bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance imaging: an accurate method to evaluate arteriovenous malformations after stereotactic radiosurgery
Authors: Pollock Bruce E. , Kondziolka Douglas , Flickinger John C. , Patel Atul K. , Bissonette David J. , Lunsford L. Dade
Published: June 2009

✓ To determine the accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in comparison to cerebral angiography after radiosurgery for an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), the authors reviewed the records of patients who underwent radiosurgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center before 1992. All patients in the analysis had AVMs in which the flow-void signal was visible on preradiosurgical MR imaging. One hundred sixty-four postradiosurgical angiograms were obtained in 140 patients at a median of 2 months after postradiosurgical MR imaging (median 24 months after radiosurgery). Magnetic resonance imaging correctly predicted patency in 64 of 80 patients in whom patent AVMs were seen on follow-up angiography (sensitivity 80%) and angiographic obliteration in 84 of 84 patients (specificity 100%). Overall, 84 of 100 AVMs in which evidence of obliteration was seen on MR images displayed angiographic obliteration (negative predictive value, 84%). Ten of the 16 patients with false-negative MR images underwent follow-up angiography: in seven the lesions progressed to complete angiographic obliteration without further treatment. Exclusion of these seven patients from the false-negative MR imaging group increases the predictive value of a negative postradiosurgical MR image from 84% to 91%. No AVM hemorrhage was observed in clinical follow up of 135 patients after evidence of obliteration on MR imaging (median follow-up interval 35 months; range 2–96 months; total follow up 382 patient-years).

Magnetic resonance imaging proved to be an accurate, noninvasive method for evaluating the patency of AVMs that were identifiable on MR imaging after stereotactic radiosurgery. This imaging modality is less expensive, more acceptable to patients, and does not have the potential for neurological complications that may be associated with cerebral angiography. The risk associated with follow-up cerebral angiography may no longer justify its role in the assessment of radiosurgical results in the treatment of AVMs.
Three-dimensional volume rendering for magnetic resonance angiography in the screening and preoperative workup of intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Maeder Philippe P. , Meuli Reto A. , de Tribolet Nicolas
Published: June 2009

✓ This study was undertaken to evaluate the capacity of three-dimensional (3-D) time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance (MR) angiography with VoxelView (VV) 3-D volume rendering to detect and characterize intracranial aneurysms and to compare this rendering technique with that of maximum intensity projection (MIP).

Forty patients with a total of 53 intracranial aneurysms (10 giant and subgiant, 43 saccular) were consecutively admitted to University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland, and investigated with 3-D TOF MR angiography. Source images of the 43 saccular aneurysms were processed with both MIP and VV. The aneurysm detection rate of the two techniques and their ability to characterize features of an aneurysm, such as its neck and its relation to the parent vessel, were compared. Intraarterial digital subtraction angiography was used as the gold standard to which these techniques could be compared and evaluated.

Four aneurysms, less than 3 mm in size, were missed using MIP compared to three missed using VV. The representation of aneurysmal morphology using VV was superior to that found using conventional angiography in nine cases, equal in 16 cases, and inferior in seven cases. The representation of the aneurysm neck using VV was superior to MIP in 21 cases, equal in 17 cases, and inferior in one case; it was superior to that shown using conventional angiography in 10 cases, equal in 18 cases, and inferior in four cases.

Time-of-flight MR angiography in conjunction with both MIP and VV 3-D reconstruction was able to visualize all aneurysms that were larger than 3 mm. Compared to MIP, VV provides a better definition of the aneurysm neck and the morphology of saccular aneurysms, making VV valuable for use in a preoperative diagnostic workup.
Quantification and pharmacokinetics of blood-brain barrier disruption in humans
Authors: Zünkeler Bernhard , Carson Richard E. , Olson Jeff , Blasberg Ronald G. , Devroom Hetty , Lutz Robert J. , Saris Stephen C. , Wright Donald C. , Kammerer William , Patronas Nicholas J. , Dedrick Robert L. , Herscovitch Peter , Oldfield Edward H.
Published: June 2009

✓ Hyperosmolar blood-brain barrier disruption (HBBBD), produced by infusion of mannitol into the cerebral arteries, has been used in the treatment of brain tumors to increase drug delivery to tumor and adjacent brain. However, the efficacy of HBBBD in brain tumor therapy has been controversial. The goal of this study was to measure changes in vascular permeability after HBBBD in patients with malignant brain tumors. The permeability (K1) of tumor and normal brain blood vessels was measured using rubidium-82 and positron emission tomography before and repeatedly at 8- to 15-minute intervals after HBBBD. Eighteen studies were performed in 13 patients, eight with glioblastoma multiforme and five with anaplastic astrocytoma.

The HBBBD increased K1 in all patients. Baseline K1 values were 2.1 ± 1.4 and 34.1 ± 22.1 µl/minute/ml (± standard deviation) for brain and tumor, respectively. The peak absolute increases in K1 following HBBBD were 20.8 ± 11.7 and 19.7 ± 10.7 µl/minute/ml for brain and tumor, corresponding to percentage increases of approximately 1000% in brain and approximately 60% in tumor. The halftimes for return of K1 to near baseline for brain and tumor were 8.1 ± 3.8 and 4.2 ± 1.2 minutes, respectively. Simulations of the effects of HBBBD made using a very simple model with intraarterial methotrexate, which is exemplary of drugs with low permeability, indicate that 1) total exposure of the brain and tumor to methotrexate, as measured by the methotrexate concentration-time integral (or area under the curve), would increase with decreasing infusion duration and would be enhanced by 130% to 200% and by 7% to 16%, respectively, compared to intraarterial infusion of methotrexate alone; and 2) exposure time at concentrations above 1 µM, the minimal concentration required for the effects of methotrexate, would not be enhanced in tumor and would be enhanced by only 10% in brain.

Hyperosmolar blood-brain barrier disruption transiently increases delivery of water-soluble compounds to normal brain and brain tumors. Most of the enhancement of exposure results from trapping the drug within the blood-brain barrier, an effect of the very transient alteration of the blood-brain barrier by HBBBD. Delivery is most effective when a drug is administered within 5 to 10 minutes after disruption. However, the increased exposure and exposure time that occur with methotrexate, the permeability of which is among the lowest of the agents currently used clinically, are limited and the disproportionate increase in brain exposure, compared to tumor exposure, may alter the therapeutic index of many drugs.
Correlation of vascular endothelial growth factor messenger RNA expression with peritumoral vasogenic cerebral edema in meningiomas
Authors: Kalkanis Steven N. , Carroll Rona S. , Zhang Jianping , Zamani Amir A. , Black Peter McL.
Published: June 2009

✓ Intracranial meningiomas are often complicated by peritumoral vasogenic cerebral edema, which appears to result from increased microvascular permeability and extravasation of proteinaceous and plasma fluid into the adjacent peritumoral space. The source of such edema has long been mysterious. The contents of this paper support the concept that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production plays a significant role in edema formation.

Vascular endothelial growth factor messenger RNA expression has been found in a wide range of intracranial neoplasms, including malignant gliomas, metastatic melanomas, meningiomas, and other benign tumors. Several studies have confirmed the importance of VEGF in tumorigenesis, neovascularization, and edema production.

This study tests the hypothesis that the presence of peritumoral edema in meningiomas is positively correlated with increased expression of VEGF mRNA. To investigate this hypothesis, 31 meningioma specimens were subjected to Northern blot analysis, hybridization with a complementary DNA VEGF probe, and laser densitometry to determine the relative levels of VEGF mRNA expression. Magnetic resonance imaging was then used in a double-blind fashion to correlate the neuropathological tissue samples with the presence of preoperative peritumoral edema.

Of 31 patients studied, 14 exhibited no edema and 17 exhibited some level of peritumoral fluid accumulation. There was a marked increase in VEGF expression in patients with edema (p = 0.0004, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney rank-sum test). Meningiomas with peritumoral edema exhibited 3.4 times the level of VEGF mRNA as those without edema.

These data demonstrate a strong link between VEGF mRNA expression and peritumoral edema and indicate that VEGF expression is an important factor in the etiology of edema around meningiomas.
Reduction of brain injury using heparin to inhibit leukocyte accumulation in a rat model of transient focal cerebral ischemia. II. Dose—response effect and the therapeutic window
Authors: Yanaka Kiyoyuki , Spellman Stephen R. , McCarthy James B. , Low Walter C. , Camarata Paul J.
Published: June 2009

✓ The administration of massive doses of heparin has been demonstrated to reduce reperfusion injury. The authors have found that heparin's antileukocyte adhesion property may play a more important role than its anticoagulant property in preventing ischemia and reperfusion injury. Although the administration of massive doses of heparin has been demonstrated to reduce brain injury after ischemia and reperfusion, the optimum dosage and timing for heparin administration remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dose—response effect and determine the time during which heparin must be administered to inhibit leukocyte accumulation, reduce infarct size, and improve neurological outcome in rats subjected to 1 hour of cerebral ischemia and 48 hours of reperfusion. Forty-nine animals were included in the study. The animals receiving commercial unfractionated heparin at a total dose of 2.67 to 4 mg/kg showed a significant inhibition of leukocyte accumulation, reduced infarct size, and lessened neurological dysfunction 48 hours after reperfusion (p < 0.05) when compared to untreated animals. The animals receiving unfractionated heparin within 3 hours after reperfusion also showed significantly better results than untreated animals. These data indicate that standard doses of heparin prevent reperfusion injury, and relatively late postischemic administration of heparin also is effective in brain protection. These findings may have therapeutic potential as an adjunct to thrombolytic therapy and possibly for other perfusion deficiencies with leukocyte—endothelial interaction. In view of these encouraging experimental findings, the clinical application of heparin administration after ischemia and reperfusion warrants serious consideration.
Magnetic resonance imaging—monitored acute blood-brain barrier changes in experimental traumatic brain injury
Authors: Barzó Pál , Marmarou Anthony , Fatouros Panos , Corwin Frank , Dunbar Jana
Published: June 2009

✓ The authors posit that cellular edema is the major contributor to brain swelling in diffuse head injury and that the contribution of vasogenic edema may be overemphasized. The objective of this study was to determine the early time course of blood-brain barrier (BBB) changes in diffuse closed head injury and to what extent barrier permeability is affected by the secondary insults of hypoxia and hypotension. The BBB disruption was quantified and visualized using T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging following intravenous administration of the MR contrast agent gadolinium—diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid. To avoid the effect of blood volume changes, the maximum signal intensity (SI) enhancement was used to calculate the difference in BBB disruption.

A new impact-acceleration model was used to induce closed head injury. Forty-five adult Sprague—Dawley rats were separated into four groups: Group I, sham operated (four animals), Group II, hypoxia and hypotension (four animals), Group III, trauma only (23 animals), and Group IV, trauma coupled with hypoxia and hypotension (14 animals). After trauma was induced, a 30-minute insult of hypoxia (PaO240 mm Hg) and hypotension (mean arterial blood pressure 30 mm Hg) was imposed, after which the animals were resuscitated.

In the trauma-induced animals, the SI increased dramatically immediately after impact. By 15 minutes permeability decreased exponentially and by 30 minutes it was equal to that of control animals. When trauma was coupled with secondary insult, the SI enhancement was lower after the trauma, consistent with reduced blood pressure and blood flow. However, the SI increased dramatically on reperfusion and was equal to that of control by 60 minutes after the combined insult.

In conclusion, the authors suggest that closed head injury is associated with a rapid and transient BBB opening that begins at the time of the trauma and lasts no more than 30 minutes. It has also been shown that addition of posttraumatic secondary insult—hypoxia and hypotension—prolongs the time of BBB breakdown after closed head injury. The authors further conclude that MR imaging is an excellent technique to follow (time resolution 1–1.5 minutes) the evolution of trauma-induced BBB damage noninvasively from as early as a few minutes up to hours or even longer after the trauma occurs.
Olfactory evoked potentials: experimental and clinical studies
Authors: Sato Masanori , Kodama Namio , Sasaki Tatsuya , Ohta Mamoru
Published: June 2009

✓ Olfactory evoked potentials (OEPs), obtained by electrical stimulation of the olfactory mucosa, were recorded in dogs and humans to develop an objective method for evaluating olfactory functions.

In dogs, OEPs were recorded from the olfactory tract and the scalp. The latency of the first negative peak was approximately 40 msec. A response was not obtained after stimulation of the nasal mucosa and disappeared after sectioning of the olfactory nerve. With increasing frequencies of repetitive stimulation, the amplitude was reduced, suggesting that the response was synaptically mediated. These results demonstrate that evoked potentials from the olfactory tract and the scalp following electrical stimulation of the olfactory mucosa originate specifically from the olfactory system.

In humans, a stimulating electrode with a soft catheter was fixed on the olfactory mucosa. The OEPs from the olfactory tract, recorded with a negative peak of approximately 27 msec, had similar characteristics to OEPs found in dogs. The OEPs from the olfactory tract in humans also originate specifically from the olfactory system. The authors postulate that OEPs obtained by electrical stimulation of the olfactory mucosa may prove useful for intraoperative monitoring of olfactory functions.
Expanding cyst of the septum pellucidum
Authors: Lancon John A. , Haines Duane E. , Raila Frank A. , Parent Andrew D. , Vedanarayanan V. V.
Published: June 2009

✓ Expanding cysts of the septum pellucidum, although rare, may be a cause of significant neurological dysfunction. Most become symptomatic as a result of obstruction of the interventricular foramina and produce headaches, papilledema, emesis, and loss of consciousness. Behavioral, autonomic, and sensorimotor symptoms occur when an expanding cyst impinges on the structures of the hypothalamoseptal triangle or impairs the deep cerebral venous drainage. Neuroophthalmological symptoms may develop as a consequence of hydrocephalus or direct compression of visual structures. The authors describe the case of a young boy with an expanding septum pellucidum cyst who presented with a sudden, severe headache and loss of consciousness. In addition, he had a history of hyperactivity and progressively declining school performance. All symptoms resolved following decompression of the cyst. Seventeen cases from the literature are reviewed. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of symptoms secondary to expanding septum pellucidum cysts are outlined, and the related clinical neuroanatomy is described. A model is proposed for the natural history of expanding septum pellucidum cysts that provides a rational basis for understanding their clinical behavior and response to intervention. In most cases, fenestration or shunting will relieve the obstructive hydrocephalus and mass effect caused by the cyst and will produce rapid symptomatic improvement.
Hereditary neurocutaneous angiomatosis
Authors: Leblanc Richard , Melanson Denis , Wilkinson Ralph D.
Published: June 2009

✓ The authors report the coexistence of vascular nevi (hemangiomas and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the skin) with AVMs and venous malformations of the brain in male siblings from two related but nonconsanguineous families of three generations.

The proband, his siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins were examined, underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR angiography, and when appropriate, cerebral angiography. A father had vascular nevi and a mother, his sister, had an azygos anterior cerebral artery. No other cutaneous or cerebrovascular malformations were present in the parents. Each of the two families had two boys and one girl, 9 to 18 years of age. All the children had vascular nevi and all of the boys had coexisting cerebrovascular malformations: AVMs in three, and a venous malformation in another. One boy had three cerebral AVMs. Two boys had a cerebral hemorrhage, and one also had focal motor seizures. The skin lesions were not those of the Sturge-Weber-Dimitri, Rendu-Osler-Weber, or Wyburn—Mason syndromes.

The association of cutaneous and cerebrovascular malformations was seen only in males in these families, but females have also been reported in the literature. The results obtained in these families and three other families reported from Western and Central Europe indicate that the association of cerebral and cutaneous vascular hamartomas constitutes a distinct, hereditary clinicopathological entity with autosomal dominant inheritance and variable penetrance. The clinical manifestations of this syndrome are visible, painful vascular nevi, epilepsy, cerebral hemorrhage, and focal neurological deficits.

The preponderance of male patients with the full expression of the syndrome suggests a possible hormonal influence on the expression of the gene.
Use of an adjustable, transportable, radiolucent spinal immobilization device in the comprehensive management of cervical spine instability
Authors: Tuite Gerald F. , Veres Robert , Crockard H. Alan , Peterson David , Hayward Richard D.
Published: June 2009

✓ In this report the authors describe a device that consists of a transportable, radiolucent board that couples to a standard halo head ring. The board provides continuous cervical spine immobilization during all phases of acute medical treatment of cervical spine instability, including closed reduction, transport, radiographic imaging, and operative procedures. By combining the advantages of several existing systems, this immobilization device facilitates and improves the safety of comprehensive acute management of cervical spinal instability by eliminating the need for patient transfer from stretcher to radiography machine to operating table. Its radiolucent construction and its compatibility with standard operating tables allow unencumbered surgical access and ample room for biplanar fluoroscopy, thereby also facilitating operative procedures, particularly the placement of internal spinal fixation.
Anchoring of deep brain stimulation electrodes using a microplate
Authors: Favre Jacques , Taha Jamal M. , Steel Timothy , Burchiel Kim J.
Published: June 2009

✓ The authors report a new technique to anchor deep brain stimulation electrodes using a titanium microplate. This technique has been safely used to secure 20 quadripolar deep brain stimulation electrodes implanted for movement disorders (18 electrodes) and pain (two electrodes). Twelve electrodes were implanted in the thalamus, four in the subthalamic nucleus, and four in the pallidum. No electrode migration or rupture occurred, and all electrodes have been shown to work properly after internalization of the system.
Hazards Faced by Young Designated Drivers: In-Car Risks of Driving Drunken Passengers
Authors: Rothe Peter  J. , Carroll Linda  J.
Published: June 2009

This qualitative study explored the risk in the practice of young designated drivers transporting drunken peers. Young drivers 18-29 years old in Alberta, Canada participated in 12 focus groups (N = 146). Interviews were semi-structured. A key finding is that when highly intoxicated youth are driven by a designated driver who is a peer, they are likely to behave in ways that are unsafe. Unsafe actions of drunken passengers in the vehicle include physical “rough-housing” with the driver, creating stress for the driver that leads to high risk driving situations and disrupting safe driving through nausea and in-car vomiting.
Quantitative Structure ‒ Antiprotozoal Activity Relationships of Sesquiterpene Lactones
Authors: Schmidt Thomas J. , Nour Amal M. M. , Khalid Sami A. , Kaiser Marcel , Brun Reto
Published: June 2009

Prompted by results of our previous studies where we found high activity of some sesquiterpene lactones (STLs) against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (which causes East African sleeping sickness), we have now conducted a structure-(in-vitro)-activity study on a set of 40 STLs against T. brucei rhodesiense, T. cruzi, Leishmania donovani and Plasmodium falciparum. Furthermore, cytotoxic activity against L6 rat skeletal myoblast cells was assessed. Some of the compounds possess high activity, especially against T. brucei (e.g. helenalin and some of its esters with IC50-values of 0.05-0.1 µM, which is about 10 times lower than their cytotoxic activity). It was found that all investigated antiprotozoal activities are significantly correlated with cytotoxicity and the major determinants for activity are a,b-unsaturated structural elements, also known to be essential for other biological activities of STLs. It was observed, however, that certain compounds are considerably more toxic against protozoa than against mammalian cells while others are more cytotoxic than active against the protozoa. A comparative QSAR analysis was therefore undertaken, in order to discern the antiparasitic activity of STLs against T. brucei and cytotoxicity. Both activities were found to depend to a large extent on the same structural elements and molecular properties. The observed variance in the biological data can be explained in terms of subtle variations in the relative influences of various molecular descriptors.
SITHON: A Wireless Network of in Situ Optical Cameras Applied to the Early Detection-Notification-Monitoring of Forest Fires
Authors: Tsiourlis Georgios , Andreadakis Stamatis , Konstantinidis Pavlos
Published: June 2009

The SITHON system, a fully wireless optical imaging system, integrating a network of in-situ optical cameras linking to a multi-layer GIS database operated by Control Operating Centres, has been developed in response to the need for early detection, notification and monitoring of forest fires. This article presents in detail the architecture and the components of SITHON, and demonstrates the first encouraging results of an experimental test with small controlled fires over Sithonia Peninsula in Northern Greece. The system has already been scheduled to be installed in some fire prone areas of Greece.
An Economical Tandem Multiplex Real-Time PCR Technique for the Detection of a Comprehensive Range of Respiratory Pathogens
Authors: Chidlow Glenys R. , Harnett Gerry B. , Shellam Geoffrey R. , Smith David W.
Published: June 2009

This study used real-time PCR assays to screen small sample volumes for a comprehensive range of 35 respiratory pathogens. Initial thermocycling was limited to 20 cycles to avoid competition for reagents, followed by a secondary real-time multiplex PCR. Supplementary semi-nested human metapneumovirus and picornavirus PCR assays were required to complete the acute respiratory pathogen profile. Potential pathogens were detected in 85 (70%) of pernasal aspirates collected from 121 children with acute respiratory symptoms. Multiple pathogens were detected in 29 (24%) of those samples. The tandem multiplex real-time PCR was an efficient method for the rapid detection of multiple pathogens.
Fitotopónimos y sinfitotopónimos del poniente granadino
Authors: Benítez Cruz Guillermo , González-Tejero M. Reyes , Molero Mesa Joaquín
Published: June 2009

En el marco de la investigación etnobotánica desarrollada en el poniente granadino, se ha realizado un estudio sobre la toponimia de la comarca con atención a los apelativos de origen vegetal (fitotopónimos y sinfitotopónimos). La información —obtenida de la Gerencia Territorial del Catastro de Granada, de la Junta de Andalucía y de nuestro trabajo de campo— se ha incluido en una base de datos con el programa Microsoft Excell®. Un total de 98 especies vegetales se encuentran representadas en la toponimia local, dando nombre a 593 lugares del territorio. Se aportan comentarios sobre el significado ecológico, paleofitogeográfico y etnobotánico de las especies reflejadas en la toponimia.
El regreso de las abejas perdidas. Los niños salvajes en los límites de la cultura
Authors: García Alonso María
Published: June 2009

Los niños salvajes son una categoría de personas que tiene en común el haber pasado los primeros años de su vida en estado de aislamiento, entendiendo por aislamiento una situación en la que el individuo permanece sin compañía humana, aunque pueda convivir con otro tipo de animales sociales como lobos o monos. Este artículo plantea los principales modelos interpretativos sobre su existencia, que se han ido sucediendo a lo largo del tiempo, y que han convertido a estas criaturas en objetos privilegiados de la experimentación sobre los límites de la naturaleza humana y sobre los peligros de la cultura.
La cultura como conquista: Naturaleza y condición en la definición de la identidad humana
Authors: Díaz Viana Luis
Published: June 2009

En los últimos tiempos, el viejo debate en torno a naturaleza y cultura, que es una discusión —finalmente— sobre la definición de lo humano, ha adquirido las formas extremas de una pugna (tanto filosófica como a pie de calle) entre “animalistas” e “hiperhumanistas”; entre quienes pretenderían —humanizando a los animales en materias como las de sus derechos— propiciar, según sus opositores, una cierta “animalización del hombre” y quienes, desde las perspectivas contrarias, estarían agrandando la brecha entre los humanos y los animales para justificar —así— el maltrato y sacrificio de estos últimos en nombre de la tradición y la cultura. Este trabajo viene a recordar que los abusos reduccionistas del “sociobiologismo vulgar”, que ahora se presentan a veces como novedosos, ya fueron contestados suficientemente desde la antropología en el pasado; y propone, tanto frente a ellos como ante el “hiper-humanismo misticista”, la reivindicación de la cultura como conquista de nuestra especie por la que llegamos a ser humanos, recuperando —precisamente de este modo— el programa de aquella antropología que promovía, desde el conocimiento de la diversidad cultural, una positiva “humanización” del mundo.
Ecología, religiosidad e identidades a propósito del agua
Authors: Valencia García Ángeles
Published: June 2009

Los conflictos generados a partir de la gestión sobre el agua se han resuelto mediante un continuado proceso de apropiación simbólica o material de los lugares en los que el control, distribución y selección de las aguas planteaba problemas. La situación de las ermitas marianas como eje de resolución simbólica de conflictos terrenales, como los derivados de los litigios por límites entre pueblos, es una constante reiterada. La vinculación entre culto mariano y agua pone de manifiesto la existencia de intereses más o menos implícitos de una parte de la población que utiliza el dominio de los símbolos como instrumento de dominación real a través de la construcción de modelos identitarios locales o microcomarcales. Un cierto tipo de saber ha sido utilizado para generar una práctica social que, finalmente, se transforma en ideología. Así, las creencias están relacionadas tanto con factores ecológicos y económicos, como con otros referentes a la organización social. Las prácticas religiosas relacionadas con las fuentes consideradas milagrosas propician un modo de pensamiento; las fuentes, los ríos y los manantiales no son meros objetos de la naturaleza, sino hitos fundamentales de mapas cognitivos del entorno social y ambiental.
El agua que cura
Authors: Cátedra Tomás María
Published: June 2009

Focalizando la reflexión en cuatro balnearios diferentes —dos en España y dos en Portugal—, el artículo muestra las múltiples mediaciones sociales que operan en la terapéutica del agua en diferentes contextos: desde el uso local inserto en saberes populares, incluyendo lo lúdico en lo terapéutico que puede conectarse con la ilusión de un regreso a la naturaleza cuando ésta ya ha dejado de ser “natural”, a otros en los que el ocio es expresión de un estilo de vida exclusivo que incluye un acercamiento al paisaje como parte de la estética de una época y como refugio ante el stress urbano. Se observa así cómo estos usos del agua, que permiten concebir los balnearios bien como sanatorios de la naturaleza bien como negocios en los que el poder médico se pliega al de promotores turísticos convertidos en asesores de salud, se vinculan a concepciones diferentes no sólo del agua, sino de la sociedad misma y sus diferentes grupos.
Canibalismo siglo XXI. La actualidad popular de una vieja preocupación antropológica
Authors: López García Julián
Published: June 2009

En el artículo analizo el diálogo entre canibalismo occidental y canibalismo de indígenas no occidentales. Aludo a la contracción entre las evidencias caníbales de inspiración occidental y la lucha ideológica no sólo por expulsarlo fuera de nuestra cultura sino por otorgarle un papel fetiche, condensador de todos los males de la diferencia. Sin embargo a partir del siglo XX asistimos a distintos episodios que acercan el canibalismo (real y simbólico) a la cultura popular occidental de manera que se va matizando la relación entre canibalismo y mal y por tanto se va diluyendo su papel como signo diacrítico de la diferencia: eso abona el terreno para excentricidades artísticas pero también para el tráfico de órganos. Termino con una alusión al papel de la Antropología en este último siglo construyendo y destruyendo el mito del canibalismo.
Fosas comunes, paisajes del terror
Authors: Ferrándiz Francisco
Published: June 2009

Las exhumaciones de fosas comunes de la Guerra Civil española y la posguerra de la última década, muy especialmente de fosas abandonadas de la retaguardia franquista, se han colocado en un lugar central de los debates contemporáneos sobre la naturaleza y alcance de la contienda y el régimen que surgió de ella. En este artículo, se analiza la complejidad y dinamismo del proceso, que incluye desde iniciativas políticas y judiciales de enorme proyección pública y mediática, como la Ley de la Memoria o el controvertido auto de Garzón sobre los crímenes del franquismo, hasta acciones locales a veces fallidas, imperceptibles o efímeras, pero no menos cruciales. Desde el punto de vista de muchos de los actores sociales implicados en las exhumaciones, reabrir las fosas forma parte de un ejercicio básico de justicia y ‘dignificación’, al mostrar la magnitud y sistematicidad de la represión y revertir una situación insostenible de disposición ‘infrahumana’ de los cadáveres de las personas fusiladas, cristalizada en la expresión ‘tirados’ o ‘enterrados como perros’, usada con frecuencia para justificar las exhumaciones. Las políticas de dignificación o ‘rehumanización’ de estos muertos mal enterrados están incorporando en los últimos meses elementos provenientes del derecho transnacional, como el concepto de ‘crímenes contra la humanidad’.
Miradas antropológicas a las relaciones entre naturaleza y cultura. A modo de introducción
Authors: Tomé Pedro
Published: June 2009

A modo de introducción general del volumen, las páginas siguientes pretenden mostrar algunas de las preguntas que, desde sus inicios, la antropología social y cultural se ha planteado cuando ha investigado en las relaciones entre lo que los clásicos denominaban naturaleza y cultura. La exploración de estas relaciones ha sido una constante para los antropólogos de todas las tendencias y orientaciones teóricas por lo que las respuestas a los problemas planteados han abarcado desde la consideración de ambos polos como entes sustantivos de carácter excluyente, hasta la consideración de los mismos como elementos situados en un continuum; desde el biologismo extremo al culturalismo, desde etnoecologías particulares a reflexiones universalizadoras. En cualquier caso, lo relevante de las múltiples perspectivas que se ofrecen es que, en una época en que la globalización ambiental es incuestionable, la antropología inserta su bagaje y su comprensión de la transculturalidad en la búsqueda de soluciones a unos problemas ambientales que se han tornado parte de las discusiones cotidianas de miles de personas en todo el mundo.
Isaiah 36–39: Rethinking the issues of priority and historical reliability
Authors: Anderson Joel E. , Venter Pieter M.
Published: June 2009

Isaiah 36–39 is a coherent literary unity that both holds priority over II Kings 18–20 and reflects a historically reliable interpretation of the events surrounding Sennacherib’s invasion. On a literary level, Isaiah 36–39 shows itself to be a vital piece of the overall literary structure of Proto-Isaiah in that it highlights the fulfilment of Isaiah’s initial Immanuel prophecy in chapters 7–12. The historical occasion for the writing of Isaiah 36–39 is early on during the reign of Manasseh, when opinion in Judah would have been divided over how to interpret the historical events surrounding Sennacherib’s invasion. Isaiah 36–39, therefore, sought to vindicate Hezekiah as a faithful and righteous king, Isaiah as a true prophet and YHWH as the one true God, in contrast to Manasseh’s policy changes that clearly reflected his opinion that Hezekiah was a foolish king, Isaiah was a false prophet and YHWH was not powerful enough to protect Judah.
Application of Synchrotron Radiation Techniques for Model Validation of Advanced Structural Materials
Authors: Froideval Annick , Samaras Maria , Iglesias Roberto , Pouchon Manuel A. , Chen Jiachao , Grolimund Daniel , Raabe Joerg , Schuppler Stefan , Victoria Maximo , Hoffelner Wolfgang
Published: June 2009

Synchrotron radiation techniques represent powerful tools to characterize materials down to the nanometer level. This paper presents a survey of the state‐of‐the‐art synchrotron‐based techniques which are particularly well‐suited for investigating materials properties. Complementary X‐ray absorption techniques such as extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD), photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) are used to address the individual local atomic structure and magnetic moments in Fe–Cr model systems. The formation of atomic clusters/precipitates in such systems is also investigated by means of scanning transmission X‐ray microscopy (STXM). Such advanced analytical techniques can not only offer valuable structural and magnetic information on such systems, they can also serve for validating computational calculations performed at different time and length scales which can help improve materials lifetime predictions.
Principles of Highly Resolved Determination of Texture and Microstructure using High‐Energy Synchrotron Radiation
Authors: Klein Helmut
Published: June 2009

Diffraction imaging with hard X‐rays (high‐energy synchrotron radiation) using the detector sweeping techniques allows measurement of the texture and microstructure of polycrystalline materials with high orientation‐ and location‐resolution. These techniques provide continuous two‐dimensional images of different sections and projections of the six‐dimensional “orientation‐location” space. For the high orientation resolution case, it is possible to measure the orientation and location coordinates of up to 105 individual grains simultaneously. From these parameters, the grain size and shape can also be obtained, yielding the complete orientation stereology of the polycrystalline aggregate, which is required for its complete characterization. For the high location resolution case, the intensity at any point of the diagrams corresponds to a pole density as a function of the orientation‐location space.
Producing Supramolecular Functional Materials Based on Fiber Network Reconstruction
Authors: Tang Shaokun , Liu Xiang Yang , Strom Christina S.
Published: June 2009

Here, the creation of new supramolecular functional materials based on the reconstruction of three‐dimensional interconnecting self‐organized nanofiber networks by a surfactant is reported. The system under investigation is N‐lauroyl‐L‐glutamic acid di‐n‐butylamide in propylene glycol. The architecture of networks is implemented in terms of surfactants, e.g. sorbitan monolaurate. The elastic performance of the soft functional material is either weakened or strengthened (up to 300% for the current system) by reconstructing the topology of a fiber network. A topology transition of gel fiber network from spherulite‐like to comb‐like to spherulite‐like is performed with the introduction of this surfactant. The Span 20 molecules are selectively adsorbed on the side surfaces of the crystalline fibers and promote the nucleation of side branches, giving rise to the transformation of the network architecture from spherulite‐like topology to comb‐like topology. At high surfactant concentrations, the occurrence of micelles may provide an increasing number of nucleation centers for spherulitic growth, leading to the reformation of spherulite‐like topology. An analysis on fiber network topology supports and verifies a perfect agreement between the topological behavior and the rheological behavior of the functional materials. The approach identified in this study opens up a completely new avenue in designing and producing self‐supporting supramolecular functional materials with designated macroscopic properties.
Evolution of Electrical, Chemical, and Structural Properties of Transparent and Conducting Chemically Derived Graphene Thin Films
Authors: Mattevi Cecilia , Eda Goki , Agnoli Stefano , Miller Steve , Mkhoyan K. Andre , Celik Ozgur , Mastrogiovanni Daniel , Granozzi Gaetano , Garfunkel Eric , Chhowalla Manish
Published: June 2009

A detailed description of the electronic properties, chemical state, and structure of uniform single and few‐layered graphene oxide (GO) thin films at different stages of reduction is reported. The residual oxygen content and structure of GO are monitored and these chemical and structural characteristics are correlated to electronic properties of the thin films at various stages of reduction. It is found that the electrical characteristics of reduced GO do not approach those of intrinsic graphene obtained by mechanical cleaving because the material remains significantly oxidized. The residual oxygen forms sp3 bonds with carbon atoms in the basal plane such that the carbon sp2 bonding fraction in fully reduced GO is ∼0.80. The minority sp3 bonds disrupt the transport of carriers delocalized in the sp2 network, limiting the mobility, and conductivity of reduced GO thin films. Extrapolation of electrical conductivity data as a function of oxygen content reveals that complete removal of oxygen should lead to properties that are comparable to graphene.
Microwave regeneration of zeolites in a 1 meter column
Authors: Meier Matthias , Turner Michael , Vallee Steven , Conner William C. , Lee Kyu Ho , Yngvesson Karl S.
Published: June 2009

Although sorption is a common method of removing volatile organic compounds (VOC's) from processes, the adsorbent must be regenerated to repeat the process. The use of microwaves to regenerate the bed of adsorbent can be more efficient than conventional heating methods. Desorption of methanol from a silicalite zeolite was studied by the use of microwaves in cylindrical column. Temperature probes at five axial and three radial positions monitored the temperature profile in time. A significant amount of microwave energy passed through the dry zeolite bed, whereas a strong attenuation occurs if methanol is adsorbed. The radial temperature distribution conforms to theoretical predictions; however, microwave reflections cause a distortion of the predictions in the axial direction. Irregularities during the saturation of the bed indicated a chemical reaction during the irradiation with microwaves. A fraction of the methanol reacted under microwave irradiation to form dimethylether and water, and to methoxylate the zeolite surface. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Equations to predict precipitation onset and bubblepoint pressures of asphaltenic reservoir fluids
Authors: del Rio J. M. , Ramirez‐Jaramillo E. , Lira‐Galeana C.
Published: June 2009

A set of algebraic equations to predict upper onset‐of‐precipitation and bubble‐point pressures of asphaltene‐containing reservoir fluids in wide temperature ranges are proposed. In developing the equations, laboratory data of 11 Mexican and 12 more live oils have been analyzed, and a correlation of these data with temperature has been found. A modified least‐squares regression method has been used to develop two versions of the proposed equations. In one version, a single pressure/temperature data point is required to predict the entire onset/bubble‐point curves at any temperature. For oils with no experimental precipitation data available at all, a second version of the proposed expressions employs standard chromatographic data of the reservoir fluid to provide a reasonable prediction. The average absolute deviations in calculated onset and bubble‐point pressures by the proposed equations are 2.53 and 0.45MPa by the one‐point correlations, respectively, and 3.96 and 1.62 MPa by the compositionally‐based correlations, respectively. The developed expressions are simple and can be used to provide reasonable predictions of upper onset and bubble‐point pressures of asphaltenic live oils in cases where laboratory data are scarce. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Assessment of airborne and dermal exposure to 2‐ethoxyethyl acetate in an occupational environment
Authors: Shih Tung‐Sheng , Kuo Yu‐Chieh , Liang Ro‐Han , Liou Saou‐Hsing , Chang Ho‐Yuan , Chou Tzu‐Chieh
Published: June 2009

Background

Because of its chemical–physical properties, 2‐ethoxyethyl acetate (EEAc) can penetrate through the skin. However, no actual occupational environmental studies or empirical dermal exposure measurements have been performed.

Methods

Twenty workers from a commercial label silk screening shop were recruited and they completed a questionnaire of demographic information. Environmental monitoring of EEAc exposure via respiratory and dermal routes was performed for five consecutive working days.

Results

Airborne EEAc concentration was over the permissible exposure limit of 5 ppm in 90% of the participants. The dermal EEAc concentration was highest on the palms. The EEAc concentration correlated with skin exposure level (P < 0.001). The dermal EEAc concentrations in individuals who did not wear gloves were higher than in those who wore gloves.

Conclusions

EEAc on the skin is strongly associated with airborne EEAc. Wearing impermeable gloves during high‐risk tasks (cleaning process) can reduce EEAc dermal exposure on the palms. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:654–661, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hartsfield holoprosencephaly–ectrodactyly syndrome in five male patients: Further delineation and review
Authors: Vilain Catheline , Mortier Geert , Van Vliet Guy , Dubourg Christèle , Heinrichs Claudine , de Silva Deephti , Verloes Alain , Baumann Clarisse
Published: June 2009

We report on five male subjects with a triad of signs compatible with Hartsfield syndrome: ectrodactyly, holoprosencephaly, and mental retardation. Only six patients with this distinctive association have been reported over the past 20 years, all of them being males. Of the patients described here, some have unreported findings such as vermian hypoplasia in one and prolonged survival into adulthood in two. Two patients developed central diabetes insipidus. All were mentally retarded. No abnormalities were found at the cytogenetic level, including array CGH in two. No known genes for holoprosencephaly or ectrodactyly were found, including GLI2. The cause of Hartsfield syndrome is unknown. An X‐linked defect is possible, although no recurrences have been described to date. Our observations almost double the number of cases. They underscore the usefulness of fetal brain imaging in the differential diagnosis of syndromal clefting diagnosed in utero, particularly when ectrodactyly–ectodermal dysplasia‐clefting syndrome is suspected. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reconciliation in captive cotton‐top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus), a cooperative breeding primate
Authors: Peñate Laura , Peláez Fernando , Sánchez Susana
Published: June 2009

Reconciliation has been demonstrated in all primate species in which the phenomenon has been studied. However, reconciliation has been studied in only two species of callitrichids, and conclusions remain controversial. The first aim of this study has been to find out whether captive cotton‐top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) reconcile, since this is the first such study on this species. We examined 227 conflicts in three family groups (N=19). Instances in which individuals remained together in t=0 (29; 12.8%) were not analyzed. The cotton‐top tamarins showed heightened affiliation between opponents in the postconflict periods (PC) compared with matched control (MC) periods (39.88±5.12% and 3.18±1.27%, respectively), with a corrected conciliatory tendency of 37.17±5.37%, and a “time window” that included the first 180 sec of the PC period. Former opponents were the most likely recipient of affiliative behaviors during the PC periods: 39.83±4.26% vs. 11.36±5.33% during MC periods. The proportion of attracted pairs (47.13±6.25%) was significantly higher than those of dispersed pairs for male–male conflicts (3.79±1.79), but not for male–female conflicts (27.31±9.32 and 4.82±2.9, respectively). In cooperative‐breeding species, specific sex‐class dyads might differ in how they resolve conflicts. Am. J. Primatol. 71:895–900, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.