concentration gives the best performance, related to a high accessible surface area for dye adsorption.
Adhesive Metal Film Formation on Silicon by Electroless Deposition Using Catalytic Anchors
Authors: Yae Shinji , Hirano Tatsuya , Sakabe Keisuke , Fukumuro Naoki , Matsuda Hitoshi
Published: February 2010

Autocatalytic electroless deposition, which is a conventional method to metalize nonmetallic substrates, requires catalyzation of substrates before deposition. For silicon (Si) substrates, obtaining adhesive metal films with conventional catalyzation pretreatments is difficult. In this study, we develop a new method to produce adhesive metal films on Si substrates by an electroless process that consists of three steps: 1) electroless displacement deposition of metal nanoparticles; 2) Si nanopore formation by metal-particle-enhanced hydrofluoric acid etching; and 3) metal filling in nanopores and metal-film formation on the whole Si surface by autocatalytic electroless deposition. The metal nanorods in Si act as catalytic nanoanchors to promote autocatalytic electroless metal deposition and improve the adhesion of metal films on Si substrates.
A High Measurement Channel Density Impedance Array Analyzer: Instrumentation and Implementation Approaches
Authors: Cooper Kevin , Casulli Matthew , Smith Matthew , Johnson Derek
Published: February 2010

The development of impedance-based array devices is hindered by a lack of robust platforms and methods upon which to evaluate and interrogate sensors. One aspect to be addressed is the development of measurement-time efficient techniques for broadband impedance spectroscopy of large electrode arrays. The objective of this work was to substantially increase the throughput capability of low frequency impedance measurement of a large channel-count array analyzer by developing true parallel measurement methods. The goal was achieved by Fourier transform based analysis of simultaneously-acquired, multi-channel, time-based, current and voltage data. Efficacy and quantitative analysis of the parallel approach is demonstrated through complex impedance measurement of dummy cell arrays consisting of up to 100 elements to sub-Hertz frequencies. The accuracy and measurement-time efficiency of the standard sequential measurement method, and a hybrid standard + parallel approach, are evaluated.
EIS Characterization of Ni/Zn and Ni-Co/Zn Stainless Steel Based Electrodeposits for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Harraiz-Cardona Isaac , Ortega Emma , Pérez-Herranz Valentin , Beneito Ruben , Merlos Agustin
Published: February 2010

A study on the electrocatalytic performance of Ni/Zn and Ni-Co/Zn alloys for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media has been carried out. After preparing, by electrodeposition on stainless steel supports, the alloys were leached of to remove part of the zinc and generate a porous surface. For the developed electrodes, the surface roughness factor, Rf, one of the most important problems in electrocatalysis, was evaluated by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The HER on these electrodes was evaluated by applying steady-state polarization curves and EIS. The obtained electrodes were characterized by large roughness factors for HER, Rf ~ 5000 and very low overpotentials at the current density of 250 mA cm-2, η250 ~ 0.32 mV at 30 ºC. The high electrode activity was mainly attributed to the high surface area of the developed electrodes.
Quantum Dot-based Sensors for Proteins
Authors: Xu Hengyi , Aguilar Zoraida P. , Wang Andrew
Published: February 2010

Quantum dots (QDs) are a new generation of fluorescent labeling agents which have recently attracted researcher's attention for a variety of biomedical applications. Literature on the applications of quantum dots in the life sciences has recently significantly increased in number that is in line with predictions that nanotechnology in life sciences research will contribute $3.4 billion by 2010 while the National Science Foundation is predicting that the market for nanotechnology and corresponding products will reach $1 trillion in 10 to 15 years. The chemical sensor industry, which is a $2.9 billion US industry, is predicted to grow while applications of nanomaterials have been estimated to have a market impact of over US$ 340 billion within a decade. In this present work, we developed a QD-based protein sensor using mouse IgG as the model analyte. The sensor was designed using a combination of capture antibody (rabbit anti-mouse IgG antibody) and QDs conjugated goat anti-mouse IgG for detection. In order to eliminate the non-specific binding of QD-labeled antibody, a super blocker BBB was used for the assay. Thus, we successfully demonstrated the use of QDs for protein sensing.
Fabrication of High Aspect Ratio SU-8 Structures Using UV Lithography and Megasonic-Enhanced Development
Authors: Figura Daniel , Bartel Johanna
Published: February 2010

In recent years SU-8 resist attracted a high interest for fabrication of structures with high topography or high aspect ratio structures. The reasons for SU-8 popularity can be found in its unique properties - high chemical and mechanical stability, biological compatibility, optical transparency, high aspect ratio capability and low cost of fabrication. SU-8 can be used as an alternative molding material to LIGA process; in comparison to the standard LIGA process, relatively thick (1 mm range) SU-8 layers can be processed with UV lithography and do not require expensive X-ray light source. Nevertheless, processing of thick layers of SU-8 is not without challenges - coating high viscosity material, critical soft bakes in order of several hours, exposure requiring good contact, critical post exposure bake and extremely long development times. One aspect of the SU-8 processing, which is explored in this paper, is improvement of the development process time - by using single wafer megasonic-enhanced development. In this paper, the experimental results from manufacturing of SU-8 structures with aspect ratio 1:23 by using UV lithography and megasonic-enhanced development will be presented. Significant development time reduction from 240 min down to 10 min was achieved.
Electrochemical Investigation of Porous Silicon/Gold System in Biological Electrolyte
Authors: Simion Monica , Miu Mihaela , Cortojan Lucia , Kleps Irina , Savu Lorand , Danila Mihai , Bragaru Adina
Published: February 2010

For integration in nanoscale sensors/biosensors and optical devices is important to control the organization of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) for bind various proteins on gold/silicon substrates. In this context, utilization of the self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) as matrices provides a simple route to functionalize metallic surfaces by organic molecules (thiols with free anchor groups) and allows oriented immobilization of signal biomolecules on a transducer surface. This paper describes fabrication and electrochemical investigation of functionalized glass, silicon and porous silicon - gold system. The modification of impedance of PBS electrolyte was investigated with and without single string DNA. A second type of measurement was realized for detection of ANA attachment on the substrate and hybridization of immobilized DNA by complementary target.
Single Balloon Enteroscopy-Assisted ERCP Using Rendezvous Technique for Sharp Angulation of Roux-en-Y Limb in a Patient with Bile Duct Stones
Authors: Itoi Takao , Ishii Kentaro , Sofuni Atsushi , Itokawa Fumihide , Kurihara Toshio , Tsuchiya Takayoshi , Tsuji Shujiro , Umeda Junko , Moriyasu Fuminori
Published: February 2010

The acute angulation of Roux-en-Y (R-Y) limb precludes endoscopic access for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) even using a balloon enteroscopy. Here, we describe a case of successful single balloon enteroscopy (SBE)-assisted ERCP using a rendezvous technique in a patient with sharply angulated R-Y limb in a 79-year-old woman who had bile duct stones. Method. At first, a guidewire was passed antegradely through the major papilla after the needle puncture using percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage technique. A hydrophilic guidewire with an ERCP catheter was antegradely advanced beyond the Roux limb. After a guidewire was firmly grasped by a snare forceps, it was pulled out of the body, resulting that the enteroscope could advance to the papilla. After papillary dilation, complete removal of bile duct stones was achieved without any procedure-related complication. In conclusion, although further study is needed, SBE-assisted ERCP using a rendezvous technique may have a potential for selected patients.
Bivalves and Gastropods of the Gulf of Tehuantepec, Mexico: A Checklist of Species with Notes on Their Habitat and Local Distribution
Authors: Ríos-Jara Eduardo , Navarro-Caravantes Ceciel-M. , Galván-Villa Cristian-M. , Lopez-Uriarte Ernesto
Published: February 2010

The taxonomic composition of 160 species of bivalves and gastropods recorded in the Gulf of Tehuantepec is presented with information on their habitat and distribution along 10 different localities of the shoreline and 42 stations of the continental shelf. The species were on sandy and rocky beaches, coastal lagoons, estuaries, mangroves, rocky breakwaters of ports, and shallow subtidal areas (14–47 m depth). A total of 78 bivalve species and 82 gastropod species were recorded. Most of these were associated with sandy and rocky beaches and breakwaters of ports. The estuaries host 30 species and the coastal lagoons only two. In the shallow subtidal there were 18 gastropod species and 40 bivalve species representing 36.3% of all. This study adds 24 bivalve species and 29 gastropod species not recorded in previous studies for a total count of 213 species (102 bivalves and 111 gastropods) for Gulf of Tehuantepec.
A Note on “Common Fixed Point of Multistep Noor Iteration with Errors for a Finite Family of Generalized Asymptotically Quasi‐Nonexpansive Mappings”
Authors: Saejung Satit , Suantai Suthep , Yotkaew Pongsakorn
Published: February 2010

The purpose of this paper is to give a general and short principle
for proving some convergence results of certain types of iterative sequences.
A small gap in the paper by Imnang and Suantai (2009) is discussed and corrected. Finally, we prove that the generalized asymptotically
quasi‐nonexpansive mappings in the sense of Lan (2006) are nothing but asymptotically quasi‐nonexpansive. Hence several results concerning these mappings become a special case of the known ones.
A Note on “Malaria at Parturition in Nigeria: Current Status and Delivery Outcome”
Authors: Oshikoya Kazeem A. , Senbanjo Idowu O.
Published: February 2010

We read the recent article by (Mokuolu et al. 2009) with keen interest and would like to congratulate them for a job well done. However, we would like to raise a few points relating to the limitations of the study.
Fixed Point Theorems for Set-Valued Contraction Type Maps in Metric Spaces
Authors: Amini-Harandi A , O'Regan D
Published: February 2010

We first give some fixed point results for set-valued self-map contractions in complete metric spaces. Then we derive a fixed point theorem for nonself set-valued contractions which are metrically inward. Our results generalize many well-known results in the literature.
How Do We Know Them When We See Them? The Subjective Evolution in the Identification of Victim Groups for the Purpose of Genocide
Authors: Young Rebecca
Published: February 2010

Despite more than a decade of jurisprudence from the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, the manner in which the victim group is defined for the purpose of genocide remains an area in which the espousal of principle is not always matched by practice. This article undertakes a comprehensive analysis of whether international criminal law identifies the victim of genocide based on objective indicators of the group's existence or based on subjective perceptions in relation to that group. This article tests the claim in the Report of the International Commission of Inquiry on Darfur that the identification of victim groups has evolved to such an extent that it is now based on a purely subjective standard. This article first considers the Genocide Convention, its travaux preparatoires and the method of identification of victim groups in other areas of international law, concluding that none of these sources offer clear guidance as to whether the victim group is to be understood as a subjective or objective concept. The jurisprudence of the ad hoc tribunals is then closely analysed. Despite the common claim that the tribunals have been moving towards the adoption of increasingly subjective standards, this article suggests that upon closer analysis such development is not so pronounced. Although the tribunals have shown increased willingness to espouse, in principle, the value of a subjective approach, in reality the tribunals have looked to the same forms of evidence of a group's existence since its earliest jurisprudence. However, although no clear change has occurred in the practice of the ad hoc tribunals, it is becoming increasingly evident that the tribunals are acknowledging the blurred boundaries between objective and subjective indicators of a group's existence. The "evolution" towards a subjective approach referred to in the Darfur Report might be properly understood as a more evolved understanding of the factors which lawyers are quick to regard as objective, but which in the field of sociology have long been regarded as part of subjective processes of group identification. Thus, the issues in this article are framed by the broader debate as to the divergences between the legal and sociological conceptions of genocide is article concludes by placing this discussion in the context of the International Criminal Court's first foray into genocide in the case of The Prosecutor v. Omar Hassan Ahmad Al Bashir.
Disclosure before the ICC: The Emergence of a New Form of Policies Implementation System in International Criminal Justice?
Authors: Caianiello Michele
Published: February 2010

The use of theoretical models, the most famous of which is the distinction between accusatorial and inquisitorial, is decisive in testing the intrinsic consistency of a specific procedural system. The aim of this work is to analyse some aspects of the law of evidence provided for by ICC sources, specifically the disclosure provisions, and ascertain whether the blending of different legal traditions may be regarded as successful or subject to criticism. For this purpose, in his analysis the Author employs the widely known Damaška partition between coordinate vs. hierarchical officialdom, in the administration of the process. The conclusion reached in this work is that some amendments to the sources of the ICC concerning the law of evidence would be advisable, in order to rectify certain inconsistencies. Among them, the author proposes the adoption of an official Prosecutor's file in the pre-trial phase.
The International Criminal Court and "Internationally Recognized Human Rights": Understanding Article 21(3) of the Rome Statute
Authors: Sheppard Daniel
Published: February 2010

Article 21(3) of the Rome Statute requires that the law applied by the ICC be interpreted and applied in accordance with "internationally recognized human rights." Notwithstanding its paramountcy over other sources of law, Article 21(3) has yet to receive satisfactory consideration and analysis by the Court. In constructing a principled framework for how international human rights should operate within the applicable law of the Court, certain principles serve as important guideposts: rules of statutory interpretation, the complementarity principle, the structure of international human rights law, and principles of international legal personality. Relying on these principles, the Court's jurisprudence and the Statute's travaux préparatoires, it is possible to map out some of the features of Article 21(3). The Article is not merely a rule of interpretation, but is generative of powers and remedies that would otherwise not be available. However, in order to be applied rationally, the scope of "internationally recognized human rights" should be contingent on which state would ordinarily exercise jurisdiction over a prosecution. The institutional relationships between The Court, state parties, and other bodies that interpret and apply human rights norms should also influence how the Court applies these principles, with decisions of international human rights courts being prima face binding in certain circumstances.
The Prosecutorial Interpretation of the Complementarity Principle: Does It Really Contribute to Ending Impunity on the National Level?
Authors: Jurdi Nidal Nabil
Published: February 2010

The complementarity regime serves as a system to encourage and facilitate the compliance of states with their responsibility to investigate and prosecute international core crimes. It can contribute to the creation of an effective indirect enforcement mechanism among state parties to the Rome Statute; however, the current practice of the ICC falls short of materializing that. In the Ugandan case, the Ugandan referral displays a number of negative aspects regarding the ICC prosecutorial policy in practice. Firstly, Uganda does not seem to fulfil the "inability" criterion as stipulated in Article 17. Secondly, the policy of encouraging and seeking state referrals might lead to certain negative outcomes vis-à-vis fulfilling the purposes of the Rome Statute to end impunity. The presumption that state referrals could guarantee state cooperation is over simplistic. The ICC's position in the DRC situation raises other concerns, particularly with regard to the ICC's approach to cases of "inaction". Lubanga and Germain Katanga were already in the Congolese custody waiting trial for more serious crimes when the ICC requested their surrender considering that the DRC was not investigating the crimes the ICC has been investigating. The Congolese judicial system, at least in certain areas of the DRC (including Kinshasa) was "able and willing". Based on the above, the article concludes that the ICC Prosecutor's policy on the admissibility of "inactions" could encourage in theory national systems to prosecute core crimes; however, in reality it could lead to the opposite.
Beyond the Juristic Orientation of International Criminal Justice: The Relevance of Criminological Insight to International Criminal Law and its Control A Commentary
Authors: Rothe Dawn , Mullins Christopher
Published: February 2010

This article draws attention to the relevance of criminological insight on issues of international criminal law and criminal justice. In particular, the ideology and theory of deterrence, legitimacy, and international criminal law are drawn from. After all, the deterrent effect has been touted as a solid empirical fact with the progression and development of 'international criminal justice', the international tribunals since the mid 1990s, and the International Criminal Court. Yet, the current rather blind belief in the deterrent impact of international criminal justice remains, regretfully, a bit premature. Additionally, beyond the concepts of deterrence and legitimacy, criminologists have much to contribute to international criminal justice. As noted, there are social, political, cultural, and geographical issues that play a role in not only crime commission, but in the hindrance of and/or facilitation of deterrence. Criminologists are well positioned to show how these connections may facilitate or hinder the broader goals of the legal community.
Canadian Genocide and Official Culpability
Authors: Akhtar Zia
Published: February 2010

In the last 20 years the native people of Canada have asserted their sovereignty by rejecting their status as wards. Their subordination had caused removal of their children to boarding schools to remerge as imitation white adults. It involved the purging of their own culture, including language, names and religious symbols. There is now evidence that there were thousands of preventable deaths in these schools, because the conditions were criminally negligent and the teaching was backed up by corporal punishment. In response to these allegations the Canadian government has set up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, but it lacks any investigative or punitive powers. As it has no right to compel witnesses, the First Nations have established their own International Human Rights Tribunal into Genocide in Canada (IHRTGC). This has the objective of presenting evidence to the United Nations in order for a court to be empowered on lines of an international tribunal investigating crimes of ethnic cleansing to try the officials of the government and the Churches. Will the redress the IHRTGC is seeking stand the test of evidence that proves beyond reasonable doubt the culpability of the accused? Can the appropriation and abuse of aboriginal children be abated? What kind of compensation will be payable once guilt has been proved?