Early Appearance Research Articles

The Quintilian School in the history of Social Choice: an early tentative step from plurality rule to pairwise comparisons

We present two texts from Roman Empire times that add two early appearances to the stream of the history of Social Choice Theory. One is from the School of Rhetoric of Quintilian (35–96), a contemporary of Pliny the Younger, who developed an early criticism of Plurality rule and, in search of a better method, sketched a choice by pairwise comparisons. The other is from Aulus Gellius (160–180), who used the term “aporia” applied to a voting problem while commenting on a voting by Plurality that yielded counterintuitive or seemingly illogical results. These early analyses and critiques of Plurality rule reveal the flaws of a system that, despite its intuitive or spontaneous appeal, has evident failures that have triggered theoretical reflection from remote times. The two texts also show how paradoxical and problematic situations serve as powerful incentives for reflection and advancement of knowledge and can trigger attempts to address and refine voting and election methods to find more robust and fair alternatives.

Theoretical model for high-altitude gas exchange process in multi-fuel poppet valves two-stroke aircraft engine

Under the demand of global aviation carbon reduction, the multi-fuel poppet valves two-stroke (MF-PV2S) aircraft engine exhibits advantages such as lower lubricant consumption and the flexibility to high-altitude valve timing adjustment, which position it to play a more significant role in general aviation aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicle propulsion systems. High-altitude gas exchange performance is a critical factor in the thermal efficiency and power characteristics of two-stroke aircraft engines. However, the applicability and accuracy of existing models in predicting the gas exchange process for PV2S engines remain insufficiently discussed. Recognizing discrepancies in the predictions of PV2S gas exchange processes by existing models, a theoretical model applicable to high-altitude gas exchange in an MF-PV2S aircraft engine is established. The modified model adjusts the exhaust composition during the second and third phases of the scavenging process, and a novel model characteristic coefficient, designated as b3, is incorporated to signify the proportion of mixed gas in the exhaust gases at a given moment. Moreover, the model characteristic coefficients b1 and b2, are determined with nonlinearity, based on appropriate relationships that account for the characteristics of the PV2S gas exchange process. The model calculates gas exchange characteristics under different operating conditions and fuels, comparing these results with simulations and tracer gas-based experiments. The findings demonstrate that the model successfully captures the characteristics of early appearance and prolonged duration of fresh charge loss during PV2S gas exchange, significantly enhancing the predictive accuracy. Through adjustments of model coefficients based on specific conditions, the model predicts and describes the variation process of PV2S gas exchange performance parameters under different conditions, including various speeds, different intake-exhaust pressure differences at different altitudes, valve overlaps, and fuel types. The maximum relative errors between model predictions and experimental trapping efficiency, delivery ratio and charging efficiency are 2.58 %, 4.33 %, and 3.89 % respectively. The model can be used for rapid and accurate prediction of gas exchange characteristics under different conditions for the MF-PV2S aircraft engine. Also, it serves as an alternative model of three-dimensional simulation models that can be coupled into the one-dimensional thermodynamic cycle simulation.

Revising the Chronology and Typology of Gaza Ware, a Hallmark of Late Islamic Palestinian Pottery

Gaza Ware, one of the hallmarks of Palestinian pottery in Late Islamic/Ottoman times, was produced in the southern Coastal Plain and is characterised by dark-coloured fabric and a large variety of vessel forms. Although most scholars agree that Gaza Ware was already in use in the 18th century and continued into the 20th century, the earliest appearance of this pottery is still under debate. This article offers new insights into Gaza Ware typology and chronology, based on published and unpublished ceramic assemblages from excavated contexts in southern and central Palestine. More specifically, it is suggested here that the advent of Gaza Ware can be traced back to the 17th, if not the 16th, century, and morphological and fabric criteria to discern between ‘early’ and ‘late’ variants of certain vessel types are presented. This fresh look at Gaza Ware will hopefully assist archaeologists and ceramic specialists dealing with Late Islamic Southern Levantine contexts to fine-tune the chronology of contemporaneous ceramics and excavated remains.

Poisson manifold

In differential geometry, a field in mathematics, a Poisson manifold is a smooth manifold endowed with a Poisson structure. The notion of Poisson manifold generalises that of symplectic manifold, which in turn generalises the phase space from Hamiltonian mechanics. A Poisson structure (or Poisson bracket) on a smooth manifold M {\displaystyle M} is a function { ⋅ , ⋅ } : C ∞ ( M ) × C ∞ ( M ) → C ∞ ( M ) {\displaystyle \{\cdot ,\cdot \}:{\mathcal {C}}^{\infty }(M)\times {\mathcal {C}}^{\infty }(M)\to {\mathcal {C}}^{\infty }(M)}on the vector space C ∞ ( M ) {\displaystyle {\mathcal {C}}^{\infty }(M)} of smooth functions on M {\displaystyle M}, making it into a Lie algebra subject to a Leibniz rule (also known as a Poisson algebra). Poisson structures on manifolds were introduced by André Lichnerowicz in 1977[1] and are named after the French mathematician Siméon Denis Poisson, due to their early appearance in his works on analytical mechanics.[2]

Nutrient supplementation-induced metabolic profile changes and early appearance of free N-glycans in nutrient deficient tomato plants revealed by mass spectrometry.

Inorganic fertilizers are routinely used in large scale crop production for the supplementation of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in nutrient poor soil. To explore metabolic changes in tomato plants grown on humic sand under different nutritional conditions, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry was utilized for the analysis of xylem sap. Variations in the abundances of metabolites and oligosaccharides, including free N-glycans (FNGs), were determined. Statistical analysis of the sample-related peaks revealed significant differences in the abundance ratios of multiple metabolites, including oligosaccharides, between the control plants, grown with no fertilizers, and plants raised under "ideal" and "nitrogen deficient" nutritional conditions, i.e., under the three treatment types. Among the 36 spectral features tentatively identified as oligosaccharides, the potential molecular structures for 18 species were predicted based on their accurate masses and isotope distribution patterns. To find the spectral features that account for most of the differences between the spectra corresponding to the three different treatments, multivariate statistical analysis was carried out by orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). They included both FNGs and non-FNG compounds that can be considered as early indicators of nutrient deficiency. Our results reveal that the potential nutrient deficiency indicators can be expanded to other metabolites beyond FNGs. The m/z values for 20 spectral features with the highest variable influence on projection (VIP) scores were ranked in the order of their influence on the statistical model.

Efficacy and Safety of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Pediatric Patients and Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Introduction: In recent decades, an increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in children and adolescents has been observed. Pediatric‐onset T2DM differs from the adult‐onset form, particularly regarding the durability of glycemic control and earlier appearance of complications. However, the scarcity of approved treatments and comprehensive studies on T2DM management in youth persists. Ongoing clinical trials seek to ascertain the efficacy and safety of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in patients aged between 10 and 24 years with T2DM. Therefore, we aimed to perform a meta‐analysis exploring the efficacy and safety of SGLT2i in pediatric patients and young adults with T2DM.Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science for randomized controlled clinical trials on the efficacy and safety of SGLT2i in children, adolescents, and young adults with T2DM compared with placebo. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 and R statistical software 4.2.1. Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics.Results: We included three studies totaling 334 patients followed for 37.79 weeks. Reduction in HbA1C (MD = −0.93; 95% CI = −1.36 to −0.49; p < 0.0001; I2 = 0%) was significantly higher in SGLT2i group compared with placebo. The proportion of patients requiring rescue or discontinuation of study medication due to lack of efficacy was statistically lower in SGLT2i group compared with placebo (RR = 0.64; 95% CI = 0.43–0.94; p = 0.02; I2 = 0%). SGLT2i and placebo were similar in terms of any adverse event (RR = 1.10; 95% CI = 0.96–1.27; p = 0.17; I2 = 0%), serious side effects (RR = 1.06; 95% CI = 0.44–2.57; p = 0.90; I2 = 0%), and individual adverse effects.Conclusion: In children, adolescents, and young adults with T2DM, SGLT2i appears to be effective and safe for glycemic control.

New data on the Pleistocene history of the Aral Sea-Lake

A 23.5 m deep borehole was drilled on the dried bed of the Aral Sea 9 km south of the former Barsakelmes Island. At a depth of 21.3 m, the borehole penetrated Paleogene bedrock. In the interval 21.3 - 15.2 m the conditions of a shallow freshwater reservoir at a considerable distance from the flowing rivers (deltaic channels of the Syr Darya River) - the first phase of filling of the Aral Basin with river water - were reconstructed. It has been preliminary attributed by three 14C AMS dates to the time about 23-25 thousand years BP. Above 15.2 m of the section the conditions become even more shallow, starting from 12.0 m of the section - brackish-water. The upper 10.5 m of the section correlates with the sediments of the modern geological phase of the Aral Sea development studied in detail in the same area by Burr et al. (2019), the beginning of which was estimated at 17.6 thousand BP. The new data obtained indicate an earlier appearance of the modern Aral Sea, which originated as a shallow freshwater body.

Huzursuz Bacaklar Sendromu: Tanıdan Tedaviye

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) can be described by an urge to move limbs that typically coincides with an uncomfortable sensation. When at rest or inactivity, signs may start or develop worse; they usually go away when one moves or gets up for a walk. RLS can be both idiopathic or secondary to many kinds of health conditions, such as deficiency of iron, diabetes, obesity, hypothyroidism, and chronic renal failure. At the admission, secondary causes and iron tests, such as transferrin saturation and ferritin, must be evaluated. Assessments should be repeated when symptoms worsen, or when augmentation develops. Augmentation is a significant adverse effect of therapy by levodopa and dopamine agonists. More severe signs, early appearance of symptoms, and spreading of symptoms from the legs to other body parts are indicative of augmentation. Non-pharmacological treatments help some RLS patients control their symptoms. Iron-replacement therapy is a first-line treatment option for patients with indications of low body iron stores. The use of α2δ ligands as initial treatments instead of dopamine agonists has been recommended recently.

Longitudinal Neuropsychological Assessment of Symptomatic Edema after Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery: A Case Series Study.

Severe non-infectious or non-haemorrhagic brain edema surrounding the electrode represents a rare complication of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) surgery. The aim of this study is to report three patients with advanced Parkinson's Disease (PD) who developed symptomatic brain edema after STN-DBS surgery treated with intravenous steroids with a specific profile of reversible cognitive alterations. Patients were both assessed with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery including attention, memory, visuo-spatial and executive tasks. They were also briefly assessed for emotional and behavioural alterations, and for possible limitations in the activities of daily living. Normative data for an Italian population were available for all neuropsychological tests. The patients were firstly assessed before the surgery (baseline) as soon as they became symptomatic for the post-surgery edema and a few more times in follow-up up to ten months. In all patients we observed the resolution of cognitive deficits within six months after surgery with the corresponding reabsorption of edema at brain CT scans. The appearance of post-DBS edema is a fairly frequent and clinically benign event. However, in some rare cases it can be very marked and lead to important clinical-albeit transient-disturbances. These events can compromise, at least from a psychological point of view, the delicate path of patients who undergo DBS and can prolong the post-operative hospital stay. In this setting it could be helpful to perform a brain CT scan in 2-3 days with the aim of detecting the early appearance of edema and treating it before it can constitute a relevant clinical problem.

Studies on the Upper Leaf Necrosis in Orientalliliums

Oriental Lilium is one of the commercial bulbous flower crops grown for its cut flower and ornamental value. Upper leaf necrosis is a nutrition disorder that is specific to certain conditions and often misconceived with other disorders. The symptoms of upper leaf necrosis occur on the growing portions of the upper 3 to 5 pairs of young leaves in oriental lilium and it is more specific. The imbalance of calcium and boron nutrients which is actively involved in the growing regions of plants viz., root tip, bud development, and in the meristematic tissues resulting in deficiency causes upper leaf necrosis in the Oriental lilium. The research on supplementing the deficiency of nutrients through foliar application during the vegetative phase on critical days in oriental lilium variety Paradero helped in alleviating the necrosis symptoms. Treatments withfoliar application of 0.08% & 0.1% each of calcium nitrate & borax applied from 30 to 45 days after planting at 5 days intervals resulted in no visible necrosis symptoms (score 0), early appearance of flower bud (48 days) and a greater number of flower buds (3 - 4). Treatment with foliar application of 0.1% each of calcium nitrate & borax ensures a greater number of flower buds (4) per plant.

On Mercenaries in World Politics

"The purpose of the present paper is to emphasize the way mercenaries integrated in the world politics. It offers an overview of the historical context, highlighting short details about the early appearance of mercenary troops who, although not yet bearing that name, acted in the same way. What is more, it pursues the evolution of mercenaries from their very beginning to the contemporary era, making a short stop to the Middle Ages, and then to the pre-modern period. Furthermore, it describes the metamorphosis of mercenaries in the contemporary period, giving birth to the new ´dogs of war’ under different names. However, these transformations came with behavioural changes as well. They changed their attitude and their chaotic actions on the battlefield, fulfilling, sometimes, a different role, but for the same purpose, which labelled them as ‘new mercenaries’ from the outset. Keywords: mercenaries, world politics, condottieri, war, army, professional soldiers, Private Military Corporations. "

Cell wall remodeling and callose deposition during the embryogenic transition in the tree fern Cyathea delgadii Sternb.

With the discovery in 2015 of the ability to induce somatic embryos in Cyathea delgadii, learning more about the relationship between the structure of apoplast and cell differentiation has become possible among ferns. In this study, the distribution of arabinogalactan proteins, pectins, extensins, and callose with specific epitopes recognized by monoclonal antibodies was investigated during direct somatic embryogenesis (SE) of C. delgadii. Eight antigens against the arabinogalactan proteins (JIM8, JIM13, LM2), pectins (JIM5, JIM7), extensins (JIM11, JIM12), and callose (anti-1 → 3-β-glucan) were selected. Two types of explants were analyzed, i.e. stipe fragments and internodes, which give rise to embryos of unicellular and multicellular origin, respectively. The study showed that embryogenic transition in C. delgadii is preceded by cell wall remodeling of initial explants. Dynamic changes in JIM13, JIM12, and anti-1 → 3-β-glucan localization were observed. The differences in the distribution of studied epitopes were observed between the cell walls of the epidermis and those located in the other layers of the explant. Moreover, within the somatic embryos, a stronger fluorescence of the examined antibodies was observed, mainly those reacting with arabinogalactan proteins, extensins, and callose. These results also implicated that, with the exception of the earlier appearance of callose in the stipe explants, the uni- and multicellular pathways of somatic embryo differentiation do not differ in the quality of cell wall components. The presented studies document the first time that SE in ferns can be regulated by changes in apoplast structure and they provide a basis for more detailed research.

Diagnostic value of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in ovarian malignant mesothelioma

ObjectiveTo investigate the diagnostic value of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in ovarian malignant mesothelioma (OMM).MethodsThe clinical and imaging data of 10 pathologically-confirmed OMM patients were analyzed retrospectively.Result(1) The patients were 27 years to 70 years old, with an average age of 57.2 ± 15.4 years. Seven patients reported abdominal distension and pain, 1 reported lower abdominal discomfort and decreased appetite, and 2 patients had no symptoms. (2) Two cases of localized OMM with incomplete semi-annular “capsule” observed around the localized OMM tumors were reported while 8 cases had diffuse OMM in which the tumor parenchyma showed isointense or slightly hypointense on T1WI, inhomogeneous hyperintense on T2WI, and obviously hyperintense on DWI, with obvious inhomogeneous enhancement after enhancement. Diffuse OMM was not mainly composed of ovarian masses and was mainly characterized by mild ovarian enlargement, nodular and irregular thickening of the peritoneum, cloudy omentum, unclear fat gap, and reticular or irregular thickening, which can fuse into a “cake-shape”. (3) All 10 patients underwent surgery, while 9 patients underwent systemic chemotherapy or immunotherapy after surgery. All patients with localized OMM survived. Out of the 8 diffuse-type patients, 5 died, 1 was lost to follow-up, and 2 survived.ConclusionOMM has certain clinical and imaging characteristics. There is no liquefaction, calcification, or partition in the tumor. The ovarian enlargement in the diffuse lesion is not significant. The diffuse thickening of the peritoneum and omentum with early appearance of mural nodules and ascites in the upper abdomen, help the diagnosis of OMM.

Survey of the Early (pre-1000 AD) Use of Christian Saints’ Names and Images on European Coins

While the very earliest appearance of a Christian Saint has been well described as Saint Michael replacing winged Liberty on gold Tremisses of Lombardy in the late 7th and early 8th Century, other saints also appeared in multiple places across Europe very soon thereafter. The study goal was to identify and categorize this very early use of Christian saint’s names and images on European coins. In total, 19 numismatic books representing ten geographic regions were analyzed and the appearance of saints, either in the inscription or as a portrait, was noted. A total of 157 coin types mentioning 19 different saints were identified as dating to before the year 1000 AD. Mints in several regions were represented, including parts of Italy, France, England, the Low Countries, and Germany/Austria, with the very first coins minted starting in Pavia and featuring both an image and the name of Saint Michael.

Extremely Early Appearance of Islet Autoantibodies in Genetically Susceptible Children

Objective. We studied the characteristics of children who developed islet autoantibodies by the age of 0.50 years and hypothesized that the appearance of extremely early islet autoimmunity differs between four birth cohorts within 1994–2019 according to the change in the incidence of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in Finland. Methods. Data from Finnish children participating in the Type 1 Diabetes Prediction and Prevention (DIPP) study, or the Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study were analyzed. These studies follow children with increased HLA-conferred risk for T1D with regular measurements of islet autoantibodies. Maternally transferred antibodies were excluded by comparing islet autoantibodies in cord serum, child’s first follow-up serum and the maternal serum. Results. Among 20,979 Finnish children at increased risk to T1D, 53 (0.25%) developed at least one islet autoantibody at the age of ≤0.50 years. During a mean follow-up of 8.1 years, 15.1% progressed to T1D (median age at diagnosis 2.0 years), 43.4% developed confirmed islet autoimmunity but no T1D, and 41.5% had only transient islet autoantibodies. IAA was the most common first-appearing autoantibody. Among progressors, age at diagnosis was 1.0–2.4 years in children with IAA-initiated autoimmunity and 4.5–16.1 years in ZnT8A-initiated autoimmunity. When comparing children developing autoantibodies either at the age of ≤0.50 years or 0.51–0.75 years, confirmed positivity during follow-up was more common in the older group (81.7% vs. 58.5%; p = 0.002 ). In four birth cohorts within 1994–2019 appearance of islet autoantibodies at the age of ≤0.50 years decreased towards the most recent birth cohorts ( p = 0.016 ). Conclusion. Islet autoimmunity by the age of 0.50 years was rare in genetically susceptible children and was typically initiated with IAA. Confirmed positivity was less common in children with autoantibodies at age ≤0.50 than at slightly older age. The secular decrease of islet autoimmunity before age 0.50 years was observed. This trial is registered with NCT03269084 and NCT00279318.

Schizophrenic Identity and Other Gender Issues in Finnish Folklore Studies

This article gives an overview of two early female folklorists and one folklore collector from the mid nineteenth to the mid twentieth century. The aim is to reveal the symbolic violence and rejection the three female scholars underwent through the use of the term trivialization. I have chosen Charlotta Europaeus, Helmi Helminen and Elsa Enäjärvi as examples because of their early appearance in the field. These cases illustrate to what extent gender, together with presumptions of the gender roles and scientific norms of the era, affected their scholarly work. Charlotta Europaeus, Helmi Helminen and Elsa Enäjärvi were fascinated by women’s life, female genres and intimate spheres of culture, but in order to succeed they needed male supporters and adaptation of male-dominated methods. Above all, the collecting and scientific work of the early female scholars concretely elucidates the female as dismissed and further, how the suppression of female gender and folklore is embedded in documentation and textualization practices.

Neutropenic ulcers in oncology: terminology, diagnosis, and management.

Neutropenic ulcerations are characterized by mucosal ulcerations which occur in the presence of neutropenia, suggesting a direct link between neutropenia and mucosal ulceration. An oral ulcer can be labeled as "neutropenic" only if the patients have primary (typically congenital) or secondary neutropenia, and neutropenia is the sole causative factor. Oral mucosal ulcers observed in patients undergoing oncologic therapy may also be termed as "neutropenic ulcers", but the pathogenesis of these oral ulcers more likely involves mucosal events related to trauma, microbial factors, and direct cytotoxicity. In cancer patients, the early appearance of oral ulcers is often attributed to oral mucositis which is a condition primarily caused by the direct mucosal cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy. Oral ulcers that develop later during or after active cancer therapy may result from intraoral trauma and typically manifest on non-keratinized areas of the oral mucosa which are more susceptible to mucosal damage. In patients undergoing chemotherapy, factors such as disturbances in mucosal barrier function as well as bone marrow suppression lead to reduced neutrophil count and function, and can contribute to the development of oral ulcers. While the etiology of oral ulcers in cancer therapy receiving patients can vary, it is important to emphasize that the host's response plays a crucial role in the progression and repair process of these lesions.This narrative review presents the etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, and potential management approaches for oral ulcerations in neutropenic patients, with a particular focus on clarifying the usage of the term "neutropenic ulcer" since this term lacks diagnostic specificity and can be misleading in clinical practice regarding the underlying causes and treatment strategies.

Characterization of Spheno-occipital Synchondrosis Fusion From Preadolescents to Young Adults Using Age and Cervical Vertebrae Maturation Index.

The purpose of this study was to characterize the spheno-occipital synchondrosis fusion (SOSF) from preadolescents to young adults. A total of 630 Korean subjects (308 men, 322 women; age range, 6-18y) were divided into 26 groups according to sex and age. After 3-dimensional computed tomography (CT) images were reoriented using the Frankfort horizontal (FH) plane, mid-sagittal plane, and frontal plane via ON3D software (3DONS), the cervical vertebrae maturation index (CVMI) and SOSF stages were identified using 6-stage and 5-stage scoring systems, respectively. The distributions of stage in each group were statistically investigated. Women showed early appearance and a short range of onset (CVMI stage 2, SOSF stage 2), middle (CVMI stage 4, SOSF stage 3 and stage 4), and completion (CVMI stage 6, SOSF stage 5), indicating rapid skeletal maturation compared with men. In both males and females, there were strong positive correlations between age and CVMI stage (rs=0.902, rs=0.890), between age and SOSF stage (rs=0.887, rs=0.885), and between CVMI and SOSF stages (rs=0.955, rs=0.964) (all P<0.001). The mean ages at SOSF stage 3 and stage 4 (12.7~13.9y in males and 11.0~12.5y in females) could be used as indicators of the pubertal growth peak. Regression equations for SOSF stage (y), age (a), and CVMI stage (b) were as follows: y=1.355-(0.133×a)+(0.29007×b)+(0.041×a×b) for males (r2=0.9496); y=1.305-(0.158×a)+(0.455×b)+(0.036×a×b) for females (r2=0.9606). Ordinal logistic regression analyses with the proportional odds model showed that females had more advanced SOSF stages than males (odds ratio: 1.972; 95% CI: 1.063-3.658, P<0.05). Our findings may provide basic references for CVMI and SOSF from preadolescents to young adults.

The Initial Upper Paleolithic of the Altai: New radiocarbon determinations for the Kara-Bom site

The Initial Upper Paleolithic (IUP) is one of the most important phases in the recent period of the evolution of humans. During a narrow period in the first half of Marine Isotope Stage 3 laminar industries, accompanied by developed symbolism and specific blade technology, emerged over a vast area, replacing different variants of the Middle Paleolithic. In western Eurasia, the earliest appearance of IUP technology is seen at the Boker Tachtit site, dated ca. 50 ka cal BP. The earliest evidence of IUP industries in the Balkans and Central Europe, linked to the spread of Homo sapiens, has been dated to around 48 ka cal BP. A key area of IUP dispersals are the mountains and piedmont of southern Siberia and eastern Central Asia. One of the reference assemblages here is Kara-Bom, an open-air site in the Siberian Altai. Three major settlement phases are distinguished in the sediment sequence. In this paper, we present the results of new radiocarbon determinations and Bayesian models. We find that the latest phase of the IUP, Upper Paleolithic 1 (‘UP1’) is bracketed between 43 and 35 ka cal BP (at 95.4% probability). The earliest IUP phase, ‘UP2’, begins to accumulate from ca. 49 ka cal BP and ends by ca. 45 ka cal BP. The Middle Paleolithic ‘MP2’ assemblages all fall prior to 50 ka cal BP. We can detect a spatial distribution of dates from the geographic core of the IUP beyond the Altai where it appears around 47–45 ka cal BP. The current distribution of dates suggests a west–east dispersal of the IUP technocomplex along the mountain belts of Central Asia and South Siberia.

Exploring Complexity in Bronze Age Exchange Networks by Revisiting the Bronze Mirrors of Central Asia and China

The ever-growing body of research on trans-Eurasian exchange during the third–first millennium bce continues to improve understanding of mechanisms that facilitated the movement of objects, materials, ideas, and even people. However, whether bronze mirrors in Central Asia and China represent the exchange of technological knowledge or movement of the objects themselves remains unresolved, as researchers require extensive knowledge of huge quantities of data generated during the Soviet Central Asia campaigns of the mid twentieth century. The often confusing, impenetrable excavation reports, combined with required knowledge of Chinese, Russian and English, have caused much confusion about dates and contexts. This article presents and compares data published in Russian and Chinese reports. By clarifying the chronology for mirrors in Central Asia and China, we challenge simplistic theories of object diffusion and spread that persist in studies of trans-Eurasian exchange. We argue that the early second-millennium bce appearance of mirrors in western and northwestern China resulted from different exchange mechanisms specific to each local socio-cultural context. This demonstrates not only the complexity of interactions at the group and individual levels, but also how these factors can be integrated with data-driven analyses to explore the role they played in large-scale Bronze Age exchange networks.