Radiocarbon Dating of the Temple of the Monkey—The Next Step Towards a Comprehensive Absolute Chronology of Pachacamac, Peru

The ongoing Ychsma Project aims to shed light on the chronology and function of the late Prehispanic period at the well-known archaeological site of Pachacamac, Peru, through extensive archaeological research. The Temple of the Monkey is a special building that has been cleared, mapped, and excavated within the general framework of the study of “pyramids with ramps,” the most common form of monumental architecture at the site. Through the application of radiocarbon measurements, it can be shown that the temple has been used for around 150 yr and therefore is quite different from other pyramids with ramps previously studied (see Michczyński et al. 2003). Details of the temple, 14C sample selection, and methodology, as well as results, are discussed in this paper. The research has allowed us to make significant advances in the current understanding of pyramids with ramps and the function of the site of Pachacamac as a whole.

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The T-shaped “axe” from Northeast Honduras: Observations on chronology and function of a pre Columbian stone tool

Journal of Lithic Studies ◽

10.2218/jls.5771 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Paul F. Healy ◽

Daniel Savage

Keyword(s):

Functional Analysis ◽

Central America ◽

Current Understanding ◽

Stone Tool ◽

Archaeological Research ◽

Cambridge University ◽

Distinctive Type ◽

University Museum ◽

And Function ◽

Bay Islands

This paper provides a description and analysis of a distinctive type of pre-Columbian stone tool, usually termed a T-shaped axe, found almost exclusively in Northeast Honduras, Central America. There have been very few detailed or technical studies of lithics from Honduras. Early archaeological research and the current understanding of the regional prehistory are included, with Northeast Honduras viewed as a frontier zone located between the Mesoamerican and Isthmo-Columbian culture areas. Our study examines, in particular, a collection of these tools curated today at the Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (CUMAA). The 39 (whole and fragmentary) specimens were collected between 1937 and 1939, from the Bay Islands, Northeast Honduras, but have never been published. This paper classifies the collection specimens into five varieties, based on morphology, with sample statistics, form dimensions, and illustrations provided for each. Manufacturing technology is primarily percussion flaking. The tool type is compared with similar specimens excavated and described from the Bay Islands and adjacent Honduran mainland, and with similar appearing implements from elsewhere in Central America. Insights about the possible age and function of these unusual, and distinctive, lithics are included. Based on preliminary macroscopic and microscopic analyses, it is concluded that the tools may have been employed as agricultural implements (hoes or spades), primarily for digging activities, rather than as axes or weapons used for cutting and slicing. It is most likely that these implements first appeared about 800 CE, and continued in use until at least 1400 CE. The tool type is most probably a local (not imported) product. More functional analysis is encouraged.

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Gautavik - a trading site in Iceland re-examined

AmS-Skrifter ◽

10.31265/ams-skrifter.v0i27.278 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 259-275

Author(s):

Natascha Mehler ◽

Guðmundur Ólafsson ◽

Bart Holterman ◽

Joris Coolen ◽

Ragnar Edvardsson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sixteenth Century ◽

Twelfth Century ◽

East Coast ◽

Archaeological Site ◽

Archaeological Research ◽

Medieval Period ◽

New Research ◽

And Function

Gautavík is a well-known archaeological site on the east coast of Iceland. It was partially excavated in 1979 and interpreted as a seasonal occupied trading site, abandoned shortly after c. 1500. However, recent archaeological research on the excavated ceramics, which hitherto had not been studied in detail, raised doubts about the interpretation regarding the dating and function of the site. New research was then initiated that included an investigation of written documents in the archives of Bremen, Hamburg, and Copenhagen, pertaining to the trade with Iceland during the sixteenth century. On the basis of the new results presented here we now interpret Gautavík to have been a trading harbour that also included a farm, at least periodically, occupied from the late twelfth century, at the latest, until shortly before 1600. Gautavík was a place of supra-regional importance, being the main port of entry in Berufjörður during the medieval period. In the sixteenth century, however, Gautavík lost its importance. This was a period of intensive trade of German merchants with Iceland, and after Bremen and Hamburg merchants established Djúpivogur and Fýluvogur at the entrance of the fjord c. 1570, both gradually superseded Gautavík, such that shortly before 1600 trade was no longer conducted there.

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Radiocarbon Dating and Lower Mississippi Valley Archaeology

North American Archaeologist ◽

10.2190/23d5-u0xn-ym2q-b2mw ◽

1986 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 213-225 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

R. Barry Lewis

Keyword(s):

Radiocarbon Dating ◽

Sample Selection ◽

Mississippi Valley ◽

Archaeological Research ◽

Lower Mississippi Valley ◽

Radiocarbon Age ◽

Research Guidelines ◽

Age Determinations

Our understanding of prehistory is increasingly conditioned by absolute dates, particularly radiocarbon age determinations. Sample selection and date interpretation procedures are therefore important to productive archaeological research. Guidelines for those procedures are described and illustrated with archaeological examples from the Lower Mississippi Valley. Recommendations are made for the improved interpretability and reliability of absolute dates from archaeological contexts.

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EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON ERTEBØLLE POTTERY: FOOD PREPARATION AND RADIOCARBON DATING

Samara Journal of Science ◽

10.17816/snv20153212 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. 128-132

Author(s):

Bente Philippsen

Keyword(s):

Radiocarbon Dating ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Archaeological Research ◽

Archaeological Record ◽

Northern Germany ◽

Archaeological Pottery ◽

Reference Collection ◽

And Function ◽

Reservoir Age ◽

Late Mesolithic

This article summarizes my experimental and archaeological research about the earliest pottery in Northern Germany and Denmark, belonging to the Erteblle culture, a Late Mesolithic hunter-gatherer-fisher culture. I will present firing and cooking experiments with copies of Erteblle pottery and how a reference collection of experimental food crusts can be used to understand issues of radiocarbon reservoir effects and stable isotope measurements in food crusts. It will be shown that cooking food resources with a reservoir age, such as marine or freshwater fish, leads to the same reservoir age in the pottery. The results from the experiments will be compared to the archaeological record. I will discuss the implications of the experimental studies for radiocarbon dating of archaeological pottery, and for studies of style and function of ceramics.

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Emerging strategies to target RAS signaling in human cancer therapy

Journal of Hematology & Oncology ◽

10.1186/s13045-021-01127-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kun Chen ◽

Yalei Zhang ◽

Ling Qian ◽

Peng Wang

Keyword(s):

Human Cancer ◽

Ras Signaling ◽

Targeting Therapy ◽

Ras Protein ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

Mutational Status ◽

Poor Differentiation ◽

And Function ◽

Nsclc Patients ◽

Shed Light

AbstractRAS mutations (HRAS, NRAS, and KRAS) are among the most common oncogenes, and around 19% of patients with cancer harbor RAS mutations. Cells harboring RAS mutations tend to undergo malignant transformation and exhibit malignant phenotypes. The mutational status of RAS correlates with the clinicopathological features of patients, such as mucinous type and poor differentiation, as well as response to anti-EGFR therapies in certain types of human cancers. Although RAS protein had been considered as a potential target for tumors with RAS mutations, it was once referred to as a undruggable target due to the consecutive failure in the discovery of RAS protein inhibitors. However, recent studies on the structure, signaling, and function of RAS have shed light on the development of RAS-targeting drugs, especially with the approval of Lumakras (sotorasib, AMG510) in treatment of KRASG12C-mutant NSCLC patients. Therefore, here we fully review RAS mutations in human cancer and especially focus on emerging strategies that have been recently developed for RAS-targeting therapy.

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P53/miR-34a/SIRT1 Positive Feedback Loop regulates cell proliferation and promotes cell apoptosis in the termination stage of liver regeneration.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-108116/v2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Junhua Gong ◽

Minghua Cong ◽

Hao Wu ◽

Menghao Wang ◽

He Bai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Proliferation ◽

Liver Regeneration ◽

Positive Feedback ◽

Cell Apoptosis ◽

Feedback Loop ◽

Late Phase ◽

Liver Weight ◽

Positive Feedback Loop ◽

And Function ◽

Shed Light

Abstract Background The capacity of the liver to restore its architecture and function assures good prognoses of patients who suffer serious hepatic injury or cancer resection. In our study, we found that the P53/miR-34a/SIRT1 positive feedback loop has a remarkable negative regulatory effect, which is related to the termination of liver regeneration. Here, we described how P53/miR-34a/SIRT1 positive feedback loop controls liver regeneration and its possible relationship with liver cancer.Method We performed partial hepatectomy (PH) in mice transfected with adenovirus (Ade) overexpressing P53 and adenovirus-associated virus (AAV) knock-downing miR-34a. LR was analyzed by liver weight/body weight, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and cell proliferation, and the related cellular signals were investigated. Bile acid (BA) levels during LR were analyzed by metabolomics of bile acids. Results We found that the P53/miR-34a/SIRT1 positive feedback loop was activated in the late phase of LR. Overexpression of P53 terminated LR early and enhanced P53/miR-34a/SIRT1 positive feedback loop expression and its proapoptotic effect. Mice from the Ade-P53 group showed smaller livers and higher levels of serum ALT and AST than control mice. While knock-down of miR-34a abolished P53/miR-34a/SIRT1 positive feedback loop during LR. Mice from anti-miR-34a group showed larger livers and lower levels of PCNA-positive cells than control mice. T-β-MCA increased gradually during LR and peaked at 7 days after PH. T-β-MCA inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis via facilitating the P53/miR-34a/SIRT1 positive feedback loop during LR by suppressing FXR/SHP. Conclusion The P53/miR-34a/SIRT1 positive feedback loop plays an important role in the termination of LR. Our findings shed light on the molecular and metabolic mechanisms of LR termination and provide a potential therapeutic alternative for treating P53-wild-type HCC patients.

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Targeted deletion of the ATP binding domain of left-right dynein confirms its role in specifying development of left-right asymmetries

Development ◽

10.1242/dev.126.23.5495 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 126 (23) ◽

pp. 5495-5504 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

D.M. Supp ◽

M. Brueckner ◽

M.R. Kuehn ◽

D.P. Witte ◽

L.A. Lowe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Motor Function ◽

Single Amino Acid ◽

Atp Binding ◽

Amino Acid Difference ◽

Sequence Classification ◽

Ciliated Cells ◽

Targeted Deletion ◽

Targeted Mutation ◽

And Function ◽

Shed Light

Vertebrates develop distinct asymmetries along the left-right axis, which are consistently aligned with the anteroposterior and dorsoventral axes. The mechanisms that direct this handed development of left-right asymmetries have been elusive, but recent studies of mutations that affect left-right development have shed light on the molecules involved. One molecule implicated in left-right specification is left-right dynein (LRD), a microtubule-based motor protein. In the LRD protein of the inversus viscerum (iv) mouse, there is a single amino acid difference at a conserved position, and the lrd gene is one of many genes deleted in the legless (lgl) mutation. Both iv and lgl mice display randomized left-right development. Here we extend the analysis of the lrd gene at the levels of sequence, expression and function. The complete coding sequence of the lrd gene confirms its classification as an axonemal, or ciliary, dynein. Expression of lrd in the node at embryonic day 7.5 is shown to be symmetric. At embryonic day 8.0, however, a striking asymmetric expression pattern is observed in all three germ layers of the developing headfold, suggesting roles in both the establishment and maintenance of left-right asymmetries. At later times, expression of lrd is also observed in the developing floorplate, gut and limbs. These results suggest function for LRD protein in both ciliated and non-ciliated cells, despite its sequence classification as axonemal. In addition, a targeted mutation of lrd was generated that deletes the part of the protein required for ATP binding, and hence motor function. The resulting left-right phenotype, randomization of laterality, is identical to that of iv and lgl mutants. Gross defects in ciliary structure were not observed in lrd/lrd mutants. Strikingly, however, the monocilia on mutant embryonic node cells were immotile. These results prove the identity of the iv and lrd genes. Further, they argue that LRD motor function, and resulting nodal monocilia movement, are required for normal left-right development.

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Reverse evolution leads to genotypic incompatibility despite functional and active site convergence

eLife ◽

10.7554/elife.06492 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 4 ◽

Cited By ~ 43

Author(s):

Miriam Kaltenbach ◽

Colin J Jackson ◽

Eleanor C Campbell ◽

Florian Hollfelder ◽

Nobuhiko Tokuriki

Keyword(s):

Active Site ◽

Adaptive Landscape ◽

Sequence Structure ◽

Activity Increase ◽

Enzyme Active Site ◽

Fundamental Relationship ◽

And Function ◽

Alternative Set ◽

Shed Light ◽

New Mutations

Understanding the extent to which enzyme evolution is reversible can shed light on the fundamental relationship between protein sequence, structure, and function. Here, we perform an experimental test of evolutionary reversibility using directed evolution from a phosphotriesterase to an arylesterase, and back, and examine the underlying molecular basis. We find that wild-type phosphotriesterase function could be restored (>104-fold activity increase), but via an alternative set of mutations. The enzyme active site converged towards its original state, indicating evolutionary constraints imposed by catalytic requirements. We reveal that extensive epistasis prevents reversions and necessitates fixation of new mutations, leading to a functionally identical sequence. Many amino acid exchanges between the new and original enzyme are not tolerated, implying sequence incompatibility. Therefore, the evolution was phenotypically reversible but genotypically irreversible. Our study illustrates that the enzyme's adaptive landscape is highly rugged, and different functional sequences may constitute separate fitness peaks.

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Machtstrijd en sociaal protest op het tempelplein van Jeruzalem aan de vooravond van de Joodse opstand (1ste eeuw n.Chr.)

Handelingen - Koninklijke Zuid-Nederlandse Maatschappij voor Taal- en Letterkunde en Geschiedenis ◽

10.21825/kzm.v66i0.17610 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 66 ◽

pp. 5-33

Author(s):

Marijn Vandenberghe

Keyword(s):

Interest Groups ◽

Cultural Context ◽

General Tendency ◽

Power Struggle ◽

Scholarly Research ◽

Causal Factors ◽

Micro Level ◽

Run Up ◽

The Temple ◽

Shed Light

There is a general tendency in scholarly research into the causes of the Jewish revoltagainst Romein 66 A.D. to espouse contradictory explanations on the macro-level. As analternative, this paper explores the application ofa micro-historical and socio-anthropologicalperspective which pays more attention to the socio-cultural context in a case studyon power struggle and protest in Jerusalem during the run-up to the revolt. Eventually, thepaper aims to shed light on the different interest groups involved and the way in whichthey used the temple complex as a platform for the expression of power and protest, aswell as how the different causal factors correlate on the micro-level.

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Unexpected cryptic species among streptophyte algae most distant to land plants

Proceedings of The Royal Society B Biological Sciences ◽

10.1098/rspb.2021.2168 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 288 (1963) ◽

Author(s):

Iker Irisarri ◽

Tatyana Darienko ◽

Thomas Pröschold ◽

Janine M. R. Fürst-Jansen ◽

Mahwash Jamy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Land Plants ◽

Comparative Genomic ◽

Future Studies ◽

Form And Function ◽

Genomic Studies ◽

Plant Form ◽

Phylogenomic Analyses ◽

And Function ◽

Shed Light ◽

Green Lineage

Streptophytes are one of the major groups of the green lineage (Chloroplastida or Viridiplantae). During one billion years of evolution, streptophytes have radiated into an astounding diversity of uni- and multicellular green algae as well as land plants. Most divergent from land plants is a clade formed by Mesostigmatophyceae, Spirotaenia spp. and Chlorokybophyceae. All three lineages are species-poor and the Chlorokybophyceae consist of a single described species, Chlorokybus atmophyticus. In this study, we used phylogenomic analyses to shed light into the diversity within Chlorokybus using a sampling of isolates across its known distribution. We uncovered a consistent deep genetic structure within the Chlorokybus isolates, which prompted us to formally extend the Chlorokybophyceae by describing four new species. Gene expression differences among Chlorokybus species suggest certain constitutive variability that might influence their response to environmental factors. Failure to account for this diversity can hamper comparative genomic studies aiming to understand the evolution of stress response across streptophytes. Our data highlight that future studies on the evolution of plant form and function can tap into an unknown diversity at key deep branches of the streptophytes.

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