bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malleability of human skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum to short-term training
Authors: Green Howard J. , Burnett Margaret , Kollias Helen , Ouyang Jing , Smith Ian , Tupling Susan
Published: December 2011

This study investigated the hypothesis that adaptations would occur in the sarcoplasmic reticulum in vastus lateralis soon after the onset of aerobic-based training consistent with reduced Ca2+-cycling potential. Tissue samples were extracted prior to (0 days) and following 3 and 6 days of cycling performed for 2 h at 60%–65% of peak aerobic power (VO2peak) in untrained males (VO2peak= 47 ± 2.3 mL·kg–1·min–1; mean ± SE, n = 6) and assessed for changes (nmol·mg protein–1·min–1) in maximal Ca2+-ATPase activity (Vmax), Ca2+-uptake, and Ca2+-release (phase 1 and phase 2) as well as the sarcoplasmic (endoplasmic) reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) isoforms. Training resulted in reductions (p < 0.05) in SERCA1a at 6 days (–14%) but not at 3 days. For SERCA2a, reductions (p < 0.05) were also noted only at 6 days (–7%). For Vmax, depressions (p < 0.05) were found at 6 days (172 ± 11) but not at 3 days (176 ± 13; p < 0.10) compared with 0 days (192 ± 11). These changes were accompanied by a lower (p < 0.05) Ca2+-uptake at both 3 days (–39%) and 6 days (–48%). A similar pattern was found for phase 1 Ca2+-release with reductions (p < 0.05) of 37% observed at 6 days and 23% (p = 0.21) at 3 days of training, respectively. In a related study using the same training protocol and participant characteristics, microphotometric determinations of Vmaxindicated reductions (p < 0.05) in type I at 3 days (–27%) and at 6 days (–34%) and in type IIA fibres at 6 days (–17%). It is concluded that in response to aerobic-based training, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-cycling potential is reduced by adaptations that occur soon after training onset.
Physiological influence of basic perturbations assessed by non-invasive optical techniques in humans
Authors: Krite Svanberg Emilie , Wollmer Per , Andersson-Engels Stefan , Åkeson Jonas
Published: December 2011

New non-invasive techniques enabling frequent or continuous assessments of various pathophysiological conditions might be used to improve in-hospital outcome by enabling earlier and more reliable bedside detection of medical deterioration. In this preclinical study, three modern non-invasive optical techniques, laser Doppler imaging (LDI), near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and tissue viability imaging (TVI), were all evaluated with respect to the influence of basic physiological perturbations (including local changes in arm positioning, skin temperature, and regional blood flow conditions) on quasi simultaneously obtained values of skin perfusion, muscle tissue oxygenation (StO2), and skin blood volume, recorded in eighteen healthy volunteers. Skin perfusion measured by LDI responded prominently to changes in positioning of the arm, whereas muscle StO2measured by NIRS did not change significantly. Total haemoglobin count (HbT) measured by NIRS and blood volume estimated by TVI both increased significantly on lowering of the limb. On local cooling, the perfusion and blood volume were both found to increase considerably, while StO2and HbT did not change. Local heating induced a more than 10-fold increase in skin perfusion and a small increase in blood volume. On progressive venoarterial occlusion, the perfusion, StO2, HbT, and blood volume values decreased, after transient increases in HbT and blood volume before full arterial occlusion occurred, and all values approached the baseline level on release of the occlusion with a slight overshoot of the StO2. The results obtained have potential bearing on future utilization of these non-invasive techniques in the management of severely injured and (or) critically ill patients.
ON A CONJECTURE BY CARPI AND D'ALESSANDRO
Authors: BERLINKOV MIKHAIL V.
Published: December 2011

Recently, Carpi and D'Alessandro have formulated a conjecture whose validity would imply an O(n2) upper bound for the minimum length of reset for synchronizing automata with n states. We refute this conjecture as well as a related conjecture by Rystsov and suggest a weaker version that still suffices to achieve a quadratic upper bound.
THE AVERAGING TRICK AND THE ČERNÝ CONJECTURE
Authors: STEINBERG BENJAMIN
Published: December 2011

The results of several papers concerning the Černý conjecture are deduced as consequences of a simple idea that I call the averaging trick. This idea is implicitly used in the literature, but no attempt was made to formalize the proof scheme axiomatically. Instead, authors axiomatized classes of automata to which it applies.
DISCOVERING SIGNIFICANT EVOLUTION PATTERNS FROM SATELLITE IMAGE TIME SERIES
Authors: PETITJEAN FRANÇOIS , MASSEGLIA FLORENT , GANÇARSKI PIERRE , FORESTIER GERMAIN
Published: December 2011

Satellite Image Time Series (SITS) provide us with precious information on land cover evolution. By studying these series of images we can both understand the changes of specific areas and discover global phenomena that spread over larger areas. Changes that can occur throughout the sensing time can spread over very long periods and may have different start time and end time depending on the location, which complicates the mining and the analysis of series of images. This work focuses on frequent sequential pattern mining (FSPM) methods, since this family of methods fits the above-mentioned issues. This family of methods consists of finding the most frequent evolution behaviors, and is actually able to extract long-term changes as well as short term ones, whenever the change may start and end. However, applying FSPM methods to SITS implies confronting two main challenges, related to the characteristics of SITS and the domain's constraints. First, satellite images associate multiple measures with a single pixel (the radiometric levels of different wavelengths corresponding to infra-red, red, etc.), which makes the search space multi-dimensional and thus requires specific mining algorithms. Furthermore, the non evolving regions, which are the vast majority and overwhelm the evolving ones, challenge the discovery of these patterns.

We propose a SITS mining framework that enables discovery of these patterns despite these constraints and characteristics. Our proposal is inspired from FSPM and provides a relevant visualization principle. Experiments carried out on 35 images sensed over 20 years show the proposed approach makes it possible to extract relevant evolution behaviors.
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENT COERCIVITY AND RELAXATION PHENOMENA IN AMORPHOUSFe–(Mn)–Zr–BNANOPARTICLES
Authors: MISHRA DEBABRATA , PERUMAL A. , SRINIVASAN A.
Published: December 2011

We report the temperature dependent coercivity behavior and the improvement of room temperature soft magnetic properties in interacting amorphous Fe–Mn–Zr–B powder nanoparticles prepared by mechanical alloying of elemental powders. With increasing Mn concentration from 5 to 20 at.% in Fe–Zr–B alloys, the coercivity (HC) reduces drastically from 170 to 25 Oe. Temperature dependent HCbehavior shows exponential variation of HCwith temperature. Interparticle interactions dominate the low temperature behavior and surface effect on the nanoparticles is more pronounced at low temperatures. Magnetic relaxation behavior shows slow relaxation in the interacting amorphous nanoparticles and the relaxation process is observed to be thermally activated in the present studies.
ENHANCEMENT OF FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF LANGMUIR FILMS OF POLY(ETHYLENE OXIDE) BY INCORPORATION OF SILICA NANOPARTICLES
Authors: BHANDE RAMESH S. , JUVEKAR VINAY A.
Published: December 2011

One of the most important techniques to improve the functional properties of organized molecular films is to introduce nanometer-size solid particles into them. The Langmuir balance has proved to be useful for controlling and modifying these films by organizing molecules into highly ordered structures. Our aim is to study the efficacy of this technique to improve the compactness of biocompatible polymer films by incorporating nanosilica particles. The experimental technique consists of first adsorbing the polymer on silica particles in an aqueous medium, followed by preparation of a monolayer at the air–water interface in a Langmuir balance. The film is organized by repeated expansion and compression. The surface pressure-surface area characteristics are recorded during each cycle. The pressure of the film increases with decrease in the mean molecular area, but reaches a plateau, probably due to instability of the film. With repeated cycling, the plateau pressure increases indicating that the film has become more stable and rigid. The cycling is continued till plateau pressure does not change with further cycling. The amount of the polymer loaded on the subphase and the ratio of PEO to silica in the film, on the plateau pressure has been studied. A substantial increase in the stability and rigidity of the film is achieved by this technique.
DETERMINATION OF GROWTH DIRECTION OF CARBON NANOTUBES FROM THE SHAPE OF THE CATALYST PARTICLE
Authors: HEMBRAM K. P. S. S. , REDDY K. REDDAPPA , RAO G. MOHAN
Published: December 2011

We present a mechanism that can explain the growth direction of the carbon nanotubes (CNT), based on the observation of the catalyst particle's shape, that is present along with the CNT. We claim the mechanism holds good for the tip growth as well as the base growth model for CNTs formation. The morphological studies performed using simple geometry show that for encapsulated catalyst, (i) the contact angle is less along the forward direction than that of backward direction, (ii) the growth direction of CNT is along the flow direction of the catalyst particle in the fluid state, (iii) the distance between the centre of two imaginary spheres (circles in 2D) drawn at the front and back of the catalyst particle, qualitatively predicts the difference in growth rate of the CNT and flow of the catalyst particle inside the CNT. In order to support the above claims, a generalized model is proposed, irrespective of the position of the catalyst.
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CHITOSAN NANOPARTICLES WITH ENHANCED ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY
Authors: ALI SYED WAZED , JOSHI MANGALA , RAJENDRAN SUBBIYAN
Published: December 2011

The present paper demonstrates how the antimicrobial properties of chitosan can be enhanced by converting it into nanoparticles of desired size and surface charge using TPP (tripolyphosphate) initiated gelation process. It has been investigated and found that ionic gelation of cationic chitosan macromolecules offers a flexible and easily controllable process for systematically and predictably manipulating the particle size and surface charge of chitosan nano-particles which is an important property for antimicrobial effect. Variations in chitosan to TPP weight ratio, pH of chitosan solution and chitosan solution concentration during nanoparticle formation were examined systematically for their effects on nanoparticle size, intensity of surface charge, so as to enable faster synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles with desired properties to have optimum antimicrobial property. The data on particle size and zeta potential was obtained by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and electrophoretic mobility measurement of the chitosan nanoparticles respectively. UV-VIS absorption of bacterial suspension was measured at 610 nm to evaluate the bacterial reduction. Solution pH of chitosan was demonstrated to be the most critical factor in controlling particle size and surface charge. At very strong acidic condition of chitosan solution, cross-linking was less resulting in lower conversion of chitosan to chitosan nanoparticles which was reaffirmed by colloidal titration of the surface groups of the chitosan nanoparticles with negatively charged polyelectrolytes poly(vinyl sulfate kalium salt). It was found that variation in size and surface charge of chitosan nanoparticles could be achieved by changing all the above mentioned process parameters and resulted in significant variation in their antimicrobial activity.
STUDY OF NANOMECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF Ni-Ti SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY BY INSTRUMENTED INDENTATION TECHNIQUE
Authors: SINHA ARIJIT , DATTA SHUBHABRATA , CHATTOPADHYAY PARTHA PROTIM
Published: December 2011

An attempt has been made to correlate shape memory behavior and the micromechanical characteristics of the martensite crystals in the polycrystalline microstructure of thermally and thermomechanically processed nearly equi-atomic Ni–Ti shape memory alloy. The nanoindentation measurements have shown that suitable schedule of thermo mechanical treatment improves the hardness of the martensite phase. The recovery index parameter (η) obtained from the load–depth profile illustrates the recovery of the indentation strain of the martensite phase.
ELECTRON BEAM INDUCED CARBONACEOUS DEPOSITION AS A LOCAL DIELECTRIC FOR CNT CIRCUITS
Authors: VIJAYKUMAR T. , KURRA NARENDRA , KULKARNI G. U.
Published: December 2011

Evaluating the electrical nature of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from a collection requires establishing electrical contacts across individual CNTs lying on a dielectric layer. In this work, it is shown how a dielectric layer may be inserted underneath a chosen CNT. This has been accomplished by the electron beam induced carbonaceous deposition process in the presence of moisture and residual hydrocarbons present in the SEM chamber. When performed at a CNT location on a Si substrate, the CNT instead of getting buried underneath is found to be lifted on top of the carbonaceous platform, as if due to nonwetting nature of CNT surface. By fixing one end of the CNT on the Ag/Si substrate using a Pt deposit and lifting rest of the length to lie on a carbonaceous platform, the I–V data from nanotubes of varying resistances have been collected using conducting AFM. The chosen nanotubes have also been examined by Raman measurements. The method is particularly useful while working with a random collection of nanotubes resulting from a chemical process.
NANOINDENTATION STUDIES OF METALLIC GLASSES AND NANOQUASICRYSTAL–GLASS COMPOSITES INZr–Al (Ga)–Cu–NiALLOYS
Authors: SINGH DEVINDER , YADAV T. P. , TIWARI R. S. , SRIVASTAVA O. N. , SINGH MANJEET , MANDAL R. K.
Published: December 2011

In this presentation, we report the indentation behavior of Zr69.5Al7.5−xGaxCu12Ni11(x = 0 and 1.5 at.%) metallic glasses as well as nanoquasicrystal–glass composites. The minor alloying addition in Zr -based glassy alloys greatly influences their mechanical properties. The nanoindentation tests were carried out to study the load (P) versus displacement (h) curves for the determination of reduced modulus as well as their hardness behavior. The formation of shear bands around the indentation periphery has been investigated. The evidence of the pile up was observed. The P − h curve for as-synthesized melt-spun ribbons displayed the presence of displacement burst, which are known as pop-ins. It has been concluded that Ga substitution leads to the improvement of the mechanical behavior of Zr–Al (Ga)–Cu–Ni alloys.
IMMOBILIZATION OF BSA ON DENDRIMER FUNCTIONALIZED MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLES
Authors: CHANDRA S. , NITHYAMATHI N. , SELVAMANI P. , BAHADUR D.
Published: December 2011

Iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared and functionalized by succinamide based dendrimer. The resultant particles were characterized by XRD, VSM, and FTIR spectroscopy. The results indicate that the dendrimers has effectively functionalized the magnetite nanoparticles which remain dispersive and exhibited super-paramagnetism with a magnetization value of 33.2 emu/g in a field of 2T. Mean particle size as calculated from the AFM was found to be ~ 23 nm. Bovine serum albumin was immobilized on the magnetic nanoparticles as was confirmed by the FTIR results.
PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT OF p-TYPE ORGANIC THIN FILM TRANSISTORS USING ZINC OXIDE NANOSTRUCTURES
Authors: KUMAR ANSHUMAN , NAVAN RAMESH R. , KUSHWAHA AJAY , ASLAM M. , RAO V. RAMGOPAL
Published: December 2011

This paper reports the performance enhancement of nanocomposite thin film transistors fabricated using ZnO dispersed in p-type polymer, poly 3-hexylthiophene (P3HT). The ZnO nanostructures considered here are nanorods (300–500 nm), that were deposited in the high temperature zone during vapor phase deposition involving carbothermal reduction of solid zinc precursor. Organic Thin Film Transistors (OTFTs) based on the dispersion of these ZnO nanostructures in the p-type organic semiconductor, P3HT, show a mobility enhancement by 10 times for the organic–inorganic composite (~ 4 × 10-3 cm2/V s) compared to its pristine state (~ 4 × 10-4 cm2/V s). The results presented here show a great promise for the performance enhancement of p-type solution processable FETs.
FEMTOSECOND PHOTOEXCITED CARRIER DYNAMICS IN REDUCED GRAPHENE OXIDE SUSPENSIONS AND FILMS
Authors: KUMAR SUNIL , KAMARAJU N. , VASU K. S. , SOOD A. K.
Published: December 2011

We report ultrafast response of femtosecond photoexcited carriers in single layer reduced graphene oxide flakes suspended in water as well as few layer thick film deposited on indium tin oxide coated glass plate using pump–probe differential transmission spectroscopy at 790 nm. The carrier relaxation dynamics has three components: ~200 fs, 1 to 2 ps, and ~25 ps, all of them independent of pump fluence. It is seen that the second component (1 to 2 ps) assigned to the lifetime of hot optical phonons is larger for graphene in suspensions whereas other two time constants are the same for both the suspension and the film. The value of third order nonlinear susceptibility estimated from the pump–probe experiments is compared with that obtained from the open aperture23 Z-scan results for the suspension.
NANOSCALE GATE INSULATOR FOR ORGANIC FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTOR APPLICATIONS
Authors: DAS A. , RAJAGOPALAN S. , DHARA S. , PRABAKAR K. , DASH S. , TYAGI A. K. , RAJ BALDEV
Published: December 2011

The High k thin films of ZrO2 were deposited by electron beam evaporation for creating high capacitance devices. Capacitance as high as 0.2 μF/cm2 is obtained for the 80 nm thick ZrO2 films that forms thickness equivalent of SiO2 ~16 nm (t eq ). Grazing incidence XRD confirmed crystalline tetragonal phase. Morphology of ZrO2 films investigated using atomic force microscopy showed high roughness and pin holes that related to high leakage current. Whereas low leakage anodized Al nanogate insulator (t eq of SiO2 ~ 3.55 nm) were prepared varying the voltage and utilized as high capacitance gate oxide to realize low powered organic field effect transistor with polytriarylamine semiconductor. The observed threshold voltage is 0.35V.
SYNTHESIS OF PAN/CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES: STUDY OF GAS PERMEATION PROPERTIES
Authors: PATRA SUBRATA K. , PRUSTY GYANARANJAN , SWAIN SARAT K.
Published: December 2011

Polymer based composites have received high interest due to their unusual combination of stiffness and toughness that are difficult to attain from individual components. For this reason, they have been widely used in areas of transportation, construction, electronics and consumer products. Nanocomposites exhibiting a change in composition and structure over a nanometer length scale have been shown over the last few years to afford remarkable property enhancements relative to conventional composites. Organically modified clays can be effective reinforcing agents in manufactured polymer–clay nanocomposites. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/clay nanocomposites were prepared by the emulsifier free emulsion polymerization with variable power and frequency of ultrasound. The ultrasound waves of powers of 80 watt and 120 watt at frequencies of 60 KHz and 80 KHz were applied to assist the dispersion of organically modified clay with polymer matrix. The structure and morphology of nanocomposites were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The oxygen permeability of the samples was measured by gas permeameter. A substantial reduction in oxygen permeability was observed by increasing clay loading and through sonication.
MULTIFUNCTIONAL NANO–BIO MATERIALS WITHIN CELLULAR MACHINERY
Authors: ROZHKOVA E. A. , ULASOV I. V. , KIM D.-H. , DIMITRIJEVIC N. M. , NOVOSAD V. , BADER S. D. , LESNIAK M. S. , RAJH T.
Published: December 2011

Functional nanoscale materials that possess specific physical or chemical properties can leverage energy transduction in vivo. Once these materials integrate with biomolecules they combine physical properties of inorganic material and the biorecognition capabilities of bio-organic moieties. Such nano–bio hybrids can be interfaced with living cells, the elementary functional units of life. These nano–bio systems are capable of bio-manipulation or actuation via altering intracellular biochemical pathways. Thus, nano–bio conjugates are appealing for a wide range of applications from the life sciences and nanomedicine to catalysis and clean energy production. Here we highlight recent progress in our efforts to develop smart nano–bio hybrid materials, and to study their performance within cellular machinery under application of external stimuli, such as light or magnetic fields.
Chapter 13 Neoproterozoic sequences of the West Congo and Lindi/Ubangi Supergroups in the Congo Craton, Central Africa
Authors: Tait Jenny , Delpomdor Franck , Préat Alain , Tack Luc , Straathof Gijs , Nkula Valentin Kanda
Published: December 2011

The focus of this chapter is the West Congo Supergroup in the West Congo Belt (WCB), which extends along the western margin of the Congo Craton from Gabon in the north to northern Angola in the south, and the Lindi/Ubangi Supergroup of the Lindian and Fouroumbala – Bakouma Basins exposed on the northern margin of the craton. In both regions, up to two distinct diamictite horizons have been recognized, the younger of which is often associated with carbonate rocks. Geochronological constraints are generally rather poor, many of the deposits lack modern sedimentological analysis, and the glacial versus non-glacial genesis of the diamictites is a matter of debate in the literature. However, recent studies suggest a periglacial influence of diamictite deposition, particularly for the sequences in the WCB. The stratigraphy of the various basins is described, available geochemical and geochronological information collated, and recent work regarding the periglacial nature of the diamictites discussed. Finally, an updated chronostratigraphic correlation between the basins is presented. However, much more work is required, particularly in the Neoproterozoic basins on the northern margin of the Congo Craton, and more accurate geochronological constraints are required before the Neoproterozoic palaeogeography and depositional environments of the western and northern Congo Craton can be fully understood.
Chapter 28 Late Cryogenian (Vendian) glaciogenic deposits in the Marnya Formation, Oselok Group, in the foothills of the East Sayan Range, southwestern Siberian Craton
Authors: Sovetov J. K.
Published: December 2011

The glaciogenic deposits of the Ulyakha Member (Mb.) referred to as Ulyakha diamictite (tillite), and the associated Late Cryogenian (Early Vendian) glaciofluvial deposits, are the lower strata of the Marnya Formation (Fm.) of the Oselok Group (Gr.) in the southwestern Siberian craton, which rest erosionally over the Cryogenian (Late Riphean) Karagassy Group. The Oselok Group deposits fill the Peri-Sayan foredeep and their stratigraphic equivalents immediately overlie the basement of the Siberian Platform. The glaciogenic deposits, including diamictite, breccia, boulder conglomerate and sandstone, had multistage sedimentation, were widespread, and underlie a cap dolomite of the lower Ozerki Mb. The Late Cryogenian (Early Vendian) age of the Ulyakha Mb. is defined by traces of shallow-marine soft-bodied animals in the middle part of the Ozerki Mb., and by findings of Ediacaran-like Metazoa in the overlying Bolshaya Aisa Mb. of the Marnya Fm. Deposition of the Ulyakha tillites and associated rocks has been correlated with the Late Cryogenian (Marinoan) glaciation based on the δ
13
C patterns in carbonate deposits in the Marnya and Uda formations and their stratigraphic position much below the Pre-Manykai and Zhuya δ
13
C negative signatures, which have been equated to the Wonoka anomaly.
Chapter 30 The Khubsugul Group, Northern Mongolia
Authors: Macdonald Francis A. , Jones David S.
Published: December 2011

The Khubsugul Group of northern Mongolia contains diamictites in the Ongoluk and Khesen formations that are succeeded by a stratiform phosphorite deposit and >2 km of early Cambrian dolomite. The stratigraphy of the Khubsugul Group, including the two diamictites, can be correlated with that of the Dzabkhan platform in southern Mongolia. By correlation, the Ongoluk diamictite is an early Cryogenian glacial deposit. A glaciogenic origin is inferred from the presence of striated clasts and bed-penetrating dropstones. The younger Khesen diamictite consists predominantly of a massive carbonate-clast diamictite, but also contains bed-penetrating dropstones in rare stratified facies, and is inferred to be end Cryogenian in age. The two diamictites are separated by as much as 250 m of allodapic carbonate. The phosphorite in the upper Khesen Formation (Fm.) is likely latest Ediacaran to early Cambrian in age and is separated from the glacial deposits by a major hiatus. Consequently, no links can be made between the phosphogenesis and the glacial deposits. Only limited geochemical, geochronological and palaeomagnetic results from the Khubsugul basin have been reported to date, but work is ongoing and there is strong potential for future studies.
Chapter 43 The Squantum Member of the Boston Basin, Massachusetts, USA
Authors: Carto Shannon L. , Eyles Nick
Published: December 2011

The Neoproterozoic diamictite-bearing Squantum Member is located in the Boston Basin in eastern Massachusetts, USA. The Boston Basin forms part of the Avalonia island arc terrane (
c.
650 Ma), and appears to have originated as a rift-type basin in an extensional setting along the northern margin of Gondwana, although its exact position is debated. Inferred palaeoenvironmental reconstructions of the Boston Basin have alternated between a fluvial basin where ice played a major role in transporting much of the coarse material and an evolving marine basin dominated by non-glacial subaqueous mass flow, submarine fans and turbidity-current deposition.

The age of the Squantum is bracketed between
c.
595 and 570 Ma, and is correlated by some to the glaciogenic diamictite succession of the Gaskiers Formation (eastern Newfoundland) as part of the putative global Gaskiers Glaciation
c.
582–585 Ma. However, the Squantum Member consists of diamictite, graded sandstone and siltstone units, and fine-grained laminated argillite/mudstone units typical of debris flow and turbidite facies that accumulate in a submarine setting. A glacial influence is not readily identified and revolves around early interpretations of the diamictite as being ‘till-like’, the presence of laminated horizons that resemble glaciolacustrine ‘varvites’ and the disputed recognition of ice-rafted dropstones. There are no associated carbonates and, consequently, no geochemical data are available in connection with the Squantum Member.
Chapter 46 The Serra Azul Formation, Paraguay Belt, Brazil
Authors: Figueiredo Milene F. , Babinski Marly , Alvarenga Carlos J. S.
Published: December 2011

A new succession of diamictites and siltstones has been found within the Araras Group and is interpreted to record Ediacaran glaciation in the northern Paraguay Belt, Brazil. This discontinuous stratigraphic unit, named the Serra Azul Formation (Fm.) (

Figueiredo
et al.
2005

;

Alvarenga
et al.
2007

), is up to 300 m thick. It lies above dolomites of the Nobres Fm. and below sandstones of the Raizama Fm. At the stratotype section, the Serra Azul Fm. comprises
c.
70 m of massive glacial diamictites, overlain by 200 m of laminated siltstones and rhythmites that contain sparse intercalations of very fine sandstone lenses.
Chapter 49 The Neoproterozoic Macaúbas Group, Araçuaí orogen, SE Brazil
Authors: Pedrosa-Soares A. C. , Babinski Marly , Noce Carlos , Martins Maximiliano , Queiroga Gláucia , Vilela Francisco
Published: December 2011

The Neoproterozoic Macaúbas Group records accumulation in the precursor basin of the Araçuaí orogen, located on the eastern margin of the São Francisco craton (SE Brazil). The Macaúbas basin evolved from a late Tonian continental rift to a passive margin that lasted at least until
c.
660 Ma. It was orogenically inverted during the late Neoproterozoic Brasiliano event. The Macaúbas Group includes the pre-glacial Matão, Duas Barras and Rio Peixe Bravo formations, the glaciogenic Serra do Catuni, Nova Aurora and Lower Chapada Acauã formations, and the post-glacial Upper Chapada Acauã and Ribeirão da Folha formations. In the central sector of the Araçuaí orogen, the oldest glaciogenic unit of the group, the Serra do Catuni Formation, overlies the sandstone-conglomerate package of the Duas Barras Formation. The Serra do Catuni Formation consists of massive diamictite with minor sandstone and rare pelite, deposited mostly in a proximal glaciomarine environment. This unit passes upward and eastward into the Lower Chapada Acauã Formation, a thick succession of stratified diamictite, graded sandstone, pelite, transitional basalt and rare carbonate. This distal glaciomarine unit is covered by the diamictite-free Upper Chapada Acauã Formation, which passes eastward into the Ribeirão da Folha Formation, which includes fine-grained turbidite, pelite and ocean-floor rocks. In the northern sector of the Araçuaí orogen, the sandstone-pelite succession of the pre-glacial Rio Peixe Bravo Formation is covered by the Nova Aurora Formation, the glaciomarine unit rich in diamictite and Fe-rich diamictite, with minor graded sandstone and rare pelite. The Nova Aurora Formation is covered by the sandstone-pelite package of the Upper Chapada Acauã Formation. The pre-glacial and glaciogenic successions record the continental rift to transitional stages of the Macaúbas basin. The post-glacial succession represents proximal and distal passive margin to ocean floor environments. The Serra do Catuni Formation seems to be a proximal glaciomarine equivalent of the Jequitaí glacio-terrestrial deposits located on the São Francisco craton.
Chapter 50 Moema laminites: a newly recognized Neoproterozoic (?) glaciogenic unit, São Francisco Basin, Brazil
Authors: Rocha-Campos Antonio C. , Neves Benjamin B. de Brito , Babinski Marly , Santos Paulo R. dos , Oliveira Sônia M.B. de , Romano A.
Published: December 2011

A recently identified diamictite and silt-clay laminite, which discordantly overlie the Archaean basement and underlie the Neoproterozoic Bambui Group, have been informally named as the Moema Laminites. They are preserved at the southwestern margin of the São Francisco Basin in southeastern Brazil, and are widely distributed in the central-western Minas Gerais state. They crop out discontinuously over at least 140 km along a north–south direction. The nomenclature of and stratigraphic relationships between the Moema Laminites and other isolated Neoproterozic occurrences of similar rocks are in a state of flux. Two exceptionally good exposures of the Moema Laminites show good evidence for deposition under glacial conditions. At the Formiga locality, a single glacial advance is registered by a deformation tillite, while overlying laminite records deposition in a post-glacial, probably marine basin following deglaciation. At the SAFFRAN quarry, striations on a bedding plane may have been caused by floating sea-ice that just touched the bottom of the basin. Much additional work is needed to establish relationships between the Moema Laminites and other similar occurrences. If these and Moema Laminites are shown to be Cryogenian glacial deposits, the area covered by the Cryogenian glaciations in the São Francisco basin is much larger than formerly believed.
Chapter 57 Glaciogenic rocks of the Neoproterozoic Smalfjord and Mortensnes formations, Vestertana Group, E. Finnmark, Norway
Authors: Rice A. Hugh N. , Edwards Marc B. , Hansen Tor A. , Arnaud Emmanuelle , Halverson Galen P.
Published: December 2011

The Vestertana Group in East Finnmark, North Norway, contains two Neoproterozoic glaciogenic sequences, the Smalfjord and Mortensnes formations, preserved on the northern edge of Baltica. The former comprises up to 420 m of aeolian, fluvioglacial and glaciomarine sediments and terrestrial diamictite. The latter consists of up to 50 m of predominantly diamictite. The Smalfjord Formation (Fm.) is underlain by dolostones (Grasdalen Fm., Tanafjorden Group), only locally preserved due to the sub-Smalfjord Fm. unconformity, which cuts down-section through a
c.
2.5 km dominantly clastic sequence to rest on Baltic Shield gneisses. The two glaciogenic successions are separated by
c.
350 m of mostly clastic sediments (Nyborg Fm.), with thin dolostones at the base and towards the top. The latter are generally absent due to the sub-Mortensnes Fm. unconformity, which also cuts down southwards through the Nyborg and Smalfjord formations to the Baltic Shield. No robust isotopic age constraints are available for the succession. δ
13
C data, together with cap dolostone characteristics, offer paradigmic correlations with other areas (Smalfjord ≡ Marinoan; Mortensnes ≡ Gaskiers). A limited Ediacaran fauna, including
Aspidella
, give only broad age constraints. Palaeomagnetic data are ambiguous; some suggest Baltica lay at equatorial (15°S) to mid-latitudes (50°S) for the period 750–550 Ma, respectively, while other interpretations place it at either 30°N or S at
c.
550 Ma.
Chapter 67 Neoproterozoic glacial deposits of central Australia
Authors: Hill Andrew C. , Haines Peter W. , Grey Kathleen
Published: December 2011

There are two distinct stratigraphic levels of Neoproterozoic glacigenic deposits in central Australia, both Cryogenian in age, spread over an area greater than 2.5×10
6
km
2
. They were deposited in a once continuous intracratonic sag basin and are now preserved in four major structural basins: the Officer, Amadeus, Ngalia and Georgina Basins. In all four basins there are units that correlate with the (older) Sturt Tillite and equivalent glacial deposits in the Adelaide Rift Complex – the Sturt glaciation (

Preiss
et al.
2011

) – and with the (younger) Elatina Formation (Fm.) and equivalents – the Elatina glaciation (

Williams
et al.
2008

,
2011
). The clearest evidence for glacial activity is the occurrence of diamictites that contain clasts of lithologically diverse origin which are often striated, faceted and polished, and the occurrence of dropstones. Most glacial deposits were deposited in shallow marine to fluvio-lacustrine palaeoenvironments. In all basins, the Elatina glacial deposits are overlain (at least locally) by dolostone units that mark the onset of post-glacial transgression and contain unique sedimentary and geochemical features. The cap dolomite units are distinct from dolomite beds within glaciogenic sediments, and those that occur near the top of Sturt glacial units in the Amadeus (Areyonga Fm.) and eastern Officer Basins (Chambers Bluff Tillite).

None of the central Australian glacial units have direct geochronological constraints. There are, however, radiometric dates for a Sturt glacial unit in the Adelaide Rift Complex (Wilyerpa Fm.) and post-glacial shales in the Amadeus Basin (Aralka Fm.), Stuart Shelf (Tapley Hill Fm.) and Adelaide Rift Complex (Tapley Hill Fm.) that indicate a
c.
660 Ma age for the Sturt glaciation in Australia (

Kendall
et al.
2006

,
2007
;
Fanning & Link 2008
). The age of the Elatina glaciation in Australia is constrained only by the age of the Sturt glaciation and the presence of the Ediacara fauna in overlying strata of all the basins except the Ngalia Basin. Consequently, correlations have been mainly established by means of lithostratigraphy, chemostratigraphy, palynology, and to a lesser extent, stromatolite biostratigraphy, mainly on the successions above and below the glacial units. Results from each of the above techniques show a remarkable consistency, and indicate that the two major Cryogenian glacial episodes are of similar age across Australia.
Chapter 69 The glacial succession of Sturtian age in South Australia: the Yudnamutana Subgroup
Authors: Preiss Wolfgang V. , Gostin Victor A. , McKirdy David M. , Ashley Paul M. , Williams George E. , Schmidt Philip W.
Published: December 2011

The record of two Neoproterozoic glaciations in South Australia has been known for about a century. The earlier glaciation, of Sturtian age, is represented by the Yudnamutana Subgroup and is characterized by widespread diamictites with both intrabasinal and extrabasinal clasts, some locally faceted and striated. Associated facies include shallow-water sandstone, bedded and laminated siltstone with lonestones and dropstones, and sedimentary ironstones (mainly ferruginous siltstone and diamictite). Proximal settings adjacent to the Curnamona Province display massive basement-derived conglomerate and gigantic basement megaclasts (up to hundreds of metres across).

Sturtian glaciogenic sediments of the Yudnamutana Subgroup unconformably overlie a variety of older rock units, including crystalline basement near basin margins and uppermost Burra Group sediments in the depocentre, and were deposited both in shallow marine shelf environments and in tectonically active rift basins encircling the Curnamona Province, with corresponding increases in total thickness from 100–300 m to more than 5 km.

Recent U–Pb zircon SHRIMP dating of a thin volcaniclastic layer indicates that the waning stages of the Sturtian glaciation occurred at
c.
660 Ma. Unlike the deposits of the younger Elatina glaciation, the Yudnamutana Subgroup has so far not yielded reliable palaeomagnetic data.
De novo expression of podocyte proteins in parietal epithelial cells in experimental aging nephropathy
Authors: Zhang Jiong , Hansen Kim M. , Pippin Jeffrey W. , Chang Alice M. , Taniguchi Yoshinori , Krofft Ronald D. , Pickering Scott G. , Liu Zhi-Hong , Abrass Christine K. , Shankland Stuart J.
Published: December 2011

A progressive decrease in podocyte number underlies the development of glomerulosclerosis and reduced kidney function in aging nephropathy. Recent data suggest that under certain disease states, parietal epithelial cells (PECs) begin to express proteins considered specific to podocytes. To determine whether this phenomenon increases in aging kidneys, 4-, 12-, and 20-mo ad libitum-fed and 20-mo calorie-restricted (CR) rats were studied. Single and double immunostaining were performed with antibodies to the PEC protein paired box gene 2 (PAX2) and tight junction protein claudin-1, the podocyte-specific protein Wilms' tumor 1 (WT-1), and the proliferating cell protein (Ki-67). ImageJ software measured Bowman's basement membrane (BBM) length and glomerular tuft area in individual glomeruli from each animal to assess glomerular size. The results showed that in aged ad libitum rats, the decrease in number of podocytes/glomerular tuft area was accompanied by an increase in the number of PECs/BBM length at 12 and 20 mo ( P < 0.01 vs. 4 mo). The increase in PEC number was due to proliferation (increase in PAX2/Ki-67 double-positive cells). Aging was accompanied by a progressive increase in the number of glomerular cells double staining for PAX2 and WT-1. In contrast, the control 20-mo-old CR rats had no increase in glomerular size, and podocyte and PEC number were not altered. These results suggest that although the number of PECs and PECs expressing podocyte proteins increase in aging nephropathy, they are likely not sufficient to compensate for the decrease in podocyte number.
Stiffness, not inertial coupling, determines path curvature of wrist motions
Authors: Charles Steven K. , Hogan Neville
Published: December 2011

When humans rotate their wrist in flexion-extension, radial-ulnar deviation, and combinations, the resulting paths (like the path of a laser pointer on a screen) exhibit a distinctive pattern of curvature. In this report we show that the passive stiffness of the wrist is sufficient to account for this pattern. Simulating the dynamics of wrist rotations using a demonstrably realistic model under a variety of conditions, we show that wrist stiffness can explain all characteristics of the observed pattern of curvature. We also provide evidence against other possible causes. We further demonstrate that the phenomenon is robust against variations in human wrist parameters (inertia, damping, and stiffness) and choice of model inputs. Our findings explain two previously observed phenomena: why faster wrist rotations exhibit more curvature and why path curvature rotates with pronation-supination of the forearm. Our results imply that, as in reaching, path straightness is a goal in the planning and control of wrist rotations. This requires humans to predict and compensate for wrist dynamics, but, unlike reaching, nonlinear inertial coupling (e.g., Coriolis acceleration) is insignificant. The dominant term to be compensated is wrist stiffness.
Human inferior colliculus activity relates to individual differences in spoken language learning
Authors: Chandrasekaran Bharath , Kraus Nina , Wong Patrick C. M.
Published: December 2011

A challenge to learning words of a foreign language is encoding nonnative phonemes, a process typically attributed to cortical circuitry. Using multimodal imaging methods [functional magnetic resonance imaging-adaptation (fMRI-A) and auditory brain stem responses (ABR)], we examined the extent to which pretraining pitch encoding in the inferior colliculus (IC), a primary midbrain structure, related to individual variability in learning to successfully use nonnative pitch patterns to distinguish words in American English-speaking adults. fMRI-A indexed the efficiency of pitch representation localized to the IC, whereas ABR quantified midbrain pitch-related activity with millisecond precision. In line with neural “sharpening” models, we found that efficient IC pitch pattern representation (indexed by fMRI) related to superior neural representation of pitch patterns (indexed by ABR), and consequently more successful word learning following sound-to-meaning training. Our results establish a critical role for the IC in speech-sound representation, consistent with the established role for the IC in the representation of communication signals in other animal models.
Robust Stability Analysis for Uncertain Switched Discrete‐Time Systems
Authors: Dong Yali
Published: December 2011

This paper is concerned with the robust stability for a class of switched discrete‐time systems with state parameter uncertainty. Firstly, a new matrix inequality considering uncertainties is introduced and proved. By means of it, a novel sufficient condition for robust stability of a class of uncertain switched discrete‐time systems is presented. Furthermore, based on the result obtained, the switching law is designed and has been performed well, and some sufficient conditions of robust stability have been derived for the uncertain switched discrete‐time systems using the Lyapunov stability theorem, block matrix method and inequality technology. Finally, some examples are exploited to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed schemes.
Environment as a Potential Key Determinant of the Continued Increase of Prostate Cancer Incidence in Martinique
Authors: Belpomme Dominique , Irigaray Philippe
Published: December 2011

Prostate cancer incidence is steadily increasing in many developed countries. Because insular populations present unique ethnic, geographical, and environmental characteristics, we analyzed the evolution of prostate cancer age-adjusted world standardized incidence rates in Martinique in comparison with that of metropolitan France. We also compared prostate cancer incidence rates, and lifestyle-related and socioeconomic markers such as life expectancy, dietary energy, and fat supply and consumption, with those in other Caribbean islands, France, UK, Sweden, and USA. The incidence rate of prostate cancer in Martinique is one of the highest reported worldwide; it is continuously growing since 1985 in an exponential mode, and despite a similar screening detection process and lifestyle-related behaviour, it is constantly at a higher level than in metropolitan France. However, Caribbean populations that are genetically close to that of Martinique have generally much lower incidence of prostate cancer. We found no correlation between prostate cancer incidence rates, life expectancy, and diet westernization. Since the Caribbean African descent-associated genetic susceptibility factor would have remained constant during the 1980–2005, we suggest that in Martinique some environmental change including the intensive use of carcinogenic organochlorine pesticides might have occurred as key determinant of the persisting highly growing incidence of prostate cancer.
Experimental Limitations Using Reprogrammed Cells for Hematopoietic Differentiation
Authors: Seiler Katharina , Tsuneto Motokazu , Melchers Fritz
Published: December 2011

We review here our experiences with the in vitro reprogramming of somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and subsequent in vitro development of hematopoietic cells from these iPSC and from embryonic stem cells (ESC). While, in principle, the in vitro reprogramming and subsequent differentiation can generate hematopoietic cell from any somatic cells, it is evident that many of the steps in this process need to be significantly improved before it can be applied to human cells and used in clinical settings of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantations.
Differential Mechanisms of Ang (1-7)-Mediated Vasodepressor Effect in Adult and Aged Candesartan-Treated Rats
Authors: Bosnyak S. , Widdop R. E. , Denton K. M. , Jones E. S.
Published: December 2011

Angiotensin (1-7) (Ang (1-7)) causes vasodilator effects in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) via angiotensin type 2 receptors (AT2R). However, the role of vascular AT2R in aging is not known. Therefore, we examined the effect of aging on Ang (1-7)-mediated vasodepressor effects and vascular angiotensin receptor localization in aging. Blood pressure was measured in conscious adult (~17 weeks) and aged (~19 months) normotensive rats that received drug combinations in a randomised fashion over a 4-day protocol: (i) Ang (1-7) alone, (ii) AT1R antagonist, candesartan, alone, (iii) Ang (1-7) and candesartan, or (iv) Ang-(1-7), candesartan, and the AT2R antagonist, PD123319. In a separate group of animals, the specificMasR antagonist, A779, was administered in place of PD123319. Receptor localisation was also assessed in aortic sections from adult and aged WKY rats by immunofluorescence. Ang (1-7) reduced blood pressure (~15 mmHg) in adult normotensive rats although this effect was dependant on the background dose of candesartan. This depressor effect was reversed by AT2R blockade. In aged rats, the depressor effect of Ang (1-7) was evident but was now inhibited by either AT2R blockade orMasR blockade. At the same time, AT2R,MasR, and ACE2 immunoreactivity was markedly elevated in aortic sections from aged animals. These results indicate that the Ang (1-7)-mediated depressor effect was preserved in aged animals. Whereas Ang (1-7) effects were mediated exclusively via stimulation of AT2R in adult WKY, with aging the vasodepressor effect of Ang (1-7) involved both AT2R andMasR.