bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network Candidate Genes in Breeding for Drought Tolerant Crops
Authors: Krannich Christoph , Maletzki Lisa , Kurowsky Christina , Horn Renate
Published: July 2015

Climate change leading to increased periods of low water availability as well as increasing demands for food in the coming years makes breeding for drought tolerant crops a high priority. Plants have developed diverse strategies and mechanisms to survive drought stress. However, most of these represent drought escape or avoidance strategies like early flowering or low stomatal conductance that are not applicable in breeding for crops with high yields under drought conditions. Even though a great deal of research is ongoing, especially in cereals, in this regard, not all mechanisms involved in drought tolerance are yet understood. The identification of candidate genes for drought tolerance that have a high potential to be used for breeding drought tolerant crops represents a challenge. Breeding for drought tolerant crops has to focus on acceptable yields under water-limited conditions and not on survival. However, as more and more knowledge about the complex networks and the cross talk during drought is available, more options are revealed. In addition, it has to be considered that conditioning a crop for drought tolerance might require the production of metabolites and might cost the plants energy and resources that cannot be used in terms of yield. Recent research indicates that yield penalty exists and efficient breeding for drought tolerant crops with acceptable yields under well-watered and drought conditions might require uncoupling yield penalty from drought tolerance.
A Class of New Metrics Based on Triangular Discrimination
Authors: Lu Guoxiang , Li Bingqing
Published: July 2015

In the field of information theory, statistics and other application areas, the information-theoretic divergences are used widely. To meet the requirement of metric properties, we introduce a class of new metrics based on triangular discrimination which are bounded. Moreover, we obtain some sharp inequalities for the triangular discrimination and other information-theoretic divergences. Their asymptotic approximation properties are also involved.
Controlled Remote State Preparation via General Pure Three-Qubit State
Authors: Zha Yuebo , Zhang Zhihua , Huang Yulin , Yang Jianyu
Published: July 2015

The protocols for controlled remote state preparation of a single qubit and a general two-qubit state are presented in this paper. The general pure three-qubit states are chosen as shared quantum channel, which are not Local operations and classical communication (LOCC) equivalent to the mostly used GHz state. This is the first time that general pure three-qubit states have been introduced to complete remote state preparation. The probability of successful preparation is presented. Moreover, in some special cases, the successful probability could reach a unit value.
A Neural Network-Based Interval Pattern Matcher
Authors: Lu Jing , Xue Shengjun , Zhang Xiakun , Han Yang
Published: July 2015

One of the most important roles in the machine learning area is to classify, and neural networks are very important classifiers. However, traditional neural networks cannot identify intervals, let alone classify them. To improve their identification ability, we propose a neural network-based interval matcher in our paper. After summarizing the theoretical construction of the model, we take a simple and a practical weather forecasting experiment, which show that the recognizer accuracy reaches 100% and that is promising.
The Immunologic Response to Trichophyton Rubrum in Lower Extremity Fungal Infections
Authors: Blutfield Matthew , Lohre Jenna , Pawich Derek , Vlahovic Tracey
Published: July 2015

Manifestations of Trichophyton rubrum infestations, such as tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and tinea corporis, are among the most common human skin diseases seen throughout the world. About 80% of patients presenting with acute dermatophytosis respond well to topical antifungal treatment. However, the remaining 20% of patients progress into a chronic state of dermatophytosis, which is resistant to antifungal treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to have a better understanding and appreciation for the diverse immune responses to Trichophyton as this is critical for the development of therapeutic strategies for those individuals who suffer from a chronic manifestation of Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum) infection. As a result, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to review and discuss previous studies that evaluated the human body’s defense to T. rubrum infections and to understand why and how these fungal infections invade the host defense system. Our research revealed that a cell-mediated immune response is critical in defending the body against T. rubrum. However, this organism has mechanisms that enable it to evade the immune system. Therefore, a more successful treatment for chronic T. rubrum infection would involve targeting the mechanisms of T. rubrum that diminish the immune response, while restoring the cell-mediated immune response.
The Physical, Chemical and Physiological Limits of Life
Authors: Schulze-Makuch Dirk , Schulze-Makuch Alexander , Houtkooper Joop
Published: July 2015

Life on Earth displays an incredible diversity in form and function, which allows it to survive not only physical extremes, but also periods of time when it is exposed to non-habitable conditions. Extreme physiological adaptations to bridge non-habitable conditions include various dormant states, such as spores or tuns. Here, we advance the hypothesis that if the environmental conditions are different on some other planetary body, a deviating biochemistry would evolve with types of adaptations that would manifest themselves with different physical and chemical limits of life. In this paper, we discuss two specific examples: putative life on a Mars-type planet with a hydrogen peroxide-water solvent and putative life on a Titan-type planetary body with liquid hydrocarbons as a solvent. Both examples would have the result of extending the habitable envelope of life in the universe.
The Application of Gas Dwell Time Control for Rapid Single Wall Carbon Nanotube Forest Synthesis to Acetylene Feedstock
Authors: Matsumoto Naoyuki , Oshima Azusa , Sakurai Shunsuke , Yamada Takeo , Yumura Motoo , Hata Kenji , Futaba Don
Published: July 2015

One aspect of carbon nanotube (CNT) synthesis that remains an obstacle to realize industrial mass production is the growth efficiency. Many approaches have been reported to improve the efficiency, either by lengthening the catalyst lifetime or by increasing the growth rate. We investigated the applicability of dwell time and carbon flux control to optimize yield, growth rate, and catalyst lifetime of water-assisted chemical vapor deposition of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) forests using acetylene as a carbon feedstock. Our results show that although acetylene is a precursor to CNT synthesis and possesses a high reactivity, the SWCNT forest growth efficiency is highly sensitive to dwell time and carbon flux similar to ethylene. Through a systematic study spanning a wide range of dwell time and carbon flux levels, the relationship of the height, growth rate, and catalyst lifetime is found. Further, for the optimum conditions for 10 min growth, SWCNT forests with ~2500 μm height, ~350 μm/min initial growth rates and extended lifetimes could be achieved by increasing the dwell time to ~5 s, demonstrating the generality of dwell time control to highly reactive gases.
High Dietary Fat Intake during Lactation Promotes the Development of Social Stress-Induced Obesity in the Offspring of Mice
Authors: Tsuduki Tsuyoshi , Yamamoto Kazushi , E Shuang , Hatakeyama Yu , Sakamoto Yu
Published: July 2015

This study examined how a maternal high-fat diet (HD) during lactation and exposure of offspring to isolation stress influence the susceptibility of offspring to the development of obesity. C57BL/6J mice were fed a commercial diet (CD) during pregnancy and a CD or HD during lactation. Male offspring were weaned at three weeks of age, fed a CD until seven weeks of age, and fed a CD or HD until 11 weeks of age. Offspring were housed alone (isolation stress) or at six per cage (ordinary circumstances). Thus, offspring were assigned to one of eight groups: dams fed a CD or HD during lactation and offspring fed a CD or HD and housed under ordinary circumstances or isolation stress. Serum corticosterone level was significantly elevated by isolation stress. High-fat feeding of offspring reduced their serum corticosterone level, which was significantly elevated by a maternal HD. A maternal HD and isolation stress had combined effects in elevating the serum corticosterone level. These findings suggest that a maternal HD during lactation enhances the stress sensitivity of offspring. White adipose tissue weights were significantly increased by a maternal HD and isolation stress and by their combination. In addition, significant adipocyte hypertrophy was induced by a maternal HD and isolation stress and exacerbated by their combination. Thus, a maternal HD and isolation stress promote visceral fat accumulation and adipocyte hypertrophy, accelerating the progression of obesity through their combined effects. The mechanism may involve enhanced fatty acid synthesis and lipid influx from blood into adipose tissue. These findings demonstrate that a maternal HD during lactation may increase the susceptibility of offspring to the development of stress-induced obesity.
Comment on: Changes in the Sodium Content of New Zealand Processed Foods: 2003–2013 by D. Monro, C. Mhurchu, Y. Jiang, D. Gorton, H. Eyles. Nutrients 2015, 7(6), 4054–4067; doi:10.3390/nu7064054
Authors: Rich Katherine
Published: July 2015

In this paper, the authors seek to measure changes in sodium levels in processed foods in New Zealand over the period 2003–2013. [...]
The New Secular Humanists: Ronald Dworkin and Philip Kitcher on Life without God
Authors: Taliaferro Charles
Published: July 2015

Ronald Dworkin and Philip Kitcher recognize that traditional, religious faith—especially in Christian theistic tradition—has virtues that seem to be missing in a secular worldview. To remedy this apparent deficit, they both propose that a secular worldview can provide a satisfying foundation for a flourishing, meaningful life. Moreover, Kitcher argues that secular humanism is far more justified than a religious worldview because it does not face the problem of diversity that arises in the case of religion. I argue that secular humanism faces the same problem of diversity that Kitcher proposes undermines religious belief. I further argue that Dworkin’s and Kitcher’s secular alternative to a religious worldview is problematic.
Monitoring Mining Subsidence Using A Combination of Phase-Stacking and Offset-Tracking Methods
Authors: Fan Hongdong , Gao Xiaoxiong , Yang Junkai , Deng Kazhong , Yu Yang
Published: July 2015

An approach to study the mechanism of mining-induced subsidence, using a combination of phase-stacking and sub-pixel offset-tracking methods, is reported. In this method, land subsidence with a small deformation gradient was calculated using time-series differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (D-InSAR) data, whereas areas with greater subsidence were calculated by a sub-pixel offset-tracking method. With this approach, time-series data for mining subsidence were derived in Yulin area using 11 TerraSAR-X (TSX) scenes from 13 December 2012 to 2 April 2013. The maximum mining subsidence and velocity values were 4.478 m and 40 mm/day, respectively, which were beyond the monitoring capabilities of D-InSAR and advanced InSAR. The results were compared with the GPS field survey data, and the root mean square errors (RMSE) of the results in the strike and dip directions were 0.16 m and 0.11 m, respectively. Four important results were obtained from the time-series subsidence in this mining area: (1) the mining-induced subsidence entered the residual deformation stage within about 44 days; (2) the advance angle of influence changed from 75.6° to 80.7°; (3) the prediction parameters of mining subsidence; (4) three-dimensional deformation. This method could be used to predict the occurrence of mining accidents and to help in the restoration of the ecological environment after mining activities have ended.
A Method for Oscillation Errors Restriction of SINS Based on Forecasted Time Series
Authors: Zhao Lin , Li Jiushun , Cheng Jianhua , Jia Chun , Wang Qiufan
Published: July 2015

Continuity, real-time, and accuracy are the key technical indexes of evaluating comprehensive performance of a strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS). However, Schuler, Foucault, and Earth periodic oscillation errors significantly cut down the real-time accuracy of SINS. A method for oscillation error restriction of SINS based on forecasted time series is proposed by analyzing the characteristics of periodic oscillation errors. The innovative method gains multiple sets of navigation solutions with different phase delays in virtue of the forecasted time series acquired through the measurement data of the inertial measurement unit (IMU). With the help of curve-fitting based on least square method, the forecasted time series is obtained while distinguishing and removing small angular motion interference in the process of initial alignment. Finally, the periodic oscillation errors are restricted on account of the principle of eliminating the periodic oscillation signal with a half-wave delay by mean value. Simulation and test results show that the method has good performance in restricting the Schuler, Foucault, and Earth oscillation errors of SINS.
Cabinet of Curiosities: Venom Systems and Their Ecological Function in Mammals, with a Focus on Primates
Authors: Rode-Margono Johanna , Nekaris K.
Published: July 2015

Venom delivery systems (VDS) are common in the animal kingdom, but rare amongst mammals. New definitions of venom allow us to reconsider its diversity amongst mammals by reviewing the VDS of Chiroptera, Eulipotyphla, Monotremata, and Primates. All orders use modified anterior dentition as the venom delivery apparatus, except Monotremata, which possesses a crural system. The venom gland in most taxa is a modified submaxillary salivary gland. In Primates, the saliva is activated when combined with brachial gland exudate. In Monotremata, the crural spur contains the venom duct. Venom functions include feeding, intraspecific competition, anti-predator defense and parasite defense. Including mammals in discussion of venom evolution could prove vital in our understanding protein functioning in mammals and provide a new avenue for biomedical and therapeutic applications and drug discovery.
Optimization and Characterization of Candidate Strain for Coxsackievirus A16 Inactivated Vaccine
Authors: Li Jingliang , Liu Guanchen , Liu Xin , Yang Jiaxin , Chang Junliang , Zhang Wenyan , Yu Xiao-Fang
Published: July 2015

Coxsackievirus A16 (CA16) and enterovirus 71 (EV71), both of which can cause hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), are responsible for large epidemics in Asian and Pacific areas. Although inactivated EV71 vaccines have completed testing in phase III clinical trials in Mainland China, CA16 vaccines are still under development. A Vero cell-based inactivated CA16 vaccine was developed by our group. Screening identified a CA16 vaccine strain (CC024) isolated from HFMD patients, which had broad cross-protective abilities and satisfied all requirements for vaccine production. Identification of the biological characteristics showed that the CA16CC024 strain had the highest titer (107.5 CCID50/mL) in Vero cells, which would benefit the development of an EV71/CA16 divalent vaccine. A potential vaccine manufacturing process was established, including the selection of optimal time for virus harvesting, membrane for diafiltration and concentration, gel-filtration chromatography for the down-stream virus purification and virus inactivation method. Altogether, the analyses suggested that the CC-16, a limiting dilution clone of the CC024 strain, with good genetic stability, high titer and broad-spectrum immunogenicity, would be the best candidate strain for a CA16 inactivated vaccine. Therefore, our study provides valuable information for the development of a Vero cell-based CA16 or EV71-CA16 divalent inactivated vaccine.
Synthetic RNAs Mimicking Structural Domains in the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Genome Elicit a Broad Innate Immune Response in Porcine Cells Triggered by RIG-I and TLR Activation
Authors: Borrego Belén , Rodríguez-Pulido Miguel , Revilla Concepción , Álvarez Belén , Sobrino Francisco , Domínguez Javier , Sáiz Margarita
Published: July 2015

The innate immune system is the first line of defense against viral infections. Exploiting innate responses for antiviral, therapeutic and vaccine adjuvation strategies is being extensively explored. We have previously described, the ability of small in vitro RNA transcripts, mimicking the sequence and structure of different domains in the non-coding regions of the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) genome (ncRNAs), to trigger a potent and rapid innate immune response. These synthetic non-infectious molecules have proved to have a broad-range antiviral activity and to enhance the immunogenicity of an FMD inactivated vaccine in mice. Here, we have studied the involvement of pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) in the ncRNA-induced innate response and analyzed the antiviral and cytokine profiles elicited in swine cultured cells, as well as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
Optimizing Dredge-and-Dump Activities for River Navigability Using a Hydro-Morphodynamic Model
Authors: Paarlberg Andries , Guerrero Massimo , Huthoff Fredrik , Re Mariano
Published: July 2015

Worldwide, significant dredging activities of riverbed sediment are employed to ensure that freight transportation on rivers can continue year-round. Imbalances of sediment budget may produce relevant impacts regarding river morphology and related environmental services. This study shows that hydro-morphodynamic modeling tools can be used to optimize dredge-and-dump activities and, at the same time, mitigate problems deriving from these activities in rivers. As a case study, we focused on dredging activities on the Lower Parana River, Argentina. Navigation on this river is of crucial importance to the economies of the bordering countries, hence, each year significant dredging activities are employed. To estimate dredging loads under different strategies, a 25 km river reach of the Parana River was modeled using the Delft3D-modelling suite by Deltares. The Netherlands, to simulate flow-sediment interactions in a quasi-steady and uncoupled approach. Impacts of dredging activities were explicitly included. Different dredge-and-dump strategies included variations in dredging over-depth (clearance) and variations in dumping locations. Our results indicate that dredge-and-dump strategies can be targeted to stimulate natural processes that improve the depth and stability of the navigation channel and to counteract unwanted bed level responses in the long-medium term. A ~40% reduction in dredging effort could be achieved by moving the dredged material to distant locations in the secondary channel rather than dumping to the side of the waterway in the main channel.
Parameter Automatic Calibration Approach for Neural-Network-Based Cyclonic Precipitation Forecast Models
Authors: Lo Der-Chang , Wei Chih-Chiang , Tsai En-Ping
Published: July 2015

This paper presents artificial neural network (ANN)-based models for forecasting precipitation, in which the training parameters are adjusted using a parameter automatic calibration (PAC) approach. A classical ANN-based model, the multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network, was used to verify the utility of the proposed ANN–PAC approach. The MLP-based ANN used the learning rate, momentum, and number of neurons in the hidden layer as its major parameters. The Dawu gauge station in Taitung, Taiwan, was the study site, and observed typhoon characteristics and ground weather data were the study data. The traditional multiple linear regression model was selected as the benchmark for comparing the accuracy of the ANN–PAC model. In addition, two MLP ANN models based on a trial-and-error calibration method, ANN–TRI1 and ANN–TRI2, were realized by manually tuning the parameters. We found the results yielded by the ANN–PAC model were more reliable than those yielded by the ANN–TRI1, ANN–TRI2, and traditional regression models. In addition, the computing efficiency of the ANN–PAC model decreased with an increase in the number of increments within the parameter ranges because of the considerably increased computational time, whereas the prediction errors decreased because of the model’s increased capability of identifying optimal solutions.
Les lames du Paléolithique supérieur de la grotte du Cheval (Arcy-sur-Cure, Yonne) : un raccord sur une longue distance… chronologique
Authors: Bodu Pierre , Liger Jean-Claude
Published: July 2015

En Bourgogne, le gisement d’Arcy-sur-Cure se caractérise par la diversité et la multiplicité de ses occupations du Paléolithique sous abris ou en grottes. Les fouilles de l’abbé Parat, puis celles d’André Leroi-Gourhan et plus récemment les travaux de l’équipe de Dominique Baffier et de Michel Girard ont montré la richesse des implantations du Paléolithique supérieur et notamment le caractère singulier de l’art pariétal découvert dans deux grottes, la Grande grotte et la grotte du Cheval. Si les gravures de mammouths et de cheval qui ornent cette dernière cavité ont fait l’objet d’études approfondies, il n’en est pas de même de l’industrie lithique qui présente pourtant des aspects peu fréquents dans l’ensemble des grottes du massif. Une étude aboutie de ces silex permet de proposer de nouvelles hypothèses quant à leur présence au seuil de cette grotte ornée et au sujet de leur appartenance chronoculturelle.
Les anneaux du Néolithique bas-normand et du nord-Sarthe : production, circulation et territoires
Authors: Fromont Nicolas
Published: July 2015

From the great corpus of archaeological pieces from Basse-Normandie we propose to examine the consumption – manufacture, use and spread – of early Neolithic stone rings. Firstly, we present the typology, fabrication methods and petrographic analysis results, visible to the naked eye and in thin sections, which reveal the stones used by the Neolithic craftsmen. Secondly, the results will be compared with the intention of understanding the role of the stone materials in the choice of the various shaping techniques and in the typology. Then a geographical factor, enabling the analysis of the rings’ distribution, depending on their typology and material, the location of the workplace and the system of exchanges, is introduced. We also analyse other raw materials in order to understand the exchange systems. All the information reveals the complexity of the exchange system : there are several systems, several sites each with a different status, and several territories. Finally, we synthesize the chronological aspects which reveal an evolution in the rings’ form and in production methods.
Les ensembles funéraires du Néolithique moyen et récent de Longueil-Sainte- Marie « les Gros Grès » IV,« le Parc aux Boeufs » (Oise)
Authors: Joseph Frédéric , Pinard Estelle
Published: July 2015

Cet article présente les résultats de la fouille, en 1994 et 1996, de deux ensembles funéraires du Néolithique dans le département de l’Oise, sur le territoire de la commune de Longueil-Sainte-Marie. L’étude de ces vestiges, datés des IVe et IIIe millénaires avant notre ère, permet de mettre en évidence, au vu des données déjà disponibles de ce secteur, certains particularismes microrégionaux. De plus, il semble possible de définir une évolution des modes sépulcraux entre la fin du Néolithique moyen II et le Néolithique récent dans cette aire géographique.
Rosnoën 60 ans après. Compléments et révision concernant le dépôt de l’Âge du bronze final de Penavern (Finistère)
Authors: Nallier Renaud , Le Goffic Michel
Published: July 2015

Since the pioneering work of Jacques Briard, the Rosnoën hoard has been established as the most representative series of the metallurgy of the initial stage of the Atlantic Early Bronze Age. This article will set out thirtyfour unpublished items from this hoard, which originally contained at least eighty-eight items. Study of these unpublished items has allowed us to complete and renew our knowledge of this hoard. It also confirmed the exceptional status of this eponymous series. In addition, this article permitted us to suggest a revision of the typology of the Rosnoën group’s items, and especially that of the swords.
L’apport du gisement des Osiers à Bapaume (Pas-de-Calais) au débat sur l’émergence du Paléolithique moyen dans le Nord de la France
Authors: Koehler Héloïse
Published: July 2015

The site of “ Bapaume-Les Osiers” (Pas-de-Calais), excavated by A. Tuffreau during the 1970s, yielded two lithic assemblages attributed to the early phase of the Middle Palaeolithic (OIS 7a/ 6). A preliminary study revealed a dominant Mousterian component within the industries, associated with some elements suggesting the Acheulean, leading A. Tuffreau to qualify them as “ Epi-Acheulean”. To contribute to the debate on the origins of technological “ traditions” during the Middle Palaeolithic, the two assemblages from Bapaume have been re-examined since they offer the possibility of opening new discussion on Acheulean elements and the Mousterian nature of the industries of the Early Middle Palaeolithic. Our analyses have shown a clear predominance of Mousterian concepts in the production sequences of the two assemblages, linking them to the Middle Palaeolithic and distancing them from the Lower Palaeolithic. Moreover, in keeping with the Late Middle Palaeolithic assemblages, they emphasize a wide variability in production techniques and objectives during the first phase of the Middle Palaeolithic, since nearly all the methods of the Levallois concept are present and are associated with blade and discoidal production techniques.
Quels auteurs pour l’industrie de Mancy à Saint-Brisson-sur-Loire (Loiret) ? Réévaluation d’un assemblage présumé magdalénien en région Centre
Authors: Chehmana Lucie , Debout Grégory , Valentin Boris , Bazin Pierre , Bignon Olivier
Published: July 2015

La révision de l’industrie lithique découverte sur le site de Mancy (Loiret) a soulevé quelques incertitudes au sujet de son attribution culturelle.

À la fin des années quatre-vingt, les caractéristiques du débitage laminaire avaient conduit certains auteurs à la rapprocher du Magdalénien supérieur. Aujourd’hui, la reconnaissance de plusieurs microgravettes et de nombreux burins-nucléus à partir desquels les supports des microgravettes semblent extraits indique toutefois qu’une partie de l’industrie est attribuable au Gravettien (plutôt à sa phase récente). Par ailleurs, compte tenu des nouvelles études sur le sujet, il n’est pas exclu que le débitage laminaire puisse, lui aussi, y être finalement rattaché. Le contexte de découverte de l’industrie de Mancy (ramassage de surface) ne permet toutefois pas d’écarter l’hypothèse d’une double composante, l’une magdalénienne et l’autre gravettienne. Des éléments de réponses plus définitifs ne pourront être obtenus que si des travaux de terrain sont engagés. Ils sont particulièrement motivés par le fait que Mancy pourrait se révéler comme le premier gisement de production de grandes lames du Gravettien récent de la moitié nord de la France que l’on pourrait comparer aux sites de références de Corbiac et de Rabier (Dordogne). En outre, la présence de restes de faune offre la possibilité de réaliser des datations radiométriques qui permettraient enfin de caler plus précisément ce type d’industrie au sein de la

phase récente du Gravettien.
Nouvelles données sur la couche 5B de l’abri-sous-roche de la Vieille Église, La Balme-de-Thuy (Haute- Savoie). Néolithique ancien ou Mésolithique final ?
Authors: Remicourt Maxime
Published: July 2015

En 1984, la première publication sur l’abri-sous-roche de la Vieille Église (La Balme-de-Thuy, Haute-Savoie) attribuait la couche 5B à un Néolithique ancien acéramique, sur la base d’une datation radiocarbone et d’une étude préliminaire. Par la suite, ce gisement devait devenir dans la littérature archéologique l’un des sites de référence pour la problématique de la néolithisation alpine. Toutefois, dès la première publication, un certain nombre de doutes ont été émis quant à l’homogénéité de cet ensemble archéologique et plusieurs auteurs ont évoqué des mélanges possibles de mobilier entre plusieurs horizons stratigraphiques. Une reprise du matériel et des documents de fouilles semblait donc nécessaire pour infirmer ou confirmer les diverses hypothèses émises sur ce gisement, ce qui a été entrepris en 2002 dans le cadre d’un mémoire de maîtrise. Ce travail a montré que malgré divers problèmes liés à l’enregistrement du matériel, il était toutefois possible d’en démêler les fils et de proposer une attribution chronoculturelle renouvelée pour ce niveau stratigraphique.
Apport de l’archéologie expérimentale à la compréhension du creusement des tranchées d’implantation des allées couvertes de la fin du Néolithique. En marge des fouilles au champ mégalithique de Wéris (Belgique)
Authors: Toussaint Michel
Published: July 2015

The digging of the foundation pits of the semi-buried allées couvertes

from the Late/ Final Neolithic were remarkable achievements whose technical and social requirements had not previously been experimented. This paper describes experiments conducted to test several aspects of this ‘ megalithic engineering’. A number of practical and potentially significant questions were examined, among them the efficiency of the different sets of tools possibly used for the operation, how the material dug out was disposed of, how many people were involved and, finally, the maximum length of time needed for such endeavours.
Diversité des matériaux et diversité des schémas de production au sein de l’industrie moustérienne de la couche K des Fieux (Miers, Lot)
Authors: Thiébaut Céline , Mourre Vincent , Turq Alain
Published: July 2015

Le site archéologique des Fieux (Miers, Lot) fait l’objet de recherches et d’études depuis 1966. Outre des niveaux attribués au Paléolithique supérieur (Aurignacien, Solutréen, Gravettien) et au Sauveterrien, il a livré une importante séquence moustérienne qui, sur la base de données biochronologiques, peut être corrélée à une partie du Dernier Glaciaire et principalement à la fin de l’OIS 3. La couche K a été explorée sur une surface de plus de 25 m2, sous la direction de F. Champagne et J. Jaubert. L’industrie lithique de cette couche, étudiée par J. Jaubert en 1984 et attribuée au Moustérien à denticulés, fait ici l’objet d’une nouvelle étude globale, incluant le matériel mis au jour après cette date et privilégiant une approche basée sur les acquis récents de la technologie lithique. L’industrie lithique de la couche K est produite aux dépens de matériaux variés, disponibles localement dans un rayon d’une douzaine de kilomètres autour du site. Des cinq variétés de silex identifiées, les silex du Bajocien sont les plus fréquents. La série est dominée par le groupe des quartz et quartzites, prélevés sous forme de galets dans les formations alluviales de la Dordogne et/ ou au sein d’épandages relictuels sur le causse. Quelques galets ou fragments de galets en roches éruptives ou métamorphiques diverses ont également été recueillis. Les différents matériaux ont été exploités selon plusieurs schémas de productions : débitage discoïde unifacial sur quartz sans aménagement des plans de frappe, orienté vers la production d’éclats à tranchants périphériques, débitage discoïde unifacial et bifacial avec un aménagement des plans de frappe, produisant des éclats à dos débordant et des pointes pseudo-Levallois sur silex et quartzite, débitage multidirectionnel sur quartzite, un débitage Levallois assez rare sur silex et un débitage sur face inférieure d’éclat anecdotique, également sur silex. Le petit outillage retouché est relativement peu abondant et dominé par les éclats à retouche courte et le groupe des denticulés et des encoches, souvent réalisés sur des supports de plein débitage ou à dos cortical ou débordant. Si la forme d’économie des matières premières mise en évidence traduit une grande capacité d’adaptation des groupes paléolithiques aux matériaux locaux, elle montre aussi qu’ils ont su à l’occasion aller à l’encontre des propriétés mécaniques de ces matériaux en produisant par exemple des pointes pseudo-Levallois en quartzite. La série de la couche K des Fieux est rapportée au groupe 2 du Moustérien à denticulés et comporte certains éléments techniques reconnus au sein des industries de Mauran, de la Borde et du niveau E de l’abri Romani. Replacée dans le contexte du Paléolithique moyen quercinois, l’industrie lithique de la couche K témoigne de la diversité des comportements techniques au sein d’une aire géographique bien délimitée.
De la fin du Campaniforme à l’aube du Bronze moyen dans la basse vallée de Marne
Authors: Brunet Paul , Charamond Christian , Charamond Corinne , Cottiaux Richard , Couturier David , Delattre Valérie , Durand Jean-Claude , Durbet Gilles , Gosselin Renaud , Lafage Françoise , Lanchon Yves , Monchablon Cécile , Samzun Anaïck
Published: July 2015

The collation of information from Early Bronze Age domestic and mortuary contexts in an area 60 kilometres long in the downstream Marne valley, east of Paris, has made it possible to flesh out the hitherto thin research literature. Recent developments such as the excavation of increasingly large surfaces, the characterisation of regional series and the considerable amount of information gained through preventive archaeology have made it possible to better understand a period hitherto best known in the region because of the discovery of a limited number of metal objects. This article organises the information, looking at a dozen archaeological indicators and considering fifteen domestic and mortuary sites. The position of these sites, usually in the valley bottom, sometimes on the slopes, but rarely on the edge of the plateau, is studied. The settlements can be divided into two categories. Firstly, those which have between one and a dozen pits and abundant material, such as the Grand Godet site at Villeneuve-le-Roi. Secondly, the sites on which there are apsidal buildings which do not respect a common alignment. The mortuary sites contain crouched burials in large pits aligned north south or north west/ south east. The pits contain no artefacts and the dating evidence comes merely from radiocarbon analysis. There is little pottery but ovoid or barrel-shaped narrow-necked vases with an everted rim have been found. There are also carinated vases with handles. The applied decoration subdivides into arched cordons, of which some of the principal forms are discussed, horizontal smooth or thumbed cordons, applied strips and pellets. The principal decoration is achieved by the use of a cord larger than that used for Beaker pottery but also through the use of micro-perforations. Last but not least, the comparative frequency of aligned or superposed thumbed decoration is remarkable. The ten radiocarbon dates from both funerary and domestic contexts are from the first four centuries of the second millennium BC. A susceptibility to both Atlantic and continental influences is noteworthy. The building structures are comparable with southern examples whereas the abundance of arched cordon decoration shows a clear northern influence. The latter also influences the various mortuary practices, with the exception of cremation and monumental tombs.
Les enclos circulaires de l’Âge du fer de Font de Meaux à Coursac (Dordogne)
Authors: Kerouanton Isabelle
Published: July 2015

Le projet de réalisation d’un lotissement à Coursac (Dordogne) a donné lieu à une opération archéologique préventive. Notons que les résultats obtenus ont été contraints par le caractère morcelé de l’emprise et la faible superficie fouillée (quatre petites fenêtres de 300 à 500 m2). Toutefois, à l’occasion de la fouille, deux ensembles chronologiques ont été mis au jour à Font de Meaux. D’une part, un petit habitat du Néolithique final dont l’érosion ne permet pas de dire grand chose (à noter cependant la présence supposée d’un bâtiment), d’autre part, et c’est sans aucun doute l’intérêt majeur de la fouille, deux enclos circulaires. Mesurant respectivement 18 m et 19,50 m de diamètre, ces enclos sont matérialisés par un fossé unique de 1 m à 2,40 m de large au profil en V très évasé. Les structures sont très arasées et aucune fosse à vocation funéraire n’a été identifiée. Toutefois, malgré ces résultats modestes, la découverte de ces deux enclos fossoyés au coeur d’une vaste nécropole tumulaire de l’Âge du fer (VIe-IVe siècle avant notre ère) reste très intéressante et permet d’ouvrir de nouvelles pistes de recherche et de réflexions sur la problématique des enclos fossoyés dits funéraires : enclos et tumulus sont-ils une seule et même structure ? Ont-ils la même vocation ?
Une statuette de bison découverte dans le site de Zaraïsk (région de Moscou, Russie)
Authors: Amirkhanov Khizri , Lev Sergey
Published: July 2015

Le premier objet d’art mobilier du site gravettien de Zaraysk (Russie, région de Moscou) a été découvert au cours de la campagne de fouilles de 2001. Il s’agit d’une figurine de bison en ivoire de Mammouth, un véritable «chef d’oeuvre » de sculpture paléolithique daté aux alentours de 22000 BP. Au regard d’autres exemples d’objets d’art mobilier bien connus d’Europe centrale et orientale, cet artefact est non seulement l’une des plus anciennes preuves d’expression artistique d’inspiration naturaliste, mais aussi le témoignage d’un haut niveau de maîtrise technique dans le travail des matières dures animales. Cette statuette, par ailleurs partiellement ocrée, est aussi remarquable du fait de ses dimensions et de certaines de ses caractéristiques stylistiques. En outre, elle provient d’un contexte stratigraphique particulier (une fosse creusée dont le fond a été aménagé en vue de son dépôt). Ce contexte ainsi que plusieurs autres détails évoqués permettent de proposer l’hypothèse que cette figurine a pu jouer un rôle important à l’occasion de cérémonies rituelles.
Diversification ou stabilité de la prédation au cours du Tardiglaciaire dans les Pyrénées françaises : et si on analysait les données ?
Authors: Fontana Laure , Brochier Jacques-Élie
Published: July 2015

Results of the analysis of 56 faunal assemblages from 21 Lateglacial and Postglacial archaeological sites are presented in this paper. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis of hunting diversification at the end of the Lateglacial in the French Pyrenees. The analysis demonstrates that a major change in animal hunting occurs at 12300 uncal. BP when Reindeer was no longer hunted. It also indicates that the diversity of hunted large mammals was the same from the Oldest Dryas to the onset of the Holocene. Finally, it reveals that there is no significant increase in the proportion of small game between 15000 uncal. BP and 8000 uncal. BP, which demonstrates that there was no hunting diversification at the end of the Lateglacial. Studies focusing on the French Jura and the Northern Alps have provided similar results.
Fonds céramiques et vannerie dans le sud de la Corse au Bronze final
Authors: Pêche-Quilichini Kewin
Published: July 2015

A recent and global study of Corsican Bronze Age pottery has allowed the identification of an original technique for the flattening of container bottoms, on circular and flat straw mattresses made of concentrically woven plants. These procedures are only documented in very limited geographical areas (Sartenais, Alta Rocca and Porto Vecchio bay) for a restricted period (Late Bronze Age), and only concern, for each site, a minority of approximately 15% of the finds. Since the excavations are very old, or the information often comes from superficial collecting, the rarity of reliable stratigraphic contexts has to be regretted. The analysis shows the recurrence of the general characteristics of the technique and the cultural context to which it belongs. Thus, it has been possible to observe that protohistorical Corsican basketry is concentric and not spiral, which is particularly original. Corsican basketry also highlights the sometimes standardized character of production (shapes concerned, layout of patterns, thickness and diameter of the bottom). In a more general framework, the study of recurrent associations shows that the production is integrated in both the continental material background, the inspiration of which is linked to the Northern Italic «Rhine-Switzerland-Eastern France » cultural groups (biconical vases), and in an interactive play with the north of nearby Sardinia (plates, low forms). This dichotomy illustrates perfectly the position and the role which Corsica could have played in the Tyrrhenian Sea region from the end of the 2nd millennium. In conclusion, some comparisons – archaeological (objects found in pile-dwelling contexts and small Sardinian bronzes) and ethnographic (sub-contemporary Sardinian basketry) – allow some hypotheses to be proposed with regard to certain aspects of Corsican and Sardinian protohistorical esparto work, namely with regard to the plants used, the way they were woven and the shape and function of the basketwork. Given that insular finds pertaining to objects made of woven plants are rare, this indirect evidence constitutes the main source of documentation on this kind of handicraft.
Remontages, systèmes techniques et répartitions spatiales dans l’analyse du site weichselien ancien de Fresnoy-au-Val (Somme, France)
Authors: Goval Émilie , Locht Jean-Luc
Published: July 2015

La découverte du site de Fresnoy-au-Val (vallée de la Somme, Picardie) enrichit un peu plus les données concernant le Début Glaciaire weichsélien dans le Nord de la France. Réalisée en 2002, la fouille a mis en évidence deux niveaux d’occupation montrant chacun des particularités spécifiques dans leurs méthodes de débitage et leurs répartitions spatiales. Tout d’abord, l’analyse des industries permet d’appréhender les systèmes techniques mis en oeuvre. C’est ensuite l’étude de certains remontages couplés aux répartitions spatiales qui offrent un éclairage nouveau sur les modalités d’occupation des hommes de cette époque.
Saisonnalité de prédation du Bison du gisement moustérien de la Quina (Gardes-le-Pontaroux, Charente), niveau 6c. Apport à la compréhension des comportements de subsistance
Authors: Rendu William , Armand Dominique
Published: July 2015

Le gisement de la Quina est un site majeur du Paléolithique moyen du Sud-Ouest français. Les différentes fouilles qui s’y sont succédé ont mis au jour un nombre important de vestiges humains et une accumulation osseuse exceptionnelle. Le niveau 6c, attribué au Moustérien à denticulés, est caractérisé par un spectre faunique très largement dominé par le Bison. La position particulière du gisement au pied de la plus haute falaise de la région a poussé plusieurs auteurs à proposer une utilisation du site en Jump site. Par une étude cémentochronologique, nous proposons une réflexion sur la saisonnalité de prédation du Bison. Ces données apportent des éléments de discussion concernant les modalités de prédation et la fonction du site.
La collecte du bois de feu dans le village néolithique d’Arbon-Bleiche 3 (lac de Constance, Suisse) : gestion du bois et déterminismes
Authors: Dufraisse Alexa , Leuzinger Urs
Published: July 2015

Les caractéristiques du milieu déterminent pour une large part les modalités de collecte du bois de feu. Néanmoins, ces contraintes naturelles délimitent tout un champ de possibilités dans les comportements humains, particulièrement perceptibles sur des sites à haute résolution temporelle. Les communautés y effectuent des choix orientés par des critères techniques, sociaux, culturels ou économiques qui impliquent des effets spécifiques sur l’environnement. Ainsi, le site néolithique d’Arbon-Bleiche 3 (lac de Constance, Suisse) a permis de décrire ces jeux de choix et contraintes dans un contexte où les déterminismes sociaux (peu de villages contemporains proches) et environnementaux (grande disponibilité des ressources végétales) sont limités. Parce que l’exploitation du bois de feu intègre le système technique sensu lato, une caractéristique culturelle de la société, l’étude anthracologique apporte un nouvel éclairage sur le fonctionnement des sociétés néolithiques dans leur environnement.
Environmental and genetic correlates of allocation to sexual reproduction in the circumpolar plant Bistorta vivipara
Authors: Bills John W. , Roalson Eric H. , Busch Jeremiah W. , Eidesen Pernille B.
Published: July 2015

• Premise of the study: Sexual reproduction often requires more energy and time than clonal reproduction. In marginal arctic conditions, species that can reproduce both sexually and clonally dominate. Plants with this capacity may thrive because they can alter reproduction depending on environmental conditions. Bistorta vivipara is a circumpolar herb that predominately reproduces clonally, but certain environmental conditions promote higher investment in flowers (and possible sexual reproduction). Despite largely reproducing clonally, the herb has high levels of genetic variation, and the processes underlying this paradoxical pattern of variation remain unclear. Here we identified environmental factors associated with sexual investment and examined whether sexual reproduction is associated with higher levels of genetic variation.

• Methods: We sampled 20 populations of B. vivipara across the high Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. In each population, we measured reproductive traits, environmental variables, and collected samples for genetic analyses. These samples permitted hypotheses to be tested regarding sexual investment and ecological and genetic correlates.

• Key results: Increased soil nitrogen and organic matter content and decreased elevation were positively associated with investment in flowers. Increased investment in flowers significantly correlated with more genotypes per population. Linkage disequilibrium was consistent with predominant clonality, but several populations showed higher genetic variation and lower differentiation than expected. There was no geographical genetic structure.

• Conclusions: In B. vivipara, sexual investment is positively associated with habitat quality. Bistorta vivipara predominantly reproduces clonally, but occasional outcrossing, efficient clonal reproduction, and dispersal by bulbils can explain the considerable genetic variation and weak genetic structure in B. vivipara.