bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stratigraphy and geochemistry of the Lac-Brompton ophiolite, Canada: evidence for extensive forearc magmatism and mantle exhumation in the Southern Quebec Ophiolite Belt
Authors: De Souza Stéphane , Tremblay Alain , Daoust Caroline , Gauthier Michel
Published: November 2008

Three ophiolites are currently recognized in the southern Quebec Appalachians, from south to north: the Mont-Orford ophiolite, dominated by tholeiitic to transitional–alkaline basalt and diabase, and the Thetford Mines and Asbestos ophiolites, which are made up of boninites and tholeiitic basalts. This contribution documents the origin, geochemistry, and geodynamic evolution of the Lac-Brompton ophiolite, which was previously interpreted as a diapiric serpentinite mélange and genetically attributed to the Mont-Orford ophiolite. Our study of its igneous rocks rather indicates that the Lac-Brompton ophiolite is an exhumed segment of oceanic lithosphere represented by mantle rocks of harzburgitic composition and a discontinuous crust made up of boninitic volcanic rocks and intrusions of gabbro, pyroxenite, and granitoids that, respectively, overlie and crosscut the harzburgite. The ophiolitic mantle and crustal rocks and underlying infra-ophiolitic tectonic sole are overlain by sedimentary rocks belonging to the Saint-Daniel Mélange. The internal stratigraphy of the ophiolite and relationships with the Saint-Daniel Mélange suggest that the mantle rocks were exhumed to seafloor level prior to boninitic magmatism, and that the mantle and crustal rocks were deeply eroded during or shortly after obduction. The intra-oceanic evolution of the Lac-Brompton ophiolite is believed to have been comparable to the one of ultramafic core complexes exposed along slow-spreading ridge segments. The stratigraphic and geochemical characteristics of the Lac-Brompton ophiolite suggest that it forms, with the Asbestos and Thetford Mines ophiolites, a composite slab of forearc seafloor.
Paleomagnetism of fluorite veins in the Devonian St. Lawrence granite, Newfoundland, Canada
Authors: Kawasaki K. , Symons D. T.A.
Published: November 2008

Paleomagnetic results are reported from the Devonian St. Lawrence granite and the fluorite veins within the granite or its related porphyry dikes. Paleomagnetic analysis of 359 specimens from 29 sites shows that there is no statistically significant difference at 95% confidence between the site mean characteristic remanent magnetization (ChRM) directions carried by pyrrhotite and (or) magnetite of the granite and fluorite veins. No post-granite metamorphic event is known in the area. Thus, these concordant directions indicate that the granite and fluorite veins are coeval and retain a primary remanence. However, the mean ChRM direction of 25 vein and granite sites yields an Early Pennsylvanian paleopole of ∼316 Ma on the North American apparent polar wander path at 35.5°N, 129.2°E (A95 = 3.4°) that is younger than the 374 ± 2 Ma Devonian U–Pb zircon age for the granite. Two intersecting vertical vein sets indicate that the St. Lawrence granite has not been tilted since emplacement of the fluorite veins. Therefore, the difference between the measured and expected paleopoles is interpreted to result from a postemplacement counterclockwise rotation of ∼17° of the St. Lawrence granite region about a vertical axis. Analysis of Carboniferous paleopoles in the northern Appalachian orogen indicates the rotation at the St. Lawrence area is Late Devonian during the Acadian orogeny.
The Churchill kimberlite field, Nunavut, Canada: petrography, mineral chemistry, and geochronology
Authors: Zurevinski S. E. , Heaman L. M. , Creaser R. A. , Strand P.
Published: November 2008

Seventy-nine kimberlite intrusions have been identified in the Churchill Province, Nunavut, the result of an aggressive diamond exploration program by Shear Minerals Ltd. and their partners. This is one of Canada’s newest and largest kimberlite districts, situated immediately west of Hudson Bay between the communities of Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet. This study documents the occurrence of bonafide kimberlite rocks, classified as mainly sparsely macrocrystic, oxide-rich calcite evolved hypabyssal kimberlite and macrocrystic oxide-rich monticellite phlogopite hypabyssal kimberlite. Electron microprobe analyses of olivine, phlogopite, spinel, and perovskite support this petrographical classification. Low 87Sr/86Sr isotopic compositions determined from perovskite indicate a group I affinity. In addition, 27 precise U–Pb perovskite and Rb–Sr phlogopite emplacement ages have been determined for the Churchill kimberlites, indicating that magmatism spans ∼45 million years (225–170 Ma). The Churchill kimberlites belong to the NW–SE-trending corridor of Jurassic–Triassic kimberlite magmatism in eastern North America, which includes the Kirkland Lake, Timiskaming, and Attawapiskat kimberlite fields. Churchill kimberlites extend this corridor ∼800 km northwest, suggesting that the corridor may continue northwest with older kimberlites. This corridor is interpreted as the continental expression of magmatism linked to either a single or multiple mantle-plume hotspot track(s), a pattern geographically coincident with independent estimates for the timing and location of the continental extension of both the Great Meteor and Verde hotspot tracks.
Integrating Usage Control with SIP‐Based Communications
Authors: Barka E. , Lakas A.
Published: November 2008

The Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is a signaling protocol used for establishing and maintaining communication sessions involving two or more participants. SIP was initially designed for voice over IP and multimedia conferencing, and then was extended to support other services such as instant messaging and presence management. Today, SIP is also adopted to be used with 3G wireless networks, thus it becomes an integral protocol for ubiquitous environment. SIP has various methods that support a variety of applications such as subscribing to a service, notification of an event, status update, and location and presence services. However, when it comes to security, the use of wireless and mobile communication technologies and the pervasive nature of this environment introduce higher risks to security than that of the old simple environment. In this paper, we introduce new architecture that implements a new type of access control called usage access control (UCON) to control the access to the SIP‐based communication at preconnection, during connection, and postconnection. This will enable prescribers of SIP services to control who can identify their locations to approve or disapprove their subsequent connections, and to also set some parameters to determine whether a certain communication can continue or should terminate.
Leiomyosarcoma of the Prostate: Case Report and Review of 54 Previously Published Cases
Authors: Vandoros Gerasimos P. , Manolidis Theodoros , Karamouzis Michalis V. , Gkermpesi Maria , Lambropoulou Maria , Papatsoris Athanasios G. , Zachos Ioannis , Konstantinopoulos Panagiotis A.
Published: November 2008

Prostate leiomyosarcoma is an extremely rare and highly aggressive neoplasm that accounts for less than 0.1% of primary prostate malignancies. We present a patient with primary leiomyosarcoma of the prostate and review 54 cases reported in the literature to discuss the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of this uncommon tumor. Median survival was estimated at 17 months (95% C.I. 20.7–43.7 months) and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year actuarial survival rates were 68%, 34%, and 26%, respectively. The only factors predictive of long-term survival were negative surgical margins and absence of metastatic disease at presentation. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary for appropriate management of this dire entity.
Composite Implicit General Iterative Process for a Nonexpansive Semigroup in Hilbert Space
Authors: Li Lihua , Li Suhong , Su Yongfu
Published: November 2008

Let "Equation missing" be nonempty closed convex subset of real Hilbert space "Equation missing". Consider "Equation missing" a nonexpansive semigroup "Equation missing" with a common fixed point, a contraction "Equation missing" with coefficient "Equation missing", and a strongly positive linear bounded operator "Equation missing" with coefficient "Equation missing". Let "Equation missing". It is proved that the sequence "Equation missing" generated iteratively by "Equation missing" converges strongly to a common fixed point "Equation missing" which solves the variational inequality "Equation missing" for all "Equation missing".
Understanding Stress-Related Behavioral Phenotypes: Report from the 1st International Neuroscience Summer School and the 11th International “Stress and Behavior” Conference
Authors: LaPorte J. L. , Klimenko V. M. , Kalueff A. V.
Published: November 2008

The 1st International Neuroscience Summer School and the 11th International Multidisciplinary Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Conference on Stress and Behavior were held in St. Petersburg, Russia, during May 9–20, 2008. The summer school gathered 30 talented young scientists from 15 countries worldwide, and was dedicated to different topics of behavioral neuroscience. Many interactive courses were provided on neuropharmacology, animal phenotyping, and biopsychology. The conference's excellent scientific and social program attracted almost 500 delegates from 40 countries from many areas of stress research. The eclectic interaction between medical doctors, basic scientists, psychologists, and students made for a productive and collaborative environment, which contributed greatly to the success of the school and conference.
A Maximum Principle Approach to Risk Indifference Pricing with Partial Information
Authors: An Ta Thi Kieu , Øksendal Bernt , Proske Frank
Published: November 2008

We consider the problem of risk indifference pricing on an incomplete
market, namely on a jump diffusion market where the
controller has limited access to market information. We use
the maximum principle for stochastic differential games to derive
a formula for the risk indifference price of a European‐type claim G.
PPARγ and Agonists against Cancer: Rational Design of Complementation Treatments
Authors: Veliceasa Dorina , Schulze-Hoëpfner Frank Thilo , Volpert Olga V.
Published: November 2008

PPARγ is a member of the ligand‐activated nuclear receptor superfamily: its ligands act as insulin sensitizers and some are approved for the treatment of metabolic disorders in humans. PPARγ has pleiotropic effects on survival and proliferation of multiple cell types, including cancer cells, and is now subject of intensive preclinical cancer research. Studies of the recent decade highlighted PPARγ role as a potential modulator of angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. These observations provide an additional facet to the PPARγ image as potential anticancer drug. Currently PPARγ is regarded as an important target for the therapies against angiogenesis‐dependent pathological states including cancer and vascular complications of diabetes. Some of the studies, however, identify pro‐angiogenic and tumor‐promoting effects of PPARγ and its ligands pointing out the need for further studies. Below, we summarize current knowledge of PPARγ regulatory mechanisms and molecular targets, and discuss ways to maximize the beneficial activity of the PPARγ agonists.
Direction of Preoperative Ventricular Shunting Affects Ventricular Mechanics After Tetralogy of Fallot Repair
Authors: Richmond Marc E. , Cabreriza Santos E. , Van Batavia Jason P. , Quinn T. Alexander , Kanter Joshua P. , Weinberg Alan D. , Mosca Ralph S. , Quaegebeur Jan M. , Spotnitz Henry M.
Published: November 2008

Background—

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) typically results in clinical cyanosis or volume overload of the left ventricle (LV), depending on the direction and magnitude of shunting across the ventricular septal defect (VSD). The present study examines the effects of surgical TOF repair on LV mechanics and compares these changes between patients with VSD shunts that are predominantly right-to-left (R-L; “blue TOF”) and those with VSD shunts that are predominantly left-to-right (L-R; “pink TOF”).

Methods and Results—

Eleven patients (6 R-L and 5 L-R) 4.3 to 18.4 months old (median 7.1 months old) were studied. LV end-diastolic area (EDA) was calculated from transesophageal echocardiograms obtained during initiation and weaning of cardiopulmonary bypass. LV end-diastolic pressure was measured by micromanometer. Compliance was assessed by end-diastolic pressure-area curves. Contractility was assessed from preload recruitable stroke work by the stroke work–versus–LV EDA relation. VSD shunt direction was determined by preoperative Doppler echocardiography. Changes in LV function at the conclusion of cardiopulmonary bypass included decreased stroke area (from 6.6±0.9 to 4.1±0.4 cm
2
/m
2
,
P
=0.012) and ejection fraction (from 55±2% to 41±3%,
P
<0.001). LV EDA at a common pressure in 8 patients decreased (from 10.4±1.4 to 7.6±1.2 cm
2
/m
2
,
P
=0.003), which suggests a decrease in ventricular compliance. Additionally, the end-diastolic pressure-area curves shifted to the left in all patients. Preload recruitable stroke work decreased (from 34.8±2.4 to 21.8±2.6 mm Hg,
P
=0.007), which demonstrates a decrease in ventricular contractility. When separated by preoperative shunt direction, LV EDA increased in R-L patients by 0.9±0.5 cm
2
/m
2
postoperatively but decreased in L-R patients by 4.3±0.8 cm
2
/m
2
(
P
<0.001). Area ejection fraction decreased in all patients independent of shunting or change in LV EDA.

Conclusions—

LV diastolic and systolic function are depressed after TOF repair. Mechanical effects of the VSD patch and myocardial depressant effects of ischemia and reperfusion during surgery probably contribute to the observed changes in LV mechanics. Different effects of surgical repair on LV preload in pink and blue TOF also contribute to the spectrum of clinical results observed after surgery.
Additive Effects of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Hypertension on Early Markers of Carotid Atherosclerosis
Authors: Drager Luciano F. , Bortolotto Luiz A. , Krieger Eduardo M. , Lorenzi-Filho Geraldo
Published: November 2008

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has emerged as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. However, OSA is frequently associated with several risk factors for atherosclerosis, including hypertension (HTN). The impact of OSA and HTN alone compared with the association of both conditions on carotid atherosclerosis is not understood. We studied 94 middle-aged participants free of smoking and diabetes mellitus who were divided into 4 groups: controls (n=22), OSA (n=25), HTN (n=20), and OSA+HTN (n=27). All of the participants underwent polysomnography and carotid measurements of intima-media thickness, diameter, and distensibility with an echo-tracking device. Compared with controls, intima-media thickness and carotid diameter were similarly higher in OSA (713±117 and 7117±805 μm), and HTN groups (713±182 and 7191±818 μm), with a further significant increase in OSA+HTN patients (837±181 and 7927±821 μm, respectively;
P
<0.01). Carotid distensibility was significantly lower in HTN (
P
<0.05) and OSA+HTN subjects (
P
<0.001) compared with controls. In the OSA+HTN group, carotid distensibility was significantly lower than in the OSA group and controls (
P
<0.05 for each comparison). Multivariate analysis showed that intima-media thickness was positively related to systolic blood pressure and apnea-hypopnea index. Apnea-hypopnea index was the only factor related to carotid diameter. Age and systolic blood pressure were independently related to carotid distensibility. In conclusion, the association of OSA and HTN has additive effects on markers of carotid atherosclerosis. Because early markers of carotid atherosclerosis predict future cardiovascular events, including not only stroke but also myocardial infarction, these findings may help to explain the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with OSA.
Neural Substrates of Visuospatial Processing in Distinct Reference Frames: Evidence from Unilateral Spatial Neglect
Authors: Medina Jared , Kannan Vijay , Pawlak Mikolaj A. , Kleinman Jonathan T. , Newhart Melissa , Davis Cameron , Heidler-Gary Jennifer E. , Herskovits Edward H. , Hillis Argye E.
Published: November 2008

There is evidence for different levels of visuospatial processing with their own frames of reference: viewer-centered, stimulus-centered, and object-centered. The neural locus of these levels can be explored by examining lesion location in subjects with unilateral spatial neglect (USN) manifest in these reference frames. Most studies regarding the neural locus of USN have treated it as a homogenous syndrome, resulting in conflicting results. In order to further explore the neural locus of visuospatial processes differentiated by frame of reference, we presented a battery of tests to 171 subjects within 48 hr after right supratentorial ischemic stroke before possible structural and/or functional reorganization. The battery included MR perfusion weighted imaging (which shows hypoperfused regions that may be dysfunctional), diffusion weighted imaging (which reveals areas of infarct or dense ischemia shortly after stroke onset), and tests designed to disambiguate between various types of neglect. Results were consistent with a dorsal/ventral stream distinction in egocentric/allocentric processing. We provide evidence that portions of the dorsal stream of visual processing, including the right supramarginal gyrus, are involved in spatial encoding in egocentric coordinates, whereas parts of the ventral stream (including the posterior inferior temporal gyrus) are involved in allocentric encoding.
Unification of Speaker and Meaning in Language Comprehension: An fMRI Study
Authors: Tesink Cathelijne M. J. Y. , Petersson Karl Magnus , van Berkum Jos J. A. , van den Brink Daniëlle , Buitelaar Jan K. , Hagoort Peter
Published: November 2008

When interpreting a message, a listener takes into account several sources of linguistic and extralinguistic information. Here we focused on one particular form of extralinguistic information, certain speaker characteristics as conveyed by the voice. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we examined the neural structures involved in the unification of sentence meaning and voice-based inferences about the speaker's age, sex, or social background. We found enhanced activation in the inferior frontal gyrus bilaterally (BA 45/47) during listening to sentences whose meaning was incongruent with inferred speaker characteristics. Furthermore, our results showed an overlap in brain regions involved in unification of speaker-related information and those used for the unification of semantic and world knowledge information [inferior frontal gyrus bilaterally (BA 45/47) and left middle temporal gyrus (BA 21)]. These findings provide evidence for a shared neural unification system for linguistic and extralinguistic sources of information and extend the existing knowledge about the role of inferior frontal cortex as a crucial component for unification during language comprehension.
Brain Networks Involved in Early versus Late Response Anticipation and Their Relation to Conflict Processing
Authors: Lütcke Henry , Gevensleben Holger , Albrecht Björn , Frahm Jens
Published: November 2008

Previous electrophysiological studies have clearly identified separable neural events underlying early and late components of response anticipation. Functional neuroimaging studies, however, have so far failed to account for this separation. Here, we performed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of an anticipation paradigm in 12 healthy adult subjects that reliably produced early and late expectancy waves in the electroencephalogram. We furthermore compared fMRI activations elicited during early and late anticipation to those associated with response conflict. Our results demonstrate the existence of distinct cortical and subcortical brain regions underlying early and late anticipation. Although late anticipatory behavior was associated with activations in dorsal ACC, frontal cortex, and thalamus, brain responses linked to the early expectancy wave were localized mainly in motor and premotor cortical areas as well as the caudate nucleus. Additionally, late anticipation was associated with increased activity in midbrain dopaminergic nuclei, very likely corresponding to the substantia nigra. Furthermore, whereas regions involved in late anticipation proved to be very similar to activations elicited by response conflict, this was not the case for early anticipation. The current study supports a distinction between early and late anticipatory processes, in line with a plethora of neurophysiological work, and for the first time describes the brain structures differentially involved in these processes.
Some Preliminary Observations on al-Šāfiī and Later Usūl al-Fiqh: The Case of the Term bayān
Authors: Lowry Joseph
Published: November 2008

This article follows the reception of Šāfiī's (d. 204/820) concept of bayān, beginning with Ğāhiz (d. 255/868) and continuing with discussions in selected later works of usūl al-fiqh. For Šāfiī, in his Risāla, the term covered categories of divine legislative pronouncements and hermeneutical categories for addressing apparent contradictions between them. Ğāhiz, in the course of elaborating his own, different concept of bayān, seems to have been polemically engaged with Šāfiī's. For Ğāhiz, as for the later usūl authors, the term connotes a successful act of communication, yet later authors continued to attempt to explain Šāfiī's use of the term, which fit badly into their own conceptual framework. The disjunction between Šāfiī's and later authors' use of the term is emblematic of what is tentatively termed the linguistic turn in mature usūl al-fiqh.
Finding the True Cross: The Social-Political Dimensions of the Ethiopian Mäsqäl Festival
Authors: Kaplan Steven
Published: November 2008

In this study of the Ethiopian Orthodox Mäsqäl festival, we have chosen to focus upon the multiple ways in which diverse and even contradictory social messages have been dramatized through this celebration throughout its more than five hundred years of recorded history. While portrayals of imperial power are perhaps the most obvious features of the festival, they were only one aspect of Mäsqäl celebrations. Other issues of rank and hierarchy were portrayed in various means including the construction, lighting and circling of the bonfire and the distribution and division of food. However, these images of a clearly organized and broadly acknowledged social and political order were challenged, not only by 'crises' which came to the surface at the time of the ritual, but also in clearly ritualized games and battles, which dramatized and expressed the tensions that were a constant feature of any social-political system.
The King, His Soul and the Pastor: Three Views of a Conflict in Akropong 1906-7
Authors: Jenkins Paul , Gilbert Michelle
Published: November 2008

In 1906-7, in Akwapim, a small kingdom in southern Ghana (then the Gold Coast), a bitter conflict occurred between the king, Nana Kwasi Akuffo, and Kwasi Fianko, a wealthy trader who had been appointed as the king's 'soul' (okra) but who later decided to resign his position and rejoin the Christian community. Two detailed accounts addressed to the Basel Mission were written by an indigenous pastor and his superior, a long-serving missionary. They recount the conflict, the negotiations that ensued, and the complex relations between the king and the Basel Mission community. These reports depict the ambitions and the everyday conduct of a poor king and a wealthy commoner, the one a non-Christian and the other a Christian, in the early years of the twentieth century. They also describe the position of the 'soul' in an Akan court, and the central importance of money in a kingdom lacking important natural resources.
Salvaging or Sinking the Investment? MHS v. Malaysia Revisited
Authors: Andreeva Yulia
Published: November 2008

The absence of a definition of "investment" in the ICSID Convention has led several arbitral tribunals to develop a narrow reading of this term. The most recent notable example of such conservative interpretation is a decision of the ICSID tribunal in Malaysian Historical Salvors (MHS) v. Malaysia. In that case, the tribunal concluded that MHS's contract with Malaysia to undertake complex salvage operations did not rise to the level of an investment because, among other things, the contract did not significantly contribute to Malaysia's economic development. MHS's four years of work also failed to reach the necessary level of risk and duration. This decision signifies a worrying trend in international jurisprudence to interpret the notion of investment restrictively. It remains to be seen whether an ad hoc annulment committee, which was constituted at the claimant's request on October 30, 2007, will support the tribunal's interpretation.
Diplomatic Assurances Against Torture – An Effective Strategy? A Review of Jurisprudence and Examination of the Arguments
Authors: Skoglund Lena
Published: November 2008

Human rights organisations have warned repeatedly that basic human rights are being challenged in the so-called 'War on Terror'. One particularly controversial area is the use of diplomatic assurances against torture. According to international human rights instruments, the state shall not return anyone to countries in which they face a substantial risk of being subjected to torture. In the 'War on Terror', an increasing number of non-citizens are being deemed 'security threats', rendering them exempt from protection in many Western states. To be able to deport such 'threats' without compromising their duties under international law, states are increasingly willing to accept a diplomatic assurance against torture – that is, a promise from the state of return that it will not subject the returnee to torture. There is wide disagreement as to whether and/or when diplomatic assurances can render sufficient protection to satisfy the obligations of non-refoulement to risk of torture. Whereas the human rights society label such assurances as 'empty promises', others view them as effective, allowing states to retain their right to remove non-citizens without violating international law. This article reviews international and selected national jurisprudence on the topic of diplomatic assurances against torture and examines if and/or when such assurances might render sufficient protection against torture to enable removals in accordance with international law. The courts and committees that have reviewed the use of diplomatic assurances against torture have identified essential problems of using them, thus rejecting reliance on simple promises not to torture. However, they have often implied that sufficient protection might be rendered by developing the assurances. I argue that this approach risks leading the governments into trying to perfect a system that is inherently flawed – whilst, incidentally, deportations to actual risk of torture continue. Even carefully modelled assurances render only unreliable protection against torture. For this, and reasons connected to undesirable side-effects of their use, I argue that the practice should be rejected.
Promotional Jus Cogens: A Critical Appraisal of Jus Cogens' Legal Effects
Authors: Focarelli Carlo
Published: November 2008

Traditionally the problem of jus cogens has been conceptualised as a problem of identification of peremptory norms, taking as a starting point Articles 53 and 64 of the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. These provisions in fact, while defining jus cogens and contemplating invalidity and termination as special effects affecting incompatible treaties, fail to enumerate what norms are to be considered peremptory. In recent times, however, jus cogens has been invoked and applied – as a sort of “super-law” taking precedence over all other international norms – in legal contexts other than the law of treaties with a variety of “special” or “derogatory” effects. Such an expansion calls for a refocusing of the “identification” problem surrounding jus cogens in terms of effects rather than, or solely, in terms of norms. But it seems that the effects usually ascribed to jus cogens cannot be unlimited in number and scope. This implies that a criterion is needed to determine if and to what extent a certain jus cogens' effect is produced. It is submitted that a fully inductive approach should be taken. Jus cogens appears then in most cases to be relied upon ad abundantiam to “prove” a special effect which already flows either from an applicable treaty or from state practice and opinio iuris. In the remaining instances, reliance upon jus cogens seems to amount to invoking the need for the emergence of a corresponding new customary norm in the future, evidently on the assumption (whether right or wrong) that this norm does not exist yet or is not yet well-established. As a result, the key constructive meaning that can be attached to jus cogens is “promotional” – hence provisional and “educational” – insofar as the interpreter feels that a precedent, which is assumed as reflecting a fundamental value of the international community as a whole and capable of reasonably being accepted by the generality of states, should be set in order to bring about a change in existing law.
Official Language and Rule of Law: Official Language Legislation and Policy in Vojvodina Province, Serbia
Authors: Korhecz Tamás
Published: November 2008

Language is much more than a simple tool of communication; it is an essential element of group identity. Nations, ethnic groups, cultures are hardly imaginable without a common language. In a multiethnic country by choosing one “official language” the state in many respects favours the users of that language and discriminates those citizens whose mother tongue is different from the official language. The real and demanding issue is how to obey the principles of the rule of law in the case of the official language in a multiethnic state. Serbia, and its uniquely multiethnic Vojvodina province, has a rich and developed legislation concerning official language use, including the official language use of minorities. Although, the Constitution and actual legislation render the Serb language as the primary official language of the country, minority languages could be officially used as well in areas inhabited by minority populations. Notwithstanding the existing shortcomings of the relevant legislation, the principle of the rule of law is violated much more by the actual practice and poor implementation of relevant legal provisions. Fact and figures prove that many language rights are not implemented because of a lack of human resources, executive activities and financial and organisational measures for implementation. In order to make substantial progress in the field of implementation of minority language rights it is necessary both to modify and harmonise the relevant legislation and also to put into effect organisational, executive and financial measures which can make the rules a living practice. It is also important to differentiate between various minority languages and various individual situations and to take into account the actual needs of minorities, the possibilities of the administration and so-called acquired language rights.
Indigenous Peoples' Land Rights: Developing a Sui Generis Approach to Ownership and Restitution
Authors: Duffy Aoife
Published: November 2008

Indigenous peoples experience some of the highest levels of poverty and marginalisation in the world. Land dispossession, forcible relocation and assimilationist programmes contributed to the destruction of indigenous peoples' social and political structures, resulting in physical and spiritual dislocation. Indigenous peoples' contemporary situation is understood by examining their historico-political and legal location, for example, colonial conquests underpinned by dubious legal doctrines, such as terra nullius and uti possidetis which crystallised European borders at decolonisation. Initially facilitating the expropriation of indigenous peoples' lands, international law has evolved to a point where accommodation of restitution is possible. Considering land as central to indigenous peoples' cultures, the article traces the process of acknowledging indigenous peoples' land rights, from the original state-centric position of denial and non-recognition, to one of gradual acceptance, catalysed by progressions in international and human rights law. The author questions whether this new era of 'partnership' and 'mutual respect' can alleviate the extreme conditions experienced by indigenous peoples worldwide, and, moreover, whether these emerging standards will adequately protect indigenous peoples' autonomy and control over their traditional lands in a time of impinging material and economic interests of states and other non-state entities.
Fabrication of F0F1-ATPase Nanostructure on Gold Surface Through Dip-Pen Nanolithography
Authors: Liu Xiaolong , Yue Jiachang , Yu Gui , Liu Zhongfan
Published: November 2008

DPN (Dip-Pen nanolithography) is one kind of widely used technique to create nanoscopic patterns of many different materials. F0F1-ATPase is nano scale rotary molecular motor, and it would be an ideal motor or energy providing device in micro/nano system. In this
paper, we used DPN technique to create nanoarrays of F0F1-ATPase within chromatophore on gold surface. The feature size of our F0F1-ATPase patterns was 270 nm in average, and there were no more than 20 F0F1-ATPases in each dot.
The activity of patterned F0F1-ATPase was demonstrated by its ATP synthesis, which was indicated by the fluorescence change of labeled F1300. The patterned F0F1-ATPase nanoarrays can be further used as biosensor, or power providing system. And precisely
patterning F0F1-ATPase with desired size, position and biological activity will accelerate its application in many basic and application research fields.
Growth of Carbon Nanotubes on Fully Processed Silicon-On-Insulator CMOS Substrates
Authors: Haque M. Samiul , Ali S. Zeeshan , Guha P. K. , Oei S. P. , Park J. , Maeng S. , Teo K. B. K. , Udrea F. , Milne W. I.
Published: November 2008

This paper describes the growth of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) both aligned and non-aligned on fully processed CMOS substrates containing high temperature tungsten metallization. While the growth method has been demonstrated in fabricating CNT gas sensitive layers for high temperatures
SOI CMOS sensors, it can be employed in a variety of applications which require the use of CNTs or other nanomaterials with CMOS electronics. In our experiments we have grown CNTs both on SOI CMOS substrates and SOI CMOS microhotplates (suspended on membranes formed by post-CMOS deep RIE etching).
The fully processed SOI substrates contain CMOS devices and circuits and additionally, some wafers contained high current LDMOSFETs and bipolar structures such as Lateral Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors. All these devices were used as test structures to investigate the effect of additional
post-CMOS processing such as CNT growth, membrane formation, high temperature annealing, etc. Electrical characterisation of the devices with CNTs were performed along with SEM and Raman spectroscopy. The CNTs were grown both at low and high temperatures, the former being compatible with Aluminium
metallization while the latter being possible through the use of the high temperature CMOS metallization (Tungsten). In both cases we have found that there is no change in the electrical behaviour of the CMOS devices, circuits or the high current devices. A slight degradation of the thermal
performance of the CMOS microhotplates was observed due to the extra heat dissipation path created by the CNT layers, but this is expected as CNTs exhibit a high thermal conductance. In addition we also observed that in the case of high temperature CNT growth a slight degradation in the manufacturing
yield was observed. This is especially the case where large area membranes with a diameter in excess of 500 microns are used.
Lead Zirconate Nanotubes: Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Growth Mechanism
Authors: Singh Satyendra , Krupanidhi S. B.
Published: November 2008

This paper reports an experimental study on the synthesis and structural characterization of lead zirconate, PbZrO3, (PZ) nanotubes fabricated by an improved sol–gel method within the nanochannels of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates. The morphology, structure,
and composition of the nanotubes were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), high resolution TEM (HRTEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The results
of XRD and SAED indicated that postannealed (700 °C for 1 h) PZ nanotubes had an orthorhombic distorted perovskite polycrystalline crystal. SEM and TEM analysis revealed that PZ nanotubes possessed a uniform length and diameter, which were controlled by the thickness and the pore diameter
of the applied AAO template, respectively and the thickness of the wall of the PZ nanotubes was about 15 nm. Y-junctions were also observed in the PZ nanotubes. EDX analysis demonstrated that stoichiometric PbZrO3 was formed. HRTEM image and a typical SEM image confirmed
that the obtained PZ nanotubes composed of nanoparticles in the range of 4–8 nm. The possible formation mechanism of nanotubes was discussed.
Preparation and Characterization of Silica-Coated Indium Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Ming , Shi Lifang , O'Connor Charles J.
Published: November 2008

Silica-coated Indium oxide nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized by a modified reverse microemulsion method and characterized by TEM, XRD, EDS and luminescence spectrometer; the single crystal particles are encapsulated by a smooth and uniform silica shell (average size approximately
35 nm in diameter) and show photoluminescence property. The size of the particles and the thickness of the shells can be controlled by adjust the ratio of the reaction agents. The physical structure and optical property of Indium oxide particles remain same during the silica coating process.
Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembly of Oppositely Charged Ag Nanoparticles on Silica Microspheres for Trace Analysis of Aqueous Solutions Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Han Yun , Sukhishvili Svetlana , Du Henry , Cefaloni John , Smolinski Benjamin
Published: November 2008

A layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly strategy involving oppositely charged Ag nanoparticles was used to deposit a nanoshell of Ag nanoparticles on silica microspheres for trace chemical measurements in aqueous solutions by means of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Positively
charged Ag nanoparticles were produced by reduction of Ag nitrate in a solution mixture of branched polyethyleneimine (BPEI) and N-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-N′-2-ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) under UV irradiation whereas negatively charged Ag nanoparticles were synthesized by the conventional
citrate reduction method. The density of Ag nanoparticles in the nanoshell exhibits a strong correlation with the layer number and the nanoparticle type. Thiocyanate (SCN−) and crystal violet and were used as model positively and negatively charged analytes respectively to
assess the robustness of the resultant core–shell nanostructures for SERS measurements. High sensitivity, at ppt for crystal violet and ppb for SCN−, was obtained when the surface charge of the terminating Ag layer in the LbL self-assembled nanoshell was opposite to
the ionic nature of the analyte of interest due to enhanced adsorption of the analyte to the Ag nanoparticles facilitated by strong electrostatic attraction. The microsphere-nanoshell structures were all individually SERS-active, making them excellent candidate platform for integration with
microfluidic systems for in situ SERS-based sensing and measurements.
Preparation of TiO2/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Composites and Their Applications in Photocatalytic Reduction of Cr(VI) Study
Authors: Tan Xiaoli , Fang Ming , Wang Xiangke
Published: November 2008

The TiO2/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites were prepared by hydrothermal deposition. Batch experiments were carried out to study the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution to TiO2, MWCNTs and TiO2/MWCNTs. Scanning electron microscopy and
X-ray diffraction were utilized to characterize the prepared TiO2/MWCNT composites. The introduction of MWCNTs onto TiO2 catalyst led to a remarkable increase of Cr(VI) removal through adsorption and photocatalytic reduction under ultraviolet irradiation. Results of X-ray
photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of chromium species adsorbed on TiO2/MWCNTs phase revealed that the removal mechanism of Cr(VI) by TiO2/MWCNTs under UV-irradiation was the reduction of Cr(VI) into Cr(III). The adsorption and photocatalytic activity of Cr(VI) decreased
with increasing in pH, and was not affected by the concentration of sulphate obviously. In the ternary systems humic acid (HA)/fulvic acid (FA)-Cr(VI)-TiO2/MWCNTs, the increasing of FA/HA concentration did not cause any drastic changes in the adsorption capacity in terms of Cr(VI)
concentration in the dark, but a minor increasing trend for the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI). The presence of humic substances enhanced the photocatalytic reduction and adsorption of Cr(III) to TiO2/MWCNTs.
Interparticle Interactions Effects on the Magnetic Order in Surface of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Lima E. , Vargas J. M. , Rechenberg H. R. , Zysler R. D.
Published: November 2008

We report interparticle interactions effects on the magnetic structure of the surface region in Fe3O4 nanoparticles. For that, we have studied a desirable system composed by Fe3O4 nanoparticles with 〈d〉 = 9.3 nm and a narrow size
distribution. These particles present an interesting morphology constituted by a crystalline core and a broad (∼50% vol.) disordered superficial shell. Two samples were prepared with distinct concentrations of the particles: weakly-interacting particles dispersed in a polymer and strongly-dipolar-interacting
particles in a powder sample. M(H,T) measurements clearly show that strong dipolar interparticle interaction modifies the magnetic structure of the structurally disordered superficial shell. Consequently, we have observed drastically distinct thermal behaviours of magnetization
and susceptibility comparing weakly-and strongly-interacting samples for the temperature range 2 K < T < 300 K. We have also observed a temperature-field dependence of the hysteresis loops of the dispersed sample that is not observed in the hysteresis loops of the powder one.
Luminescence Studies on Low Temperature Synthesized ZnGa2O4:Ln3+ (Ln = Tb and Eu) Nanoparticles
Authors: Manikyala Rao C. , Sudarsan V. , Ningthoujam R. S. , Gautam U. K. , Vatsa R. K. , Vinu A. , Tyagi A. K.
Published: November 2008

ZnGa2O4 nanoparticles doped with lanthanide ions (Tb3+ and Eu3+) were prepared at a low temperature of 120 °C based on urea hydrolysis in ethylene glycol medium. X-ray diffraction studies have confirmed that strain associated with nanoparticles
changes as Tb3+ gets incorporated in the ZnGa2O4 lattice. Based on steady state emission and excitation studies of ZnGa2O4:Tb nanoparticles, it has been inferred that ZnGa2O4 host is characterized by a broad emission
around 427 nm and there exists energy transfer between the host and Tb3+ ions. Unlike this, for ZnGa2O4:Eu nanoparticles, very poor energy transfer between the host and Eu3+ ions is observed. These nanoparticles when coated with ligands like oleic
acid results in their improved dispersion in organic solvents like chloroform and dichloromethane.
Chromium Removal from Industrial Water Through Functionallized Nanoparticles
Authors: López Xicoténcatl , Castaño Victor M.
Published: November 2008

Cr ion-polluted industrial water was treated with commercial activated carbon and with either mercaptane- and amine-functionallized silica nanoparticles, revealing that the use of relatively low surface area materials can advantageously compete with high surface area materials, traditionally
utilized for removing hazardous metal ions, provided a proper surface functionalization of the nanoparticles is in place. FTIR and SEM characterization of the different materials and stages of the experiments are provided, as well.
The Characteristics of Variable Speed Inchworm Stage Using Lever Mechanism by Different Materials
Authors: Kim Yong Woo , Choi Soo Chang , Park Jeong Woo , Jung Yoong Ho , Lee Deug Woo
Published: November 2008

Currently, piezoelectric actuators which have attractive features such as high output force, high positioning resolution, high stiffness and quick response have been used in many ultra precision stages. But their positioning ranges are very small. This very limited displacement severely
restricts the actuator's immediate implementation for long-range positioning. This paper shows a variable speed inchworm type stage with hinge structures as lever mechanism for nanometer resolution with large dynamic range and studies on characteristics of it. The inchworm stage has hinge
structure levers which can shift their pivot position. And it can amplify/reduce output displacement using mechanical advantage with a lever. Especially we suggest guide-line of design according this work that was performed using different materials of stages (Aluminium and Stainless Steel).
As the results of simulations, the larger lever ratio is, the smaller stiffness of lever portion is. As the results of experiments, when we input voltage into the inchworm stage, output displacement of each lever is different according to material. Hysteresis of stage could also present that
grow according as lever rate rises and stiffness of material. In the case of feeding speed, Aluminium with less hardness showed excellent responsiveness, hence excellent feed performance results.
Controlled Release Compound Based on Metanilate-Layered Double Hydroxide Nanohybrid
Authors: Hussein Mohd Zobir , Nasir Norashikin Mat , Yahaya Asmah Hj
Published: November 2008

Metanilate-layered double hydroxide nanohybrid compound was synthesized for controlled release purposes through co-precipitation method of the metal cations and organic anion. The effect of various divalent metal cations (M2+), namely Zn2+, Mg2+ and
Ca2+ on the formation of metanilate-LDH nanohybrids, in which metanilate anion was intercalated into three different layered double hydroxide (LDH) systems; Zn-Al, Mg-Al and Ca-Al were investigated. The syntheses were carried out with M2+ to Al3+ initial molar
ratio, R of 4. The pH of the mother liquor was maintained at pH 7.5 and 10 during the synthesis, and the resulting mixture was aged at around 70 °C for about 18 h. The intercalation of metanilate anion into the host was found to be strongly influenced by the M2+ that
formed the inorganic metal hydroxide layers. Under our experimental condition, the formation of the nanohybrid materials was found to be more feasible for the Zn-Al than for the other two systems, in which the former showed well-ordered layered organic–inorganic nanohybrid structure
with good crystallinity. Intercalation is confirmed by the expansion of the interlayer spacing to about 15–17 Å when metanilate was introduced into the interlamellae of Zn-Al LDHs. In addition, CHNS and FTIR analyses also support that metanilate anion has been successfully intercalated
into the interlamellae of the inorganic LDH. Apart from M2+, this study also shows that the initial pH of the mother liquor plays an important role in determining the physicochemical properties of the resulting nanohybrids, especially the mole fraction of the Zn2+ substituted
by the Al3+ ion in the LDH inorganic sheets which in turn controlled the loading percentage of the organic anion, surface properties and the true density. Preliminary study shows that LDH can be used to host beneficial guests, active agent with controlled release capability of the
guests. Generally the overall process is governed by pseudo second order kinetic but for the first 180 min, the release process can be slightly better described by parabolic diffusion than the other models.