bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency of intracranial aneurysms in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension
Authors: Schievink Wouter I. , Maya M. Marcel
Published: March 2011

Object

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a significant cause of new-onset daily persistent headache. A generalized connective tissue disorder also involving the intracranial arteries has been suspected in the population with SIH. Therefore, the authors reviewed angiographic studies for the presence of intracranial aneurysms in a group of patients with SIH.

Methods

Magnetic resonance angiography studies of the brain were performed in 93 patients with SIH (mean age 43 years, range 14–86 years) and in 291 controls (mean age 56 years, range 28–78 years).

Results

Intracranial aneurysms were detected in 8 (8.6%) of the 93 patients with SIH (95% CI 2.9%–14.3%). This incidence was higher than in the control population (3 (1.0%) of 291 (95% CI 0%–2.2%; p = 0.0007). In 7 patients the aneurysms were incidental, and in 1 patient SIH developed 5 weeks after an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Conclusions

In this retrospective case-control study, the frequency of intracranial aneurysms among patients with SIH was significantly higher than in the control population.
Endocrinological outcome after pituitary transposition (hypophysopexy) and adjuvant radiotherapy for tumors involving the cavernous sinus
Authors: Taussky Philipp , Kalra Ricky , Coppens Jeroen , Mohebali Jahan , Jensen Randy , Couldwell William T.
Published: March 2011

Object

Stereotactic radiosurgery and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy are commonly used in the treatment of residual or recurrent benign tumors of the skull base and cavernous sinus. A major risk associated with radiosurgical or radiotherapy treatment of residual or recurrent tumors adjacent to normal functional pituitary gland is radiation of the pituitary, which frequently leads to the development of hypopituitarism. The authors have used a technique of pituitary transposition to reduce the radiation dose to the normal pituitary gland in cases of planned radiosurgical treatment of residual tumor within the cavernous sinus. Here, the authors analyze the long-term endocrinological outcomes in patients with residual and recurrent tumors who undergo hypophysopexy and adjuvant radiosurgical or conformal fractionated radiotherapy treatment.

Methods

Pituitary transposition involves placement of a fat graft between the normal pituitary gland and residual tumor in the cavernous sinus. A sellar exploration for tumor resection is performed, the pituitary gland is transposed from the region of the cavernous sinus, and the graft is interposed between the pituitary gland and the residual tumor. The residual tumor may then be treated with stereotactic radiosurgery or conformal fractionated radiation therapy. The authors evaluated endocrinological outcome, safety of the procedure, and postoperative complications in patients who underwent this procedure during a 7-year period.

Results

Hypophysopexy has been used in 34 patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (19), functional pituitary adenomas (8), chordomas (2), meningiomas (2), chondrosarcoma (1), hemangiopericytoma (1), or hemangioma (1) involving the sella and cavernous sinus. Follow-up (radiographic and endocrinological) has been performed yearly in all patients. Two patients experienced postoperative endocrine deficits before radiosurgery (1 transient), but none of the patients developed new hypopituitarism during the median 4-year follow-up (range 1–8 years) after radiosurgery or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy.

Conclusions

The increased distance between the normal pituitary gland and the residual tumor facilitates treatment of the tumor with radiosurgery or radiotherapy and effectively reduces the incidence of radiation injury to the normal pituitary gland when compared with historical controls.
Stable solution zone for fluid flow through curved pipe with circular cross-section
Authors: Masud M. A. , Islam Md. Rabiul , Sheikh Md. Rasel , Alam Mahmud Md.
Published: March 2011

Numerical study is performed to examine numerically the stable solution for the incompressible viscous steady flow through a curved pipe with circular cross-section. Also the combined effects of high Dean Number Dn and curvature δ on the flow are investigated. Spectral method is applied as a main tool for the numerical technique; where, Fourier series, Chebyshev polynomials, Collocation methods, and Iteration method are used as secondary tools. The flow patterns have been shown graphically for large Dean Numbers and a wide range of curvature, 0.01≤δ≤0.9.Two vortex solutions have been found for secondary flow. Axial velocity has been found to increase with the increase of Dean number and decrease with the increase of curvature. For high Dean number and low curvature almost all the fluid particles leave the inner half of the cross-section. The stable solution zone increases with the increase of curvature up to a certain limit, then decrease.DOI: 10.3329/jname.v7i1.3630
Device Therapy in Heart Failure
Authors: Siddique Md Abu , Salman Mohammad
Published: March 2011

DOI: 10.3329/uhj.v6i2.7244University Heart Journal Vol. 6, No. 2, July 2010 pp.57-59
Coronary Endarterectomy for Diffuse Coronary Artery Disease in a Bangladeshi Population Cohort
Authors: Siraj Masoom , Rahman Md Hamidur , Hassan Md Sharif
Published: March 2011

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a well established treatment modality for coronary artery disease (CAD). However with the trend towards aggressive per cutaneous interventions (PCI) by the cardiologists, more and more patients with poor quality, diffusely diseased coronary arteries are coming for CABG. Quite often these arteries require endarterectomy to ensure revascularisation. Initial experience world wide with coronary endarterectomy was bad enough for many surgeons not advocating it. However recent papers have shown greatly improved results.This was a retrospective study of five hundred consecutive patients undergoing CABG between 19th August 2006 and 1st of July 2008 at Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital and Research Institute (ICHRI). Pre-operative and Intra-operative variables which could influence outcome were analysed. Of the total patients who had at least one endarterectomy done were labeled as Endarterectomy (EA) group, while patients without endarterectomy were labeled as Control group.Post operative outcome showed results comparable to CABG without endarterectomy can be achieved. We have described our selection criteria and surgical technique. Our protocol did not bring about a statistically significant increase in bypass time, cross clamp time. It also did not change the number of grafts per patient.Our experience shows coronary endarterectomy can be done in order to achieve full revascularisation with very safe and acceptable outcome.Key words: CABG; Coronary endarterectomy DOI: 10.3329/uhj.v6i2.7247University Heart Journal Vol. 6, No. 2, July 2010 pp.70-73
Outcome of Pregnancy in Women with Mitral Stenosis
Authors: Akhter Nargis , Rahman Fazlur , Salman Mohammad , Anam Khairul , Akther Pervin , Naher S Hamsun , Fatama Nilufar , Hasan Zahidul , Rashid MA , Faruq M , Banerjee Sajal Krishna , Fatema Kaniz
Published: March 2011

The aim of this study was to evaluate the maternal and fetal outcome of pregnancy in mitral stenosis. Thisprospective study was carried out over period of 4 years (2005-2009) involving 50 pregnant patients with mitralstenosis. 30 (60%) had single valve involvement and mitral stenosis was the most predominant lesion (60%).7 patients (14%) had undergone interventional and surgical correction prior to the onset of pregnancy. 12(24%) patients presented at NYHA class III-IV. Women with MS had 10% pulmonary edema. 8 (16%) developeddifferent types arrhythmia. There was one (1.67%) meternal death has been reported in this series. Theincidence of preterm birth and small for gestational age newborn was 12% and 14% respectively. Pregnancyin women with valvular heart diseases associated with remarkable unfavourable effect on maternal and fetaloutcome which are related to severity of disease.Keywords: Mitral stenosis; Pregnancy.DOI: 10.3329/uhj.v6i2.7248University Heart Journal Vol. 6, No. 2, July 2010 pp.74-77
Closed Mitral Commissurotomy (CMC) at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University - Outcome Study
Authors: Rahman Zerzina , Nuruzzaman Mostafa , Ahsan Nazib , Sultana Ayesha , Hoque Rezwanul , Hossain Aslam
Published: March 2011

Mitral stenosis (MS) occurs nearly exclusively as a consequence of rheumatic fever. The rheumatic process evokes the inflammatory changes in the valve endothelium resulting in narrowing of the orifice. Depending upon the severity of the disease, the treatment modality varies and the choice may be either Percutaneous transluminal mitral commissurotomy (PTMC), Closed mitral commissurotomy (CMC), Open mitral commissurotomy or valvuloplasty (OMC) or straight a way mitral valve replacement (MVR) procedure. In this observational study the results of 25 CMC operations done from February ‘09 through September ’09 is presented. A review of results of CMC operations done abroad is also presented. The outcome of this low cost operation for early cases of mitral stenosis is quite satisfactory.Keyword: Rheumatic valvular disease; Closed mitral commissurotomy; immediate outcome DOI: 10.3329/uhj.v6i2.7249University Heart Journal Vol. 6, No. 2, July 2010 pp.78-81
Surgical Revascularization of Lower Limb for Chronic Occlusive Arterial Diseases - Outcome of 35 Patients
Authors: Hoque Rezwanul , Hossain Md Aslam , Husain Sabrina Sharmeen , Khandoker Mahmudur Rahman , Nuruzzaman Mostafa , Alauddin Md , Islam Md Anwarul
Published: March 2011

Background: Chronic lower limb ischemia is a dreadful disease and may present with intermittent claudication, rest pain and ischemic gangrene. Apart from life style modification and treating risk factors either angioplasty and stenting or surgical bypass are the mainstay of treatment. For infrainguinal bypasses reversed saphenous venous grafts are the conduits of choice because it is autologous , and have good patency rate. Endarterectomy is used in vessels of large caliber and may be added to bypass procedure.Objective: To study the outcome of surgical revascularization of the lower limb for chronic ischemia using reversed saphenous venous grafts.Methods: Thirty five cases of lower limb bypass surgery using reversed saphenous vein grafts were done for critical chronic lower limb ischemia from January, 2004 to December, 2008 and were analyzed for clinical success. The clinical success was defined as freedom from symptoms, avoidance of further revascularization, surgical or interventional or freedom from further amputation. The bypass procedures were femoro-popliteal, femoro-distal, femoral endarterectomy plus bypass, profundoplasty plus bypass. Data were collected, analyzed and results were recorded before discharge from the hospital, at 3 months, at 6 months and thereafter yearly follow up for up to 3 years.Results: The age range was 55 to 72 years (mean 62.34± 05.98 SD), 30 cases were male, 5 cases were female, all male patients were chronic smokers, 28 cases were diabetic, and 26 cases were hypertensive. Altogether 48 procedures were done, femoro-popliteal bypass were done in 30 cases, femoro-distal bypass were done in 7 cases (distal anastomotic sites were anterior tibial, posterior tibial or arteria dorsalis pedis), 9 cases had common femoral endarterectomy after which femoro-popliteal bypass were done, profundoplasty with femoro-popliteal bypass were done in 2 cases, 10 patient had to undergo either toe or transmetatarsal amputation. Three cases were subjected to below knee amputation at 2 to 3 years follow up due to recurrent ischemic rest pain with patchy gangrene. These were patients with femoral endarterectomy cases. The patency rate of grafts at 3 years was 65% for femoro-popliteal, 60% for femoro-distal, 57% for femoral endarterectomy with bypass and 58% for profundoplasty with bypass procedure.Conclusion: The graft patency rate and limb salvage rate for infrainguinal bypass procedure using reversed saphenous vein graft were quite satisfactory. Cessation of smoking, anti platelet and lipid lowering drug therapy, daily brisk walking for one hour and lifestyle modification improved the claudication distance and saved the limb and life in the study population. DOI: 10.3329/uhj.v6i2.7251University Heart Journal Vol. 6, No. 2, July 2010 pp.82-85
Clinical Correlation with Coronary Circulation
Authors: Bakar Sheikh Muhammad Abu , Sultan Md Ashraf Uddin , Salman Mohammad , Siddique Md Abu , Ahmed Md Khurshed , Sarkar Jogendra Nath , Fatema Nilufar
Published: March 2011

DOI: 10.3329/uhj.v6i2.7252University Heart Journal Vol. 6, No. 2, July 2010 pp.86-89
Stenting in Coarctation of the Aorta
Authors: Ahsan Syed Ali , Hossain Syed Sawkat , Patwary Md Saifullah , Salim Md Abu , Chowdhury Rafique , Haque KMHS Sirajul
Published: March 2011

Narrowing of the aorta most commonly occurs in the region where the ductus arteriosus joins the aorta, i.e. at the isthmus just below the origin of the left subclavian artery. It is associated with other abnormalities, of which the most frequent are bicuspid aortic valve and ‘berry’ aneurysms of the cerebral circulation. Acquired coarctation of the aorta is rare but may follow trauma or occur as a complication of a progressive arteritis, Takayasu’s disease.A 21 years old young lady noted intermittent headache and occasionally weakness or cramps in the legs on walking from her early childhood. On examination her blood pressure in the upper limb 210 / 120 mm Hg, in lower limb was 100 / 60 mm Hg. There was radio-femoral delay and femoral pulse was weak. A systolic murmur is heard posteriorly. Radiological examination showed changes in the contour of the aorta and rib notching. ECG shows left ventricular hypertrophy. Echocardiography showed only concentric hypertrophy of LV. CT angiogram revealed coarctation of the aorta present with development of collaterals. Inspite of getting 3 different antihypertensive drugs her BP was uncontrolled. In our hospital her coarctation of the aorta was corrected by by endovascular stenting on the coarctation of the aorta. 5F, 7F & then 9F sheath, straight & J tiped terumo & J tip taflon coated 300 cm long wire was used. Predilatation was done by ballon used 3x10 mm over 0.34" J tip terumo wire @ 10 atm. Post dilatation was done by ballon used 7x20 mm @ 4 atm. Wall stent (Endoprosthesis) 9F was used. 1st Wall stent 14mm x 40mm self expanding and 2nd Wall stent 16mm x 60 mm, upper part covered the mouth of left subclavian artery. Result of stenting was good and procedure was uneventful. DOI: 10.3329/uhj.v6i2.7256University Heart Journal Vol. 6, No. 2, July 2010 pp.103-106
Glutathione in Cancer Cell Death
Authors: Ortega Angel L. , Mena Salvador , Estrela Jose M.
Published: March 2011

Glutathione (L-γ-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine; GSH) in cancer cells is particularly relevant in the regulation of carcinogenic mechanisms; sensitivity against cytotoxic drugs, ionizing radiations, and some cytokines; DNA synthesis; and cell proliferation and death. The intracellular thiol redox state (controlled by GSH) is one of the endogenous effectors involved in regulating the mitochondrial permeability transition pore complex and, in consequence, thiol oxidation can be a causal factor in the mitochondrion-based mechanism that leads to cell death. Nevertheless GSH depletion is a common feature not only of apoptosis but also of other types of cell death. Indeed rates of GSH synthesis and fluxes regulate its levels in cellular compartments, and potentially influence switches among different mechanisms of death. How changes in gene expression, post-translational modifications of proteins, and signaling cascades are implicated will be discussed. Furthermore, this review will finally analyze whether GSH depletion may facilitate cancer cell death under in vivo conditions, and how this can be applied to cancer therapy.
A New Neural Network Approach to Short Term Load Forecasting of Electrical Power Systems
Authors: Amjady Nima , Keynia Farshid
Published: March 2011

Short-term load forecast (STLF) is an important operational function in both regulated power systems and deregulated open electricity markets. However, STLF is not easy to handle due to the nonlinear and random-like behaviors of system loads, weather conditions, and social and economic environment variations. Despite the research work performed in the area, more accurate and robust STLF methods are still needed due to the importance and complexity of STLF. In this paper, a new neural network approach for STLF is proposed. The proposed neural network has a novel learning algorithm based on a new modified harmony search technique. This learning algorithm can widely search the solution space in various directions, and it can also avoid the overfitting problem, trapping in local minima and dead bands. Based on this learning algorithm, the suggested neural network can efficiently extract the input/output mapping function of the forecast process leading to high STLF accuracy. The proposed approach is tested on two practical power systems and the results obtained are compared with the results of several other recently published STLF methods. These comparisons confirm the validity of the developed approach.
Indigenous Territories and REDD in Latin America: Opportunity or Threat?
Authors: Van Dam Chris
Published: March 2011

An important proportion of Latin America’s forests are located in indigenous territories, and indigenous peoples are the beneficiaries of about 85% of the area for which local rights to land and forest have been recognized in Latin America since the 1980s. Nevertheless, many of these areas, whether or not rights have been recognized, are subject to threats from colonists, illegal loggers, mining and oil interests and others, whose practices endanger not only the forests but also indigenous people’s territory as a whole. In this context, REDD could constitute a new threat or intensify others, particularly in places where indigenous tenure rights have not been recognized, but REDD could also offer new opportunities. This article describes the limitations of thinking only in terms of communities, rather than territories, and examines the extent to which REDD has been conceived considering the characteristics of this new territorial configuration. It also identifies the challenges that REDD may face with this new ‘stakeholder’, such as numerous specific characteristics of territories, given their heterogeneity, in the context of past experiences regarding ‘forest options’. This paper analyses the situation in already-titled indigenous territories in particular, and also discusses problems facing territories in the titling process.
Measurement of Community Empowerment in Three Community Programs in Rapla (Estonia)
Authors: Kasmel Anu , Andersen Pernille Tanggaard
Published: March 2011

Community empowerment approaches have been proven to be powerful tools for solving local health problems. However, the methods for measuring empowerment in the community remain unclear and open to dispute. This study aims to describe how a context-specific community empowerment measurement tool was developed and changes made to three health promotion programs in Rapla, Estonia. An empowerment expansion model was compiled and applied to three existing programs: Safe Community, Drug/HIV Prevention and Elderly Quality of Life. The consensus workshop method was used to create the measurement tool and collect data on the Organizational Domains of Community Empowerment (ODCE). The study demonstrated considerable increases in the ODCE among the community workgroup, which was initiated by community members and the municipality’s decision-makers. The increase was within the workgroup, which had strong political and financial support on a national level but was not the community’s priority. The program was initiated and implemented by the local community members, and continuous development still occurred, though at a reduced pace. The use of the empowerment expansion model has proven to be an applicable, relevant, simple and inexpensive tool for the evaluation of community empowerment.
Wine and Grape Tannin Interactions with Salivary Proteins and Their Impact on Astringency: A Review of Current Research
Authors: McRae Jacqui M. , Kennedy James A.
Published: March 2011

Astringency is an important characteristic of red wine quality. The sensation is generally thought to be produced by the interaction of wine tannins with salivary proteins and the subsequent aggregation and precipitation of protein-tannin complexes. The importance of wine astringency for marketability has led to a wealth of research on the causes of astringency and how tannins impact the quality of the sensation, particularly with respect to tannin structure. Ultimately, the understanding of how tannin structure impacts astringency will allow the controlled manipulation of tannins via such methods as micro-oxygenation or fining to improve the quality of wines.
A-Type Cranberry Proanthocyanidins Inhibit the RANKL-Dependent Differentiation and Function of Human Osteoclasts
Authors: Tanabe Shinichi , Santos Juliana , La Vu Dang , Howell Amy B. , Grenier Daniel
Published: March 2011

This study investigated the effect of A-type cranberry proanthocyanidins (AC-PACs) on osteoclast formation and bone resorption activity. The differentiation of human pre-osteoclastic cells was assessed by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, while the secretion of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) was measured by ELISA. Bone resorption activity was investigated by using a human bone plate coupled with an immunoassay that detected the release of collagen helical peptides. AC-PACs up to 100 µg/mL were atoxic for osteoclastic cells. TRAP staining evidenced a dose-dependent inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. More specifically, AC-PACs at 50 µg/mL caused a 95% inhibition of RANKL-dependent osteoclast differentiation. This concentration of AC-PACs also significantly increased the secretion of IL-8 (6-fold) and inhibited the secretion of both MMP-2 and MMP-9. Lastly, AC-PACs (10, 25, 50 and 100 µg/ml) affected bone degradation mediated by mature osteoclasts by significantly decreasing the release of collagen helical peptides. This study suggests that AC-PACs can interfere with osteoclastic cell maturation and physiology as well as prevent bone resorption. These compounds may be considered as therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis.
Angeghakot 1 (Armenia) and the identification of the Mousterian cultural facies of « Yerevan points » type in the Southern Caucasus
Authors: Liagre Jérémie , Gasparyan Boris , Ollivier Vincent , Nahapetyan Samvel
Published: March 2011

Résumé: Au Caucase, dans la vallée du Vorotan (sud-est de l’Arménie), la découverte en 2003 par une équipe pluridisciplinaire arméno-française d’un gisement situé à 1 800 m d’altitude dans la commune d’Angeghakot, atteste la fréquentation de la région par des groupes de chasseurs-cueilleurs au Paléolithique moyen. L’industrie lithique, élaborée principalement sur l’obsidienne et récoltée en surface, a permis d’identifier le faciès moustérien typique du «Zagros-Taurus» composé de nombreuses pointes moustériennes, de pointes d’Erevan, d’outils microlithiques et la présence de la technique de «troncature-facettage». Ces nouvelles données soulèvent des questions sur la variabilité des faciès du Petit Caucase. Elles permettent l’élaboration d’une carte de distribution plus vaste de ces sites qui se distinguent par leurs industries microlithiques et leurs pointes réaffûtées. Angeghakot 1, situé au carrefour des cultures d’Asie mineure, du Proche-Orient et de l’Europe, contribue également à poser la question de l’existence d’un système culturel caucasien, sous la forme d’une variante économique locale de l’exploitation de l’obsidienne, fortement liée aux contraintes environnementales présentes dans les chaînes de montagnes à la fin du Pléistocène.
Issues in the Levantine Epipaleolithic : The Madamaghan, Nebekian and Qalkhan (Levant Epipaleolithic)
Authors: Olszewski Deborah I.
Published: March 2011

No two archaeological assemblages are ever identical. Archaeologists are thus continually faced with the problem of recognizing groups of assemblages that are more or less similar. Once grouped, these become named industries, traditions, techno-complexes, and so forth. Such entities are then contrasted with other groupings that contain different characteristics. One of the main problems, of course, is to know how different an assemblage must be from another assemblage in order to warrant the creation of a new grouping. While the splitter-lumper pendulum is always moving, it appears that for the Levantine Epipaleolithic, distinctions between groupings are currently being over-emphasized, because within this quite small geographical area during a relatively brief period of about 12 000 years, a minimum of 18 lithic industries has been identified. This paper discusses three of these Epipaleolithic lithic industries, the Madamaghan, the Qalkhan, and the Nebekian. It is argued that these are not, in fact, distinct entities. A less than careful consideration of the microlith types and the inaccurate assignment of the site of Wadi Madamagh as a type assemblage for the Madamaghan have created undue confusion. Many sites currently assigned to these three lithic industries should actually be considered as belonging to the Nebekian.
The Early PPNB in The North Levant : A New Perspective from Tell Ain el-Kerkh, Northwest Syria
Authors: Tsuneki Akira , Arimura Makoto , Maeda Osamu , Tanno Ken'ichi , Anezaki Tomoko
Published: March 2011

The recent discovery of EPPNB occupation at Tell Ain el-Kerkh (ca 9 400-9 200 uncal. BP) in northwest Syria provides a new perspective of the early stage of Neolithisation in the north Levant. The archaeological evidence from Kerkh shows first that the earliest Neolithic occupation in northwest Syria goes back to the EPPNB period and revises the generally accepted hypothesis that the Neolithisation in this region started in the LPPNB. In addition, the narrow naviform cores and Aswad points evidenced at Kerkh appear to be chronological markers of this period and imply the existence of other earlier PPNB sites in northwest Syria. When comparing the subsistence economy and the chipped stone industry of Kerkh with those of other contemporary sites, regional variations between the EPPNB sites become clear and possibly indicate the importance of local traditions in the development of the PPNB cultural horizon. Discovery of an EPPNB site in northwest Syria is also interesting in considering the origin of Cypriot PPN culture, but at the moment direct relationships between Kerkh and Cypriot PPN sites are rare.
Worthy is the Lamb : a Double Burial at Neolithic Çatalhöyük (Turkey)
Authors: Russell Nerissa , Düring Bleda S.
Published: March 2011

Neolithic Çatalhöyük (central Anatolia) is well known for its elaborate animal symbolism. However, while sheep are the most abundant animal in the faunal assemblage at the site, they are virtually absent in the art and among the animal parts incorporated into the architecture. Thus it is striking that the first and so far only animal burial found at Çatalhöyük is a lamb placed with a human body, a sharp departure from usual human burial practice at the site. We set this find in the context of other animal burials in the Neolithic Near East, and note that animals included in burials are usually domestic, non-threatening, or young. We explore possible reasons for including this animal and conclude that the relationship between this man and sheep must have been especially strong, but that “pet” is probably an inadequate description.
À travers l’ornementation des vases et objets en chlorite de Jiroft
Authors: Perrot Jean , Madjidzadeh Youssef
Published: March 2011

Cet article fait suite à la description objective du matériel en chlorite de Jiroft, dans Paléorient 31/ 2 (2005). Après un rappel des difficultés que rencontre toute tentative d’interprétation, il mentionne brièvement les données environnementales et archéologiques concernant le plateau iranien dans la première moitié du IIIe millénaire. Le répertoire iconographique de Jiroft fait appel au monde extérieur, végétal et animal, ainsi qu’à l’imaginaire et au fantastique. Parmi les animaux, il s’intéresse à ceux portant cornes, crocs, griffes, serres et crochet, armes naturelles que l’homme emprunte symboliquement au monde animal sous forme de personnages hybrides. Une comparaison rapide entre le répertoire de Jiroft et celui de la glyptique mésopotamienne contemporaine montre de profondes différences. Jiroft ne connaît ni scènes de chasse ou de guerre, ni scènes de culte, ni aucune figure susceptible d’être interprétée comme l’expression d’un concept du divin. La pensée de Jiroft est tournée vers l’Homme et ses fins; elle souligne l’opposition entre forces favorables et néfastes, bonnes ou mauvaises, dans un esprit qui, à la veille des temps historiques, évoque déjà le dualisme de l’ancienne pensée iranienne.
Sharaya : un village du Bronze ancien Ia en Syrie du Sud
Authors: Nicolle Christophe , Al Maqdissi Michel
Published: March 2011

One of the contributions made by a survey of preclassical sites begun in 2002 in the Leja (southern Syria) by a Syro-French team concerns the EB1a period (mid-4th millennium). Exceptional preservation permitted the mapping of a large part of Sharaya, a village that includes several dozen-apsidal houses. The initial description of this research presented here indicates how important this new information is for an understanding of the size of rural communities in southern Levant at the Chalcolithic / EBI transition.
Archaeozoology in Southwest Asia : A Status Report Based on the 8th Meeting of the ASWA Working Group 2006 (Lyon, June 28th – July 1st 2006)
Authors: Zeder Melinda A.
Published: March 2011

The biennial meeting of the Archaeozoologists of Southwest Asia (ASWA) Working Group is an excellent barometer of the health and status of archazoological research in this pivotal world area. The geographic focus of this group encompasses the territory from the Southern Sinai to northwestern Anatolia, from the Eastern Mediterranean to the Iranian Plateau. It also includes adjacent areas that border this vast area to the west, north, south, and east. The temporal reach of this working group encompasses all of human history in this region, from the Lower Paleolithic to the present day. The range of problems that occupy researchers who attend this meeting are among the most enduring in human history and include the earliest dispersal of hominines into and across this region, the origins or agriculture, and the rise and fall of cities. As such, the papers presented at ASWA meetings provide a comprehensive overview of what researchers working on these problems are thinking and accomplishing. The most recent ASWA meeting in Lyon (June 28th •July 1st 2006) provided an especially informative status report on archaeozoological research in this area, its successes, its challenges, and its future directions.
Supra-regional concepts in Near Eastern Neolithisation from a viewpoint of Egyptian Neolithic research
Authors: Shirai N.
Published: March 2011

Résumé: Le processus de néolithisation en Égypte a rarement été discuté dans le cadre plus large de l’archéologie du Proche-Orient. Si, en Égypte, la néolithisation est caractérisée par l’introduction, depuis le Levant, de blé et d’orge, de moutons et de chèvres domestiqués, beaucoup de chercheurs ont toutefois préféré concentrer leurs recherches sur le développement autochtone du bétail et sur la culture matérielle égyptienne, voilant ainsi le contexte de l’arrivée des céréales et du bétail levantins. Il est certes important d’étudier les cultures égyptiennes antérieures au Néolithique, comme leur préadaptation à l’agriculture et à l’élevage, on se doit cependant de souligner que le processus de néolithisation en Égypte pourrait être mieux compris en le replaçant dans un contexte proche-oriental plus étendu. Cet article se propose de développer cette problématique, par l’introduction de concepts supra-régionaux se rapportant à la néolithisation du Proche-Orient.
Paléolithique moyen Laminaire sur les flancs sud du Caucase : productions lithiques et fonctionnement du site de Djruchula (Géorgie)
Authors: Meignen Liliane , Tushabramishvili Nicholas
Published: March 2011

Abstract: The Middle Paleolithic blade phenomenon is now acknowledged as part of Middle Paleolithic technological variability. These blade assemblages are now largely documented and well dated in some areas such as the Levant and Northwestern Europe, while in other regions, they are only briefly reported. In the Southern Caucasus, Middle Paleolithic blade assemblages have been identified a long time ago2 and needed re-examination in the light of recent analytical methods and questions. Our study, based on the technological and technoeconomic approach, enabled us to compare these blade productions with the Early Levantine Mousterian assemblages already well published, and to investigate the role of the site in the settlement pattern of these Southern Caucasus Middle Paleolithic populations. The clear technological affinities of the Djruchula assemblages with the Early Levantine Mousterian from Hayonim lower E and F, Hummal Ia and Abou Sif, suggest their belonging to the same techno-complex. It seems that the High Caucasus Mountains served as a natural barrier and limited the expansion of the Middle Paleolithic leptolithic tradition to the North (Russian plains, Central Europe) where these industries are still unknown.
Animal exploitation at Körtik Tepe : An early Aceramic Neolithic site in southeastern Turkey
Authors: Arbuckle Benjamin S. , Özkaya Vecihi
Published: March 2011

Résumé: Sont présentés ici les premiers résultats relatifs à l’exploitation des animaux à Körtik Tepe, Batman, site néolithique acéramique du Sud-Est de la Turquie. Elle est caractérisée par une exploitation intensive des moutons, des boeufs, des gazelles, des cerfs et des daims (Cervus elaphus et Dama sp.) ainsi que des porcs. Les données métriques montrent que les moutons sont sauvages sur le plan morphologique et que mâles et femelles sont bien représentés dans la population adulte. L’âge des restes recueillis atteste d’une mortalité précoce se situant en général entre 1 et 3 ans (80 %); ce que nous pouvons interpréter comme une chasse privilégiant les troupeaux formés de jeunes femelles tout comme ceux composés de jeunes mâles. Ce modèle d’exploitation d’une population jeune est attesté également à Hallan Çemi et à Cafer, et paraît annoncer les stratégies de gestion des troupeaux retenues par la suite dans la région. Dans le bassin supérieur du Tigre, les données métriques concernant les boeufs montrent la présence au 10 e millénaire cal. BC de bovins morphologiquement sauvages. Les restes fauniques recueillis à Körtik Tepe donnent donc une bonne image de la diversité des stratégies d’exploitation des animaux au Sud-Est de la Turquie précédant la domestication du bétail.
Copper-melting crucibles from the surface of Altyn-Depe, Turkmenistan ( ca 2500-2000 BC)
Authors: Masioli Elisa , Artioli Domenico , Bianchetti Pierluigi , Di Pilato Sergio , Guida Giuseppe , Salvatori Sandro , Sidoti Giancarlo , Vidale Massimo
Published: March 2011

Abstract: Ten crucible fragments collected at a single location on the surface of Altyn-Depe, most probably datable to the second half of the 3rd millennium BC, have been studied and analysed by the means of different techniques. The research provides new information on Middle Bronze Age (Namazga V) copper-based metallurgy at this important southern Turkmenian early urban site.
The Late Neolithic/Early Chalcolithic Transition at Teleilat Ghassul: Context, Chronology and Culture
Authors: Bourke S.J.
Published: March 2011

Abstract: The issue of the nature of the transition from the Late Neolithic to the Early Chalcolithic at Teleilat Ghassul is re-examined in this article. A stratigraphic review of all work at the site suggests a new equivalencing between Hennessy’s ten-phase (A+-I) and the traditional Pontifical Biblical Institute (PBI) five-level (I-IVB) division. It is suggested that no PBI excavation (Mallon, Koeppel, North) sampled Hennessy’s Neolithic phase H-I assemblages. Once the PBI material is set to one side, a detailed comparison between Hennessy’s Neolithic (phase H-I) and Early Chalcolithic (phase G-F) assemblages is undertaken. Architecture is sharply contrasted, but more nuanced views of the ceramic, lithic and ecofactual assemblages emerge. The Late Neolithic assemblages are closely to be identified with earlier Neolithic norms, whereas the Early Chalcolithic assemblages display all the hallmarks of the later Classic Ghassulian culture. Radiometric data old and new is then considered, with the result that the old high dates for the Ghassul Neolithic are set aside, and a new “low” chronology proposed, based on recent short-life samples. Finally, in the light of the considerable differences between the Late Neolithic and Early Chalcolithic assemblages, we raise anew the question of Ghassulian origins.
The Besorian: A Pre-Ghassulian Cultural Entity
Authors: Gilead I.
Published: March 2011

Abstract: The “Besorian phase” and the “Qatifian culture” were defined in the late 1980s. They were regarded as Late Neolithic/ Early Chalcolithic entities, about 7000-6500 years old, and precursors of the Chalcolithic Ghassulian culture. During the last fifteen years, new Late Neolithic/ Early Chalcolithic sites have been excavated and more 14C dates of this time span are now available. Worth noting are the recently published stratigraphy and new dates of Teleilat Ghassul, Gilat and the Ramot sites at Beer Sheva. This paper discusses the impact of the new data on the better understanding of the Pre-Ghassulian sequence with emphasis on the Besorian culture.
Rethinking Halaf Chronologies
Authors: Campbell Stuart
Published: March 2011

Résumé: Les archéologues sont constamment confrontés à des problèmes chronologiques, qu’ils soient ou non le thème de leur recherche. Les chronologies sont utilisées pour ordonner le passé et offrir un cadre permettant de discuter les changements sociaux observés. Devoir reprendre et affiner les structures chronologiques au fur et à mesure que de nouvelles données apparaissent est une évidence; c’est l’un des objectifs de cet article. Néanmoins, les chronologies sont aussi des constructions artificielles créées par une compréhension qui reste partielle du passé faisant appel à une série de propositions, souvent mal étayées. Même des termes aussi employés que Hassuna, Samarra, Halaf, Obeid formatent notre appréhension du passé. Il devient alors nécessaire d’élucider et de remettre en question les hypothèses et les modèles sur lesquels reposent les chronologies. Cet article traite des 7e-5e millénaires cal. BC en Mésopotamie septentrionale, période qui traditionnellement voit se succéder le Hassuna/ Samarra, le Halaf qui en constitue le centre et l’Obeid. Il se focalise sur les idées sous-jacentes et les distorsions qui ont affecté nos précédentes séquences chronologiques, en insistant sur les façons dont notre connaissance des chronologies passées a pris forme puis a été utilisée. Une nouvelle approche de la chronologie de cette période, moins rigide, est proposée ici qui prend en compte les données les plus récentes et qui rend plus explicite le lien établi entre chronologie et interprétation des changements sociaux.
Fauna from the Natufian and PPNA Cave Site of Iraq ed-Dubb in Highland Jordan
Authors: Edwards Yvonne H. , Martin Louise
Published: March 2011

Résumé: L’occupation de la grotte Iraq ed-Dubb a pris place pendant le Natoufien récent et le PPNA. Elle nous procure une rare occasion d’étudier le comportement humain dans un même site au cours d’une période de changements climatiques importants. Les chasseurs-cueilleurs utilisaient alors des techniques novatrices de gestion des plantes, préludes au futur style de vie fermier. Cet article se penche principalement sur les analyses zooarchéologiques et taphonomiques des restes de faune, qui attestent d’un changement de subsistance entre le Natoufien récent et le PPNA. Les résultats de l’étude des espèces dans leur diversité, de l’examen des méthodes de chasse ou de piègeage, de l’accumulation des déchets et du degré de sédentarité montrent que les occupants humains d’Iraq ed-Dubb vivaient bien de ce que leur fournissait leur environnement à la fin du Natoufien et au PPNA. Il y a eu peu de changements parmi les espèces chassées et piégées tout autant que dans les stratégies de leur capture. Une légère augmentation du nombre de gazelles et du traitement des carcasses d’artiodactyles suggèrent que les proportions des espèces chassées et piégées ont commencé à changer pendant le PPNA. Le régime économique en apparence bien équilibré de ce petit site de montagne du Natoufien récent contraste avec les régimes de subsistance plus durs des sites situés à l’ouest du Jourdain. L’analyse spatiale de la distribution des ossements indique, entre autres, que les attitudes envers les déchets semblent ne pas avoir changé entre le début du Natoufien et le PPNA et que la manière dont ils sont distribués est bien liée à une existence dans une habitation, mais sans le bénéfice de l’ordre social procuré par un village.
The Oldest Depictions of Canines and a Possible Early Breed of Dog in Iran
Authors: Hole Frank , Wyllie Cherra
Published: March 2011

Abstract: While dogs occur in Levantine Natufian sites as early as the 13th millennium BC, images of canines date only to the early 8th millennium. The oldest depictions of dogs and the first representations of a breed similar to that of the modern Persian Gazelle Hound or saluki are found in sites in Deh Luran and Khuzistan, Iran. This brief paper shows the oldest illustrations of canines and evidence for a saluki-like breed. We conclude with some possible social implications of dog depictions on the Susa A pottery.
Mesolithic Hunters at Kotias Klde, Western Georgia: Preliminary Results
Authors: Meshveliani Tengiz , Bar-Oz Guy , Bar-Yosef Ofer , Belfer-Cohen Anna , Boaretto Elisabetta , Jakeli Nino , Koridze Irakli , Matskevich Zinovi
Published: March 2011

Résumé: Les fouilles conduites à Kotias Klde, une grotte karstique de l’Ouest de la Géorgie, ont permis de mettre au jour une séquence formée de quelques restes de l’âge du Bronze qui surmontent une séquence néolithique (A1 et A2), une couche complexe mésolithique (B) et le sommet d’une couche C, qui relèverait d’un Paléolithique supérieur tardif. Ce rapport préliminaire porte sur les assemblages du dépôt mésolithique daté de 12 400-10 380 cal. BP, dont l’industrie particulière se caractérise par des formes variées et par un assemblage faunique composé de restes de chasse à l’ours brun.
Projectile Points, Sickle Blades and Glossed Points. Tools and Hafting Systems at Tell Halula (Syria) during the 8th millennium cal. BC
Authors: Borrell Ferran , Molist Miquel
Published: March 2011

Résumé: Les pointes de projectiles et les éléments de faucille représentent deux des principales catégories d’outillage retouché du milieu du 8e millénaire à Tell Halula, illustrant l’importance que les activités liées à l’agriculture et à la chasse avaient pour cette communauté néolithique. Cependant, les résultats d’analyses tracéologiques récentes remettent en cause la fonction de certains de ces outils, pour lesquels une nouvelle analyse est nécessaire. En outre, l’étude détaillée de ces outils associée aux nouvelles données sur les systèmes d’emmanchement montrent une nette dualité dans l’usage du bitume pour fi xer les éléments de faucille et de la chaux pour les pointes de projectile.
Tzur Natan, a Pre-Pottery Neolithic A Site in Central Israel and Observations on Regional Settlement Patterns
Authors: Marder Ofer , Goring-Morris A. Nigel , Khalaily Hamoudi , Milevski Ianir , Rabinovich Rivka , Zbenovich Vladimir
Published: March 2011

Abstract: The results of salvage investigations conducted at the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A (PPNA) site of Tzur Natan are described. The site is located on the western fl anks of the Samarian Hills bordering the central coastal plain (Shephelah). The excavations revealed no architectural features but numerous cupmarked bedrock installations. The small fi nds included fl int and groundstone artefacts, as well as a small faunal assemblage. The vast majority of the fl int tools can be attributed to the PPNA, although there may also be a small Middle Epipalaeolithic Geometric Kebaran element present. Notable are the numbers of bifacial tools, some sickle blades, but few projectile points. Local settlement patterns are discussed in light of several other recent investigations of PPNA sites in the region. In addition to a few larger permanent settlements with architecture, such as Hatoula and Nahal Oren, at the western edges of the Judean, Samarian and Carmel hills, there are numbers of more ephemeral sites, also located on the fl anks of the hill zone. These have little or no architectural remains but quantities of cup-marked installations and groundstone are found in addition to lithic tool assemblages. These smaller sites perhaps focused primarily on (seasonal?) processing of (vegetal?) resources, as well as the production and use of bifacials. Some sickle blades are found but projectile points are rare or absent. Few, if any, PPNA sites are documented actually within the coastal plain. This settlement pattern contrasts markedly with the Early and Middle Epipalaeolithic and the PPNB, but may refl ect some continuity from the Late Natufi an.
Chalcolithic Agricultural Life at Grar, Northern Negev, Israel: Dry Farmed Cereals and Dung-Fueled Hearths
Authors: Katz Ofir , Gilead I. , Bar Kutiel Pua , Shahack-Gross Ruth
Published: March 2011

Résumé: Il est généralement admis qu’au Chalcolithique (4700-3800 avant J.-C.) dans le Nord-Néguev, les champs sont situés dans des plaines inondables et que s’y pratique une irrigation par eaux de ruissellement. Nous présentons ici une étude menée à Grar, site chalcolithique se trouvant sur le plateau de loess des rives du Nahal Grar, pour laquelle ont été examinés quantitativement des assemblages phytolithiques de deux aires de fouille distinctes. Les sédiments sont composés d’importantes quantités de phytolithes, vestiges de toute la matière végétale qui s’est progressivement accumulée sur le site. Ces assemblages phytolithiques sont principalement constitués de phytolithes d’herbe, même si la présence de phytolithes dendriformes prouve que les céréales domestiquées, le blé et/ ou l’orge, en font aussi partie. Le ratio des phytolithes issus de tiges et/ ou de feuilles de céréales et d’autres herbes sur ceux issus d’infl orescences est élevé comparativement aux ratios mentionnés dans les études des sites néolithiques et de l’âge de Fer, ce qui montre que la paille de céréales a connu diverses utilisations sur ce site. Le nombre de cellules longues dans les squelettes siliceux des phytolithes issus d’infl orescences seules indique que les céréales étaient issues de cultures sèches. Ainsi, ont été retrouvés in situ trois foyers successifs, avec du fumier pour combustible. D’une manière générale, cette étude montre qu’au Chalcolithique, il existe différentes pratiques agricoles, dont la culture sèche et l’irrigation par ruissellement. En outre, l’utilisation de fumier comme combustible représente probablement l’une des rares preuves de l’utilisation de produits secondaires à cette période dans le Levant Sud.
A Unique Neolithic Female Figurine from Tell Seker al-Aheimar, Northeast Syria
Authors: Nishiaki Yoshihiro A.
Published: March 2011

Résumé: Une figurine de grande taille a été mise au jour dans un niveau du PPNB récent de Tell Seker al-Aheimar (Syrie du Nord). Cette figurine féminine assise est très réaliste et présente un décor peint bichrome. Sa taille (ca. 14,2 cm de haut) et sa remarquable qualité artistique sont uniques parmi les figurines modelées en argile de cette période, ce qui soulève la question de sa signification tant culturelle que fonctionnelle.