Early Occupations in Bighorn Canyon,Montana

Abstract

Excavation of the Mangus Site (24CB22l) in Bighorn Canyon, Montana revealed a stratum containing artifacts of the Agate Basin Complex. This occupation was dated by radiocarbon at 6740 B. C. and 6650 B. C. The Sorenson Site (24CB202) contained two early cultural levels, one of unknown cultural affiliation datedat 5850 B. C. and 5610 B. C. overlying a second unidentified occupation. Future investigations in Bighorn Canyon may produce artifacts allowing identification of these two occupations.     

Three Small Points: A Cody Complex Problem

Abstract

Three small points which resemble larger Cody Complex projectile points are related to this Complex on the basis of technological and shape attributes. It is concluded that several factors underlie occurrence of tiny Cody points. Resharpening of larger points accounts for one pattern. In addition, diminutive points were produced using two alternative sets of technological procedures. It is suggested that these points were not used in subsistence activities and may reflect ceremonial or symbolic activities practiced by late Paleo-Indian bison hunters.     

Agate Basin Technology: An Insight

Abstract

An example of a serrate biface from the Agate Basin level of the Hell Gap site is examined from a technological and use-wear analytic perspective. Two possible explanations for marginal serration, to produce a “sawlike edge” or for platform isolation, are evaluated. Results of this evaluation suggest that platform isolation is a more plausible explanation in this case. This explanation may imply technological/cultural continuity between Folsom and Agate Basin biface manufacturing populations.     

New insights on Cricetodontini (Rodentia,Mammalia) from the Duero Basin,Spain

Abstract

The tribe Cricetodontini is a common cricetid group found in several European basins from the Miocene. Here we present a study of the fossils of this group found in the Duero Basin. We updated the biostratigraphical assignation of some of the localities in which several species of Cricetodontini have been found. Cricetodontini remains from eight localities from the central sector of the Duero Basin have been described, measured and assigned to a species. The presence in these localities of Hispanomys aguirrei, H. lavocati, H. nombrevillae and H. aragonensis has allowed correlating them to the biostratigraphic scale built for the Miocene in Calatayud-Daroca Basin, identifying biozones G3, H and I (MN7/8 – MN10, Late Aragonian – Early Vallesian, Middle – Late Miocene). Furthermore, this study constitutes the first citation of this species in this basin, except H. aguirrei, previously described in the Duero Basin. After this work, the biostratigraphical assignation of the studied sites is now well known. We evidenced the resemblance of Duero and Calatayud-Daroca basins.     

Thyroid hormones enhance the biomechanical functionality of scaffold-free neocartilage

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of thyroid hormones tri-iodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) from the parathyroid glands, known to regulate the developing limb and growth plate, on articular cartilage tissue regeneration using a scaffold-free in vitro model.MethodsIn Phase 1, T3, T4, or PTH was applied during weeks 1 or 3 of a 4-week neocartilage culture. Phase 2 employed T3 during week 1, followed by PTH during week 2, 3, or weeks 2 to 4, to further enhance tissue properties. Resultant neotissues were evaluated biochemically, mechanically, and histologically.ResultsIn Phase 1, T3 and T4 treatment during week 1 resulted in significantly enhanced collagen production; 1.4- and 1.3-times untreated neocartilage. Compressive and tensile properties were also significantly increased, as compared to untreated and PTH groups. PTH treatment did not result in notable tissue changes. As T3 induces hypertrophy, in Phase 2, PTH (known to suppress hypertrophy) was applied sequentially after T3. Excitingly, sequential treatment with T3 and PTH reduced expression of hypertrophic marker collagen X, while yielding neocartilage with significantly enhanced functional properties. Specifically, in comparison to no hormone application, these hormones increased compressive and tensile moduli 4.0-fold and 3.1-fold, respectively.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that T3, together with PTH, when applied in a scaffold-free model of cartilage formation, significantly enhanced functional properties. The novel use of these thyroid hormones generates mechanically robust neocartilage via the use of a scaffold-free tissue engineering model.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-015-0541-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Fristoe Burial Mounds from the Prairie Border Region of Southwestern Missouri

Abstract

Three burial tumuli in southwestern Missouri near the Kansas line, indanger of destruction, were excavated by the University of Missouri. These sites, the Alberti, Amity, and Clemons Mounds, are all interpreted as components of the Fristoe Burial Complex, a Woodland mortuary complex of the we stern Ozarks. The identification of these sites as components of this manifestation has extended the geographical range of the Fristoe Burial Complex to the eastern edge of the continuous prairies of extreme western Missouri and eastern Kansas.     

\vec H^ + /2\bar e Stoichiometry of the NADH:Ubiquinone Reductase Reaction Catalyzed by Submitochondrial Particles

Mitochondrial NADH:ubiquinone-reductase (Complex I) catalyzes proton translocation into inside-out submitochondrial particles. Here we describe a method for determining the stoichiometric ratio (n) for the coupled reaction of NADH oxidation by the quinone acceptors. Comparison of the initial rates of NADH oxidation and alkalinization of the surrounding medium after addition of small amounts of NADH to coupled particles in the presence of Q₁ gives the value of n = 4. Thermally induced deactivation of Complex I [1,2] results in complete inhibition of the NADH oxidase reaction but only partial inhibition of the NADH:Q₁-reductase reaction. N-Ethylmaleimide (NEM) prevents reactivation and thus completely blocks the thermally deactivated enzyme. The residual NADH:Q₁-reductase activity of the deactivated, NEM-treated enzyme is shown to be coupled with the transmembraneous proton translocation (n = 4). Thus, thermally induced deactivation of Complex I as well as specific inhibitors of the endogenous ubiquinone reduction (rotenone, piericidin A) do not inhibit the proton translocating activity of the enzyme.     

复合凝乳酶对功能性消化不良儿童营养状态和摄食行为的影响

目的:观察复合凝乳酶胶囊对不同亚型功能性消化不良儿童临床表现、营养状态和摄食行为的影响及安全性。方法:以2017年8月至2018年9月在湖北省妇幼保健院儿童消化内科就诊的功能性消化不良(Functional dyspepsia,FD)儿童为研究对象进行问卷调查,观察治疗前和复合凝乳酶治疗2 w后患儿临床症状变化及药物相关不良反应的发生情况,监测患儿身高和体重,进行膳食情况的调查。结果:共163例儿童纳入研究,发生餐后不适综合征(Postprandial distress syndrome, PDS)66例,上腹痛综合征(Epigastric pain syndrome, EPS)97例。治疗前,PDS组儿童症状总分明显高于EPS儿童(6.9±2.7 vs 3.6±1.7,t=5.90,P=0.00)。PDS组儿童WAZ、WHZ、HAZ、身高别体质量Z值(weight for height Z score,WHZ)、年龄别身高Z值(height for age Z score,HAZ)、年龄别体质量Z值(weight for age Z score,WAZ)、体质量指数(body mass index,BMI)、膳食多样化分数(Dietary diversity score, DDS)均明显低于EPS组(P均0.05)。治疗2 w后,PDS儿童症状总分明显降低(P=0.00),改善程度依次为:厌食早饱腹痛嗳气恶心腹胀。EPS儿童症状总分无明显变化(P=0.11)。PDS儿童WAZ、WHZ、DDS均有明显升高(P均0.05)。EPS儿童DDS无明显变化(t=0.22,P=0.30)。研究期间未见明显药物相关不良反应。结论:复合凝乳酶胶囊可改善PDS患儿的临床症状、营养状态和膳食多样性,且安全性高。     

Toggle Head Harpoons of the Central Plains

Abstract

An examination of ten single piece, toggle harpoon heads from Nebraska and Iowa reveals that this implement is a diagnostic trait of the Nebraska Phase and that its place of origin probably lies with the Woodland complexes to the east and around the Great Lakes region.     

Spatial-temporal character of vegetation cover and its influence factors in the Shule River Basin China,during 1985–2011

Abstract

Vegetation coverage is an important indicator of the terrestrial ecosystems, and it provides crucial significance for evaluation and analysis of vegetation change. The Shule River Basin is a typical ecological fragile region in the inland of Northwest China. We used vegetation coverage index as given in Technical Specifications for Assessment of Ecological Environment. Geographic information system (GIS) spatial analysis was used to analyze the temporal and spatial features of vegetation cover in the Shule River Basin and its influencing factors from 1986 to 2011. The results showed that vegetable cover is very low in most areas of Shule River Basin with only the upstream parts of the oasis and watershed haven high vegetation cover. The average vegetation coverage index increased from 6.78 to 8.31 during 1986–2011. An area of 59,998?km² in the Shule River Basin has unchanged vegetation coverage index and this account for 51.7% of watershed areas for the period of the study. Also, an area of 31,721?km² recorded an increased vegetable cover, accounting for 27.3% while an area of 24,372?km² decreased vegetation cover which accounts for 21.0%. There was different correlation between vegetation cover and annual precipitation in the Shule River Basin.     

Les Cases de la Valenciana,a new early Miocene small-mammal locality from the Vallès-Penedès Basin (Catalonia,Spain)

Abstract

The Valles-Penedes Basin (Catalonia, Spain) is classical area for the study of Miocene land mammal faunas. Nevertheless, the early Miocene part of the record has deserved little attention as compared to younger intervals. Most notably, the small mammals of this age have not been described in detail, consequently hampering the correlation of the Valles-Penedes record with other chronological schemes. In this work we describe the rich and diverse small mammal fauna from Les Cases de la Valenciana site (Gelida, Alt Penedès) which includes marsupials, eulipotyphlans, lagomorphs and rodents. On the basis of the presence of the cricetids Megacricetodon and Democricetodon this site is correlated with European Neogene zone MN4, yielding an age of 17–16 Ma. However, the rodent assemblage is comparable to that of chronologically close localities of the Calatayud-Montalbán Basin (Aragon, Spain), indicating that the same biochronological scheme can be applied to both areas. In this way, the coexistence of the eomyids Ligerimys ellipticus and Ligerimys florancei coupled with the presence of Megacricetodon primitivus indicates a correlation with local biozone Ca of the Calatayud-Montalban Basin, ranging from 16.3 to 16 Ma. Finally, the correlation of other early Miocene sites of the Valles-Penedes Basin is discussed and refined.     

The Sister’s Hill Site: A Hell Gap Site In North-Central Wyoming

Abstract

The cultural horizon at the Sister’s Hill Site has produced typical Hell Gap points and a small group of associated artifacts. The radiocarbon date of 9650 ± 250 B. C. is in agreement with late Agate Basin or early post Agate Basin sites in the High Plains. On the basis of the current data, Hell Gap points appear to have developed from Agate Basin styles and seem to be developmental to Alberta, Scottsbluff and Eden types.     

ELLIPSE Study

Background: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a dominantly inherited genetic vascular disorder in which epistaxis is the most frequent manifestation, responsible for high morbidity. Management of this symptom has no standard, and local treatments are often aggressive. Their efficacy is variable and has not been proven. Anti-angiogenic drugs, such as bevacizumab, are a new treatment strategy. Its systemic administration in patients with HHT improves liver damage-related symptoms and epistaxis. To limit the systemic adverse effects of bevacizumab and to ease administration, a local administration seems suitable. Primary objective: To evaluate the tolerance of increasing doses of bevacizumab administered as a nasal spray in patients with HHT-related epistaxis. Secondary objectives were to study the bioavailability and efficacy of bevacizumab against epistaxis when given as a nasal spray. Methodology: Phase 1, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, monocentric study performed sequentially (dose escalation) on 5 groups of 8 patients. Each group was made up of 6 verum and 2 placebos. Five increasing doses of bevacizumab nasal spray (25 mg/mL) were evaluated: 12.5, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg. Results: A total of 40 patients were included between October 2011 and October 2012. Bevacizumab nasal spray was well tolerated in all patients and the drug was not detected in their serum. No dose limiting toxicity was observed. No efficacy was observed at any dose in this study. Conclusion: Based on these results, bevacizumab nasal spray is a safe treatment of epistaxis in HHT. However, a randomized Phase 2 study is needed to determine its efficacy. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier #NCT01507480     

Divergent lineages in a semi‐arid mallee species,Eucalyptus behriana,correspond to a major geographic break in southeastern Australia

AimTo infer relationships between populations of the semi‐arid, mallee eucalypt, Eucalyptus behriana, to build hypotheses regarding evolution of major disjunctions in the species'' distribution and to expand understanding of the biogeographical history of southeastern Australia.LocationSoutheastern Australia.Taxon Eucalyptus behriana (Myrtaceae, Angiospermae).MethodsWe developed a large dataset of anonymous genomic loci for 97 samples from 11 populations of E. behriana using double digest restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD‐seq), to determine genetic relationships between the populations. These relationships, along with species distribution models, were used to construct hypotheses regarding environmental processes that have driven fragmentation of the species’ distribution.ResultsGreatest genetic divergence was between populations on either side of the Lower Murray Basin. Populations west of the Basin showed greater genetic divergence between one another than the eastern populations. The most genetically distinct population in the east (Long Forest) was separated from others by the Great Dividing Range. A close relationship was found between the outlying northernmost population (near West Wyalong) and those in the Victorian Goldfields despite a large disjunction between them.ConclusionsPatterns of genetic variation are consistent with a history of vicariant differentiation of disjunct populations. We infer that an early disjunction to develop in the species distribution was that across the Lower Murray Basin, an important biogeographical barrier separating many dry sclerophyll plant taxa in southeastern Australia. Additionally, our results suggest that the western populations fragmented earlier than the eastern ones. Fragmentation, both west and east of the Murray Basin, is likely tied to climatic changes associated with glacial‐interglacial cycles although it remains possible that major geological events including uplift of the Mount Lofty Ranges and basalt flows in the Newer Volcanics Province also played a role.     

Parataxonomy and palaeobiogeographic significance of dinosaur eggshell fragments from the Upper Cretaceous strata of the Cauvery Basin,South India

Abstract

In the past, fossilised dinosaur eggshells have been extensively documented from the Upper Cretaceous Lameta Formation of Central India and as many as nine oospecies are known at present from this formation. Compared to this, only one dinosaur oospecies has been described from the Cretaceous succession of the Cauvery Basin. However, the first fossil egg from India, identified as a chelonian egg, was documented from the Aptian – Albian Karai Formation of the Cauvery Basin in 1957. Following this, a solitary titanosaurid dinosaur egg was described from the Upper Cretaceous (Lower Maastrichtian) Kallankuruchhi Formation, Cauvery Basin in 1996. More recently, we have recovered isolated eggshell fragments from the marine part of the Upper Cretaceous (Late Maastrichtian) Kallamedu Formation. Based on eggshell morphology, microstructure and ultrastructure, these eggshell fragments are assigned to the oospecies Fusioolithus baghensis. The new find from the Cauvery Basin is important from palaeobiogeographic point of view as the oofamily Fusioolithidae is found in the Upper Cretaceous strata of India, France, Argentina and Morocco. Based on the common occurrence of similar oospecies in South America, Africa, Europe and India, a Late Cretaceous palaeobiogeographic connection between India and South America as well as Europe via Africa is suggested.     

Synthesis,characterization and DNA binding and cleavage properties of ruthenium(II) complexes with various polypyridyls

Polypyridyl chlororuthenium(II) complexes have been synthesized and characterized. The binding mode of the complexes to DNA has been evaluated from the combined results of electronic absorption spectroscopy and viscosity measurement study. The results suggest that complexes 1, 2 and 3 bind to DNA via classical intercalation, electrostatic interaction and partial intercalation mode, respectively. Complex 2 shows less affinity for DNA. Cleavage of pUC19 DNA by complexes has been checked using gel electrophoresis. The data disclose that complex 1 has the highest cleaving ability.     

A 2′-Deoxy-2′-Fluoro-2′-C-Methyl Uridine Cyclopentyl Carbocyclic Analog and Its Phosphoramidate Prodrug as Inhibitors of HCV NS5B Polymerase

The 2 ′-deoxy-2 ′-fluoro-2 ′-C-methyluridine nucleotide prodrug, PSI-7851 and its single diastereomer PSI-7977 have displayed potent antiviral activity against hepatitis C virus in clinical trials, and PSI-7977 is currently in Phase III studies. As part of our SAR study of the 2 ′-deoxy-2 ′-fluoro-2 ′- C-methyl class of nucleosides, we prepared the cyclopentyl carbocyclic uridine analog 11 and its phosphoramidate prodrug 15. Both 11 and 15 were shown not to inhibit HCV replication. This lack of activity might be attributed to the inability of the monophosphate to be converted to the corresponding diphosphate or triphosphate or the inactivity of triphosphate of 11 as an inhibitor of the polymerase.     

模糊与噪声对人耳识别性能的影响

目的:评价模糊与噪声对不同图像识别算法在人耳图像识别过程中的影响。方法:对500个清晰图像进行模糊和热噪声处理,比较方向梯度直方图(HOG)、局部相位量化(LPQ)和局部二值模式(LBP)三种不同的特征提取算法对生物识别性能的影响。结果:HOG、LPQ和LBP算法对清晰人耳图像的识别率都很高,在无噪声和模糊等信号衰减的情况下,识别率分别达到了85.96%、95.62%和91.36%。在这三种算法中,模糊和热噪声对人耳识别能力均有不同程度的下降。热噪声对人耳识别能力的影响显著高于模糊,但是当模糊和热噪声同时存在图像中时,模糊和噪声会互相加强,导致三种人耳识别算法均不能获得好的识别结果。结论:LPQ算法对模糊有较好的识别性,并且在人耳图像的获取和处理过程中可尽量减少热噪声的产生。