P3 P4 Research Articles

PENGARUH PERBEDAAN PENINGKATAN PERSENTASE PEMBERIAN CACING SUTERA MENURUT UMUR LARVA TERHADAP KELANGSUNGAN HIDUP DAN PERTUMBUHAN LARVA IKAN BAUNG (Hemibagrus nemurus)

This research aims to know the effect of the difference in percentage increase of silkworm by larvae age on the survival and growth of larvae (Hemibagrus nemurus). The method used is experimental method using Completely Random Design (RAL) with 4 treatments and 3 replications namely, P1 (Improvement Percentage 3%, 5% and 7%), P2 (3%, 6% and 9% Percentage increase), P3 (3%, 7% and 11%) P4 (3%, 8% and 13% ). The test fish used were bamboo larvae that were 7 days old with an average weight of 0.0004 gr and an average length of 0.8 cm. Larva fish obtained from the spawning in the Seed Fish Hall (BBI) Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic University of Riau Pekanbaru. The container used is 10 liters or 12 liters water capacity. The result of the research showed the best survival percentage was on P4 treatment, which is 96,00%, followed by P3 treatment that is 94,67%, P2 treatment is 90,67% and lowest is P1, that is 86,67 %. The absolute weight growth and the highest absolute length were at treatment (P4) with weighing 0.30 gr and length 3.35 cm, followed by treatment (P3) that is 0.32 gr and length 3.02 cm, (P2) weighing 0.31 gr and length of 2.84 cm, (P1) weighing 0.30 gr and length 2.77 cm. The highest growth rate of daily weight was also found in treatment (P4), ie 11%, (P3) 10,46%, (P2) 10,24%, and the lowest in treatment (P1) 10,12%.

Pengaruh Kombinasi Pupuk NPK Phonska dan Pupuk Kandang terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Produksi Tanaman Tomat (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.)

This study aimed to determine the influence of the combination of NPK fertilizer Phonska and manure on growth and tomato production in the Screen House, Faculty of Agriculture, Musamus University, from January to April 2013, this study uses the design of complete random which consisted of 6 treatments, P0 ( control / without NPK Phonska Fertilizer and cow manure) P1 (100% NPK Phonska and 0% manure) P2 (75% NPK Phonska + 25% manure) P3 (50% NPK Phonska + 50% manure) P4 (25% NPK Phonska + 75% manure) P5 (0% NPK Phonska + 100% manure) with three replications. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance and if there is a real difference then proceed with the least significant difference test. The results showed that combination treatment gives a noticeable effect on the level of 95% of the plant's height age of 49 HST in treatment P3 (50% NPK Phonska + 50% manure) and the average amount of fruit harvested in treatment P1 (100% NPK Phonska and 0 % manure) P2 (75% NPK Phonska + 25% manure) and P3 (50% NPK Phonska + 50% manure) as well as providing a significant influence on the amount of leaf age 49 and 56 HST in treatment P2 (75% NPK Phonska + 25% manure). Best treatment combination contained in the P2 combination treatment (75% + 25% Phonska NPK manure) which generated a total weight of the fruit harvest / treatment that is 7,59 kg while the lowest was found in the control treatment (without Phonska NPK fertilizer and manure) is 2,54 kg.

Corn Substitution By Using Cassapro (Cassava Protein) On Kampung Chicken Carcass

This research aimed to determine the ability of cassapro to substitute corn in feed onkampung chicken carcass. Experimental design used was completely randomized design (CRD) with5 treatments and 4 replications. Each treatment consists of cassapro P0 (0%) P1(10%) P2(20%)P3(30%) P4(40%). 100 kampung chicken was used this research.The results showed that there were no signifiant effect on cut weight, carcass weight and percentageof carcass due to the administration of cassapro. However, there was a tendency that feed rations P2(40% corn and 20% cassapro) showed good result.

Correlation between pelvic floor pain and pelvic floor injury in female patients with lower urinary tract disease

Objective To investigate the relationship between pelvic floor pain and pelvic floor injury in female patients with lower urinary tract disease. Methods Transvaginal and rectal pelvic floor acupressure was used to perform pelvic floor pain point examination in women with lower urinary tract disease. The number of tender points and the pain point of tenderness were recorded. Results The positive rate of pelvic pain points was 61.5% (3 507 checkpoints, 2 156 checkpoints had tenderness); there was a difference in the degree of pain caused by pain points in different regions (H=159.144, P<0.01). There was no difference in pain level between the P3 area, P4 and P5 areas and P2 (adjust P=1), and the pain points of the other areas were statistically different from the pain level (adjust P<0.01). Conclusions The density of tender points and degree of pain in pain points in female pelvic floor are related to the pelvic floor injury. It is of clinical significance to evaluate the degree of pelvic floor injury by taking the pelvic floor pain point. Key words: Lower urinary tract symptoms; Female urogenital diseases; Pelvic floor; Pain; Wounds and injuries

Fit of 3Y-TZP complete-arch implant-supported fixed dental prostheses before and after porcelain veneering

Statement of problemTo minimize technical complications, implant-supported fixed dental prostheses must fit well. The fit of complete-arch veneered zirconia frameworks has not been fully evaluated. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the fit of screw-retained zirconia implant-supported complete-arch maxillary frameworks for fixed dental prostheses before and after porcelain veneering. Material and methodsTen stone casts simulating an edentulous maxilla and provided with 6 abutment analogs were produced. For each stone cast, 1 zirconia framework was fabricated by computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. The fit was analyzed by using a coordinate measuring machine in 3 dimensions (x, y, and z axes) using best fit by virtual matching of center point coordinates before and after porcelain veneering. Also, the horizontal distances between implant position pairs P1–P6, P2–P5, and P3–P4 were measured. Furthermore, an optical microscope was used to evaluate vertical fit at the terminal abutments after porcelain veneering. ResultsBefore the porcelain veneering procedure, the frameworks had a mean horizontal misfit of 27.7 μm in the x-axis and 12.0 μm in the y-axis. In the vertical dimension (z-axis), the mean misfit was 2.4 μm and the mean 3D misfit value was 32.3 μm before veneering. Porcelain veneering increased the mean misfit by 0.2 μm in the horizontal plane (x and y axes), 0.4 μm in the vertical plane, and 0.4 μm in 3D; the difference before and after veneering was not statistically significant (P>.05). The mean ±standard deviation vertical misfit at the terminal abutments was 9.2 ±2.9 μm, optically recorded after porcelain veneering. The measured horizontal distances between implant position pairs P1–P6, P2–P5, and P3–P4 increased to 0.9 μm, 2.0 μm, and 1.9 μm, respectively, after porcelain veneering. The difference for the implant position pair P2–P5 was statistically significant (P<.05). ConclusionsScrew-retained zirconia implant-supported complete-arch maxillary frameworks for fixed dental prostheses have a fit well within the range of 30 μm in the horizontal plane and 10 μm in the vertical plane. The porcelain veneering procedure did not affect the fit of the frameworks.

Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD).

"Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD)." American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 198(2), pp. P3–P4

The P3 kimberlite and P4 lamproite, Wajrakarur kimberlite field, India: mineralogy, and major and minor element compositions of olivines as records of their phenocrystic vs xenocrystic origin

Distinctly different groundmass mineralogy characterise the hypabyssal facies, Mesoproterozoic diamondiferous P3 and P4 intrusions from the Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field, southern India. P3 is an archetypal kimberlite with macrocrysts of olivine and phlogopite set in a groundmass dominated by phlogopite and monticellite with subordinate amounts of serpentine, spinel, perovskite, apatite, calcite and rare baddeleyite. P4 contains mega- and macrocrysts of olivine set in a groundmass dominated by clinopyroxene and phlogopite with subordinate amounts of serpentine, spinel, perovskite, apatite, and occasional gittinsite, and is mineralogically interpreted as an olivine lamproite. Three distinct populations of olivine, phlogopite and clinopyroxene are recognized based on their microtextural and compositional characteristics. The first population includes glimmerite and phlogopite–clinopyroxene nodules, and Mg-rich olivine macrocrysts (Fo 90–93) which are interpreted to be derived from disaggregated mantle xenoliths. The second population comprises macrocrysts of phlogopite and Fe-rich olivine (Fo 81–89) from P3, megacrysts and macrocrysts of Fe-rich olivine (Fo 85–87) from P4 and a rare olivine–clinopyroxene nodule from P4 which are suggested to have a genetic link with the precursor melt of the respective intrusions. The third population represents clearly magmatic minerals such as euhedral phenocrysts of Fe-rich olivine (Fo 85–90) crystallised at mantle depths, and olivine overgrowth rims formed contemporaneously with groundmass minerals at crustal levels. Close spatial association and contemporaneous emplacement of P3 kimberlite and P4 lamproite is explained by a unifying petrogenetic model which involves the interaction of a silica-poor carbonatite melt with differently metasomatised wall rocks in the lithospheric mantle. It is proposed that the metasomatised wall rock for lamproite contained abundant MARID-type and phlogopite-rich metasomatic veins, while that for kimberlite was relatively refractory in nature.

Inositol polyphosphate multikinase regulation of Trypanosoma brucei life stage development.

Many cellular processes change during the Trypanosoma brucei life cycle as this parasite alternates between the mammalian host and tsetse fly vector. We show that the inositol phosphate pathway helps regulate these developmental changes. Knockdown of inositol polyphosphate multikinase (IPMK), which phosphorylates Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4, resulted in changes in bloodstream forms that are characteristic of insect stage procyclic forms. These changes include expression of the procyclic surface coat, up-regulation of RNA-binding proteins that we show to regulate stage-specific transcripts, and activation of oxidative phosphorylation with increased ATP production in bloodstream forms. These changes were accompanied by development of procyclic morphology, which also occurred by the expression of a catalytically inactive IPMK, implying that regulation of these processes entails IPMK activity. Proteins involved in signaling, protein synthesis and turnover, and metabolism were affinity-enriched with the IPMK substrate or product. Developmental changes associated with IPMK knockdown or catalytic inactivation reflected processes that are enriched with inositol phosphates, and chemical and genetic perturbation of these processes affected T. brucei development. Hence, IPMK helps regulate T. brucei development, perhaps by affecting inositol phosphate interactions with proteins of the regulatory network that controls energy metabolism and development.

Evaluation of a Newly Established Layered Learning Model in an Ambulatory Care Practice Setting

Background and PurposeGiven the need to accommodate overlapping longitudinal Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE) students and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) students at regular intervals while meeting clinical demands, the opportunity to establish a layered learning model (LLM) became evident at University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Pharmacy. The purpose of this project was to establish an LLM at an ambulatory care site, observe the teaching-learning interactions between IPPE and APPE students, and evaluate student perceptions of the experience. Educational Activity and SettingThe LLM was implemented over the course of three traditional semesters during Spring 2016 through Spring 2017. Clinical services were offered 2.5 days per week. Overlapping student instructional time was established in conjunction with the provision of clinical pharmacy services and the structure of each rotation type. Third-year (P3) IPPE and fourth-year (P4) APPE students, who participated in the LLM at this site, completed a course evaluation pertaining to their experiences. The evaluation focused on APPE and practice readiness, as well as strengths and limitations of the LLM. FindingsAll 16 students completed the evaluation (100% response rate). All IPPE students indicated the LLM prepared them for APPEs in either an excellent (n=3, 37.5%) or above average (n=5, 62.5%) manner. Of the APPE students, most indicated the LLM prepared IPPE students for APPEs in an excellent (n=3, 37.5%) or above average (n=4, 50%) manner. Similarly, the majority of APPE students indicated the LLM prepared APPE students for practice in an excellent (n=3, 37.5%) or above average (n=5, 62.5%) manner. In addition, the following common themes developed, which highlight the benefits of the experience: reinforcement of knowledge through instruction, enhanced understanding of APPE expectations, exposure to multiple teaching styles, and creation of a comfortable learning environment. Students suggested the LLM include increased time for interaction with other learners. SummaryAn LLM involving P3 IPPE and P4 APPE pharmacy students, in an ambulatory care practice setting, was associated with positive student perceptions. Student feedback was best utilized to generate the hypothesis that this LLM may increase both APPE and practice readiness. However, further study is needed to confirm direct cause and effect.

New Mesopsyllus species from the Bohai Sea, China, re-evaluation of the validity of Vibriopsyllus Kornev & Chertoprud, 2008 and proposal of Sympodella gen. n. (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Canthocamptidae).

Two new species of the genus Mesopsyllus Por, 1960 (Canthocamptidae) are described from the Bohai Sea, eastern China. Mesopsyllus dimorphus sp. n. and M. spiniferus sp. n. differ from their congeners by the presence of two instead of three outer spines on P2–P3 exp-3. They can be differentiated from each other by (1) number of inner setae on P3–P4 enp-2; (2) anterior margin of antennulary segment 7 of male; (3) ornamentation of male abdomen; (4) sexual dimorphism on P2 endopod and P3–P4 exp-3; and (5) differences in length of setae on male P5. Some observations in the original description of M. atargatis Por, 1960 are reinterpreted and the type material of M. secundus (Wells, 1965) is re-examined. Comparison between the type species of Vibriopsyllus Kornev & Chertoprud, 2008 and the four known species of Mesopsyllus shows the former as a junior subjective synonym of the latter. Consequently, Vibriopsyllus curviseta Kornev & Chertoprud, 2008 is formally transferred to Mesopsyllus as M. curvisetus (Kornev & Chertoprud, 2008), comb. n. A key to species and an updated generic diagnosis of Mesopsyllus are presented.The taxonomic status of the genus Carolinicola Huys & Thistle, 1989 is re-evaluated. The characters of its type species, C. trisetosa (Coull, 1973), indicate that the latter (and – by inference – the genus Carolinicola) should remain in the Danielsseniinae. Carolinicola galapagoensis Mielke, 1997 is fixed as the type species of a new genus Sympodella gen. n. and placed in the Hemimesochrinae (Canthocamptidae) as the putative sistertaxon of Pusillargillus Huys & Thistle, 1989. The relationships and potential synonymy of the genera Pyrocletodes Coull, 1973, Perucamptus Huys & Thistle, 1989 and Isthmiocaris George & Schminke, 2003 are briefly discussed.

Combined effects of multiple large-scale hydraulic engineering on water stages in the middle Yangtze River

Investigation of water stages influenced by human projects provides better understanding of riverine geomorphological processes and river management. Based on hydrological data collected over ~60years, an extreme stage-extreme discharge analysis and a specific-gauge analysis were performed to research the individual and combined effects of multiple engineering projects on a long-term time series of water stages in the middle Yangtze River. Conclusions are as follows. (1) In accordance with the operation years of the Jingjiang cutoff (CF), the Gezhouba Dam (GD), and the Three Gorges Dam (TGD), the time series (1955–2012) was divided into periods of P1 (1955–1970), P2 (1971–1980), P3 (1981–2002), and P4 (2003−2012). Water stage changes during P1–P2, P2–P3, and P3–P4 are varied because of the differences in the types and scales of these projects. The stage decreased at Shashi and increased at Luoshan owing to the operation of the CF. Additionally, after the GD was constructed, the low-flow stage decreased in the upstream reach of Chenglingji and increased in its downstream reach, whereas the flood stage merely decreased at Yichang. Moreover, the TGD resulted in an overall decrease in low-flow stages and a limited increase in flood stages because of the differential adjustments of river geometry and resistance between the low-flow channel and flood channel. (2) Although differences existed in the scouring mechanisms between streamwise erosion associated with dams and headward erosion associated with cutoffs, particular bed textures in the gravel reach led to a similar adjustment that stage reduction at Shashi was the greatest of all stations, which caused the flow slope and sediment transport capacity to decrease in the sandy reach. (3) These engineering projects caused changes in average low-flow and flood stages that varied between Yichang (−1.58 and −0.08m respectively), Shashi (−3.54 and −0.12m), and Luoshan (1.15 and 0.97m) from P1 to P4. However, less influence was observed at Hankou owing to its remote location and the short impoundment time of the TGD. (4) Potentially detrimental decreases in low-flow stages and increases in flood stages should be monitored and managed in the future. Our results are of practical significance for river management and the evaluation of the influences of large-scale anthropogenic activities on the hydrological regimes of large rivers.

Is Hexachloro-cyclo-triphosphazene Aromatic? Evidence from Experimental Charge Density Analysis.

Experimental charge density studies of hexachloro-cyclo-triphosphazene (1) and the boat conformation of octachloro-cyclo-tetraphosphazene (2 a) were performed to unambiguously describe the origin of the electron delocalization in the P3 N3 ring in 1. The obtained results were compared to DFT studies in the solid state and the gas phase. Electron density analysis revealed a highly polarized nature of the P-N bonds and a modular structure of the P3 N3 and P4 N4 rings, which can be separated into independent Cl2 PN units with a perfect transferability between the compounds. Further analysis of the source function experimentally proves the presence of negative hyperconjugation involving both out-of-plane and in-plane nitrogen electrons as well as electrons of the chlorine atoms. Finally, these results discard the presence of pseudoaromatic delocalization in the nearly planar P3 N3 ring.

Migrate, Publish, Repeat: TEI Journals in the Open Journal Systems Platform

The Indiana University (IU) Libraries have a long history of using the TEI markup standard to encode and publish electronic texts, but choosing the best publishing platform has been challenging for certain projects. Before formally launching an open access journal publishing program in 2008, the Libraries collaborated with two scholarly journals to provide open access publishing using P3 SGML and P4 XML TEI encoding delivered through the DSpace and XTF platforms. Both journals used complex encoding, transformation, and delivery workflows that required copious amounts of custom software development to function properly. As these systems aged, the time and effort required to maintain them steadily increased. In 2013, the Libraries began planning to migrate these journals into the Open Journal Systems (OJS)1 platform while preserving the TEI markup. Both journals are now publishing using the OJS platform. The Indiana Magazine of History2 was successfully launched in OJS in August 2014, and The Medieval Review3 was launched in June 2015. Publishing in this manner leverages the IU Libraries’ strengths in electronic text projects and XML workflows within an easy-to-use, flexible platform that journal editors appreciate. The success of these migrations presents a new framework for future XML publishing of open access journals at Indiana University.

Chemogenetic Characterization of Inositol Phosphate Metabolic Pathway Reveals Druggable Enzymes for Targeting Kinetoplastid Parasites

Kinetoplastids cause Chagas disease, human African trypanosomiasis, and leishmaniases. Current treatments for these diseases are toxic and inefficient, and our limited knowledge of drug targets and inhibitors has dramatically hindered the development of new drugs. Here we used a chemogenetic approach to identify new kinetoplastid drug targets and inhibitors. We conditionally knocked down Trypanosoma brucei inositol phosphate (IP) pathway genes and showed that almost every pathway step is essential for parasite growth and infection. Using a genetic and chemical screen, we identified inhibitors that target IP pathway enzymes and are selective against T.brucei. Two series of these inhibitors acted on T.brucei inositol polyphosphate multikinase (IPMK) preventing Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 phosphorylation. We show that IPMK is functionally conserved among kinetoplastids and that its inhibition is also lethal for Trypanosoma cruzi. Hence, IPenzymes are viable drug targets in kinetoplastids, and IPMK inhibitors may aid the development of new drugs.

New spectral thresholds improve the utility of the electroencephalogram for the diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy.

The utility of the electroencephalogram (EEG) for the diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy, using conventional spectral thresholds, is open to question. The aim of this study was to optimise its diagnostic performance by defining new spectral thresholds. EEGs were recorded in 69 healthy controls and 113 patients with cirrhosis whose neuropsychiatric status was classified using clinical and psychometric criteria. New EEG spectral thresholds were calculated, on the parietal P3-P4 lead derivation, using an extended multivariable receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Thresholds were validated in a separate cohort of 68 healthy controls and 113 patients with cirrhosis. The diagnostic performance of the newly derived spectral thresholds was further validated using a machine learning technique. The diagnostic performance of the new thresholds (sensitivity 75.0%; specificity 77.4%) was better balanced than that of the conventional thresholds (58.3%; 93.2%) and comparable to the performance of a machine learning technique (72.9%; 76.8%). The diagnostic utility of the new thresholds was confirmed in the validation cohort. Adoption of the new spectral thresholds would significantly improve the utility of the EEG for the diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy. These new spectral EEG thresholds optimise the performance of the EEG for the diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy and can be adopted without the need to alter data recording or the initial processing of traces.

Fragment-wise design of inhibitors to 3C proteinase from enterovirus 71

BackgroundEnterovirus 71 (EV71) is a causative agent of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), which can spread its infection to central nervous and other systems with severe consequence. A key factor in the replication of EV71 is its 3C proteinase (3Cpro), a significant drug target. Peptidomimetics were employed as inhibitors of this enzyme for developing antivirals. However, the peptide bonds in these peptidomimetics are a source of low bioavailability due to their susceptibility to protease digestion. To produce non-peptidomimetic inhibitors by replacing these peptide bonds, it would be important to gain better understanding on the contribution of each component to the interaction and potency. MethodsA series of compounds of different lengths targeting 3Cpro and having an α,β-unsaturated ester as the warhead were synthesized and their interactions with the enzyme were evaluated by complex structure analyses and potency assays for a better understanding on the relationship between potency and evolution of interaction. ResultsThe P2 moiety of the compound would need to be oriented to interact in the S2 site in the substrate binding cleft and the P3–P4 moieties were required to generate sufficient potency. A hydrophobic terminal group will benefit the cellular uptake and improve the activity in vivo. Conclusions and general significanceThe data presented here provide a basis for designing a new generation of non-peptidomimetics to target EV71 3Cpro.

Systematic Description of Three New Mammals (Notoungulata and Rodentia) from the Early Miocene Cerro Bandera Formation, Northern Patagonia, Argentina

Abstract. The Cerro Bandera Formation is a mostly pyroclastic continental unit exposed in isolated areas of east-central Neuquen Province, northwestern Patagonia. Several mammals from these deposits were previously reported and support a Colhuehuapian age (early Miocene) for these levels. New findings reveal that this unit bears a much more diverse assemblage and calls into question this age assessment. Here we describe three new species. Protypotherium sinclairi sp. nov. (Notoungulata, Interatheriidae) is similar in size to the Santacrucian Protypotherium australe Ameghino, but differs from all the species of the genus by having less reduced p3–p4 talonids. Doryperimys olsacheri gen. et sp. nov. (Rodentia, Neoepiblemidae) has hypselodont, prismatic cheek teeth that combine features of species of Perimys Ameghino and Scotamys antiquus Loomis. The systematic position of Leucokephalos maior sp. nov. within Caviomorpha is still uncertain, but it is definitively allied to the Deseadan Leucokephalos zeffiae Vu...

Screening of immunomodulatory and adhesive Lactobacillus with antagonistic activities against Salmonella from fermented vegetables.

The purpose of this study was to select strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) by their in vitro adhesive and immunomodulatory properties for potential use as probiotics. In this study, 16 randomly selected LAB strains from fermented vegetables (sauerkraut, bean and cabbage) were first screened for their tolerance to acid, bile salts, pepsin and pancreatin, bacterial inhibitory activities and abilities to adherence to Caco-2 cells. Then, 4 strains with the highest adhesion abilities were selected for further studies of their immunomodulatory properties and inhibitory effects against Salmonella adhesion and invasion to Caco-2 cells in vitro. The results showed that these 16 LAB strains effectively survived in simulated gastrointestinal condition and inhibited growth of six tested pathogens. Lactobacillus rhamnosus P1, Lactobacillus plantarum P2, Lactobacillus rhamnosus P3 and Lactobacillus casei P4 had the highest abilities to adhere to Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, L. plantarum P2 strain showed higher abilities to induce expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-12 by splenic monocytes and strongly inhibited the adhesion and invasion of S. enteritidis ATCC13076 to Caco-2 cells. These results suggest that Lactobacillus strains P2 could be used as a probiotic candidate in food against Salmonella infection.

The new Carnivore remains from the Early Pleistocene Yanliang Gigantopithecus fauna, Guangxi, South China

Abstract New Carnivore remains associated with Gigantopithecus blacki are described from Yanliang Cave, Chongzuo, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, South China. New specimens of Megantereon have been identified as Megantereon microta sp. nov. based on the previously unknown characteristics, such as small overall size, p4 and m1 dental proportions, p3 with two separated roots and large P4 protocone. M. microta sp. nov. differs from Megantereon whitei from Africa mainly by the characters of p3 and lacking a p3–p4 diastema. Compared with other Megantereon species from China, M. microta sp. nov. is considered to be more primitive in dental characters, such as large P4 protocone, p3 with two separated roots, and short canine-p3 diastema. The Pachycrocuta licenti and Ursus thibetanus from Yanliang Cave are consistent with their appearance during the early Early Pleistocene in southern China. Combining the biostratigraphical and biochronological evidence, the Yanliang fauna can be best correlated with Baikong fauna in the same area, which is the early Early Pleistocene (∼2.0 Ma).

Seismic performance of an existing bridge with scoured caisson foundation

This paper presents in-situ seismic performance tests of a bridge before its demolition due to accumulated scouring problem. The tests were conducted on three single columns and one caisson-type foundation. The three single columns were 1.8 m in diameter, reinforced by 30-D32 longitudinal reinforcements and laterally hooped by D16 reinforcements with spacing of 20 cm. The column height is 9.54 m, 10.59 m and 10.37 m for Column P2, P3, and P4, respectively. Column P2 had no exposed foundation and was subjected to pseudo-dynamic tests with peak ground acceleration of 0.32 g first, followed by one cyclic loading test. Column P3 was the benchmark specimen with exposed length of 1.2 m on its foundation. The exposed length for Column P4 was excavated to 4 m, approximately 1/3 of the foundation length, to study the effect of the scouring problem to the column performance. Both Column P3 and Column P4 were subjected to cyclic loading tests. Based on the test results, due to the large dimension of the caisson foundation and the well graded gravel soil type that provided large lateral resistance, the seismic performance among the three columns had only minor differences. Lateral push tests were also conducted on the caisson foundation at Column P5. The caisson was 12 m long and had circular cross-sections whose diameters were 5 m in the upper portion and 4 m in the lower portion. An analytical model to simulate the test results was developed in the OpenSees platform. The analytical model comprised nonlinear flexural elements as well as nonlinear soil springs. The analytical results closely followed the experimental test results. A parametric study to predict the behavior of the bridge column with different ground motions and different levels of scouring on the foundation are also discussed.