Crónicas, reliquias, piedras legendarias y coronaciones en la Edad Media

Este artículo es un estudio histórico de la leyenda de la «Piedra del Destino», que fue parte del asiento del trono de coronación de los reyes de Escocia y que fue trasladada a la abadía de Westminster por el rey Eduardo de Inglaterra, que la situó bajo el trono de la coronación de los reyes de Inglaterra. La «Piedra del Destino», como muchas reliquias y antigüedades de la Edad Media, tuvo una larga historia, escrita por cronistas e historiadores. Una historia muy semejante a otras translationes de reliquias. La historia de la «Piedra del Destino» contiene ricos aspectos jurídicos, políticos y sacrales. Para comprenderlos es necesario analizar las crónicas, entendidas como textos históricos, que dan sentido a los rituales jurídicos y políticos de la Edad Media.

Understandings of transnational families in debates on Migration and development

International migration sets in motion a range of significant transnational processes that connect countries and people. How migration interacts with development and how policies might promote and enhance such interactions have, since the turn of the millennium, gained attention on the international agenda. The recognition that transnational practices connect migrants and their families across sending and receiving societies forms part of this debate. The ways in which policy debate employs and understands transnational family ties nevertheless remain underexplored. This article sets out to discern the understandings of the family in two (often intermingled) debates concerned with transnational interactions: The largely state and policydriven discourse on the potential benefits of migration on economic development, and the largely academic transnational family literature focusing on issues of care and the micro-politics of gender and generation. Emphasizing the relation between diverse migration-development dynamics and specific family positions, we ask whether an analytical point of departure in respective transnational motherhood, fatherhood or childhood is linked to emphasizing certain outcomes. We conclude by sketching important strands of inclusions and exclusions of family matters in policy discourse and suggest ways to better integrate a transnational family perspective in global migration-development policy.

Source Provenance of Pre-Historic Granitic Grindstones: The Case Study of the Cogotas I Archaeological Site of Arroyo Mucientes/San Lázaro (Castronuño, Valladolid) and a Proposal on the General Methodological Flow Process

The occurrence of hand grindstones at the Cogotas I archaeological sites is considered to be a common feature. Given that a distant-provenance raw material is frequently involved, determination of its source is a basic factor in the search for a better understanding of resource management and for any Political Economy approach. To progress in these directions an overall study should be planned, using selected grindstones with a view to covering diverse sub-zones of the Cogotas I dispersal area, especially because of its considerable distance from the granite basement source. Such a study may today includes diverse analytical procedures combining successive geographic, petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical criteria. To check the plausibility of the proposed methodology, a preliminary test has been carried out on two granite grindstones, obtained at the archaeological excavation at the Castronuño (Valladolid) Cogotian site, which is fifty km away from an inferred source area that was presumably located at Peñausende (Zamora). The result obtained validates the proposed operational process, yielding a generalizable knowledge to other similar situations.

Metáforas del amor en la poesía de la Grecia antigua (I): la épica y la lírica arcaicas

Partiendo del concepto de metáfora cognitiva, que complementa al más conocido de metáfora literaria, y analizando la base conceptual que a ambas subyace, pretendemos un cuidadoso análisis de los textos de poesía épica y lírica arcaicas, sin olvidar la importancia fundamental del contexto cultural en que estos surgen, para obtener una mejor comprensión de la forma en que los griegos conceptualizaban el sentimiento amoroso.

Exploring an Ancestral Irish Adage

This paper will examine the various processes through which the folktale ‘On the Advantage of Silence’, first recorded by the Persian poet Sa’di in his The Gulistān (Rose Garden) (1258),has been altered in terms of content, style and function since the 13th century. Particular emphasis will be placed on the expression ‘tied stones and loose dogs’ which became its punch line in jest tales of the 17th and 18th centuries, and which was subsequently appropriated in the Irish language as a blason populaire denigrating the town of Ballyneety,Co. Limerick, and then as a legal expression in the Irish legal system in the 20th century.

Histopathology findings in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus Linnaeus, 1758) with chronic weight loss associated with bile tract obstruction by infestation with Platynosomum (Loos, 1907)

Chronic weight loss in marmosets is often associated with wasting marmoset syndrome (WMS), an important disease that occurs in callitrichid colonies around the world. Even though its etiology is very difficult to determine, particular variables, such as weight loss, diarrhea and alopecia, associated or not with infestation in the pancreatic ducts with Trichospirura leptossoma (Nematoda: Thelazioidea), seem to be linked with the syndrome. This study investigated the histopathology of the lungs, duodenum, liver, gallbladder, extrahepatic bile ducts and pancreatic ducts of six common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) suffering from severe non-diarrheic weight loss. Three individuals died naturally and the other three were euthanized. Microscopic findings showed the presence of adult flukes (Platynosomum) in the liver. These flukes, which provoke common infection in cats, were also observed inside the gallbladder as well as in the intra and extrahepatic bile ducts in common marmosets. Portal fibrosis was observed in two animals, which developed chronic fibrosing hepatopathy (biliary pattern, grade 3). The disease progresses without diarrhea and without pancreatic lesions or infestation. With the rogression, the animals presented with ascending cholangitis, cholestasis and portal fibrosis, sometimes culminating in secondary biliary cirrhosis. Therefore, this nfirmity, associated with chronic weight loss in common marmosets, could be another tiological factor linked with WMS

Stability of Granular Base Course Materials Containing Bituminous Admixtures

This report concerns the stabilization of three crushed limestones by an ss-1 asphalt emulsion and an asphalt cement, 120-150 penetration. Stabilization is evaluated by marshall stability and triaxial shear tests. Test specimens were compacted by the marshall, standard proctor and vibratory methods. Stabilization is evaluated primarily by triaxial shear tests in which confining pressures of 0 to 80 psi were used. Data were obtained on the angle of internal friction, cohesion, volume change, pore water pressure and strain characteristics of the treated and untreated aggregates. The MOHR envelope, bureau of reclamation and modified stress path methods were used to determine shear strength parameters at failure. Several significant conclusions developed by the authors are as follows: (1) the values for effective angle of internal friction and effective cohesion were substantially independent of asphalt content, (2) straight line MOHR envelopes of failure were observed for all treated stones, (3) bituminous admixtures did little to improve volume change (deformation due to load) characteristics of the three crushed limestones, (4) with respect to pore water characteristics (pore pressures and suctions due to lateral loading), bituminous treatment notably improved only the bedford stone, and (5) at low lateral pressures bituminous treatments increased stability by limiting axial strain. This would reduce rutting of highway bases. At high lateral pressures treated stone was less stable than untreated stone.

Histopathology findings in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus Linnaeus, 1758) with chronic weight loss associated with bile tract obstruction by infestation with Platynosomum (Loos, 1907)

Chronic weight loss in marmosets is often associated with wasting marmoset syndrome (WMS), an important disease that occurs in callitrichid colonies around the world. Even though its etiology is very difficult to determine, particular variables, such as weight loss, diarrhea and alopecia, associated or not with infestation in the pancreatic ducts with Trichospirura leptossoma (Nematoda: Thelazioidea), seem to be linked with the syndrome. This study investigated the histopathology of the lungs, duodenum, liver, gallbladder, extrahepatic bile ducts and pancreatic ducts of six common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) suffering from severe non-diarrheic weight loss. Three individuals died naturally and the other three were euthanized. Microscopic findings showed the presence of adult flukes (Platynosomum) in the liver. These flukes, which provoke common infection in cats, were also observed inside the gallbladder as well as in the intra and extrahepatic bile ducts in common marmosets. Portal fibrosis was observed in two animals, which developed chronic fibrosing hepatopathy (biliary pattern, grade 3). The disease progresses without diarrhea and without pancreatic lesions or infestation. With the rogression, the animals presented with ascending cholangitis, cholestasis and portal fibrosis, sometimes culminating in secondary biliary cirrhosis. Therefore, this nfirmity, associated with chronic weight loss in common marmosets, could be another tiological factor linked with WMS

Endoscopic treatment of difficult choledocholithiasis

Common bile duct stones can be treated with normal endoscopic techniques. Where stones cannot be removed due to their size or number or due to stenosis of the common bile duct, a plastic stent can be inserted, enabling rapid drainage of bile. At the three-month check-up complete removal of the stones was found in 41 (85.4%) of the 48 patients with difficult choledocholithiasis. In the remaining 7 patients (14.6%), the stent in any case resulted in clinical improvement. A permanent stent was necessary in 4 patients, enabling safe drainage with no complications. The use of endoscopy for stent placement was effective in all our cases of difficult coledocholithiasis without any complications.

Cholecystectomy by single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS): early experience and technique standardization

Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) is a recent surgical technique, first described in the 1990s. Its aim is to optimize the esthetic result offered by laparoscopy by minimizing the number of abdominal incisions. Various preliminary studies have been carried out on the application of SILS, especially in cholecystectomy and appendectomy. This study evaluates the preliminary results of cholecystectomy by SILS (SILS™ Port) conducted between October 2009 and February 2011 on 21 patients (4 men and 17 women) with a mean age of 49.9 years and a mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of 22.8. All patients were treated by the same team, which had previously undergone six months’ simulator training. There were two main selection criteria, both evaluated intraoperatively: absence of adhesions and of significant inflammatory sequelae from previous cholecystitis; and suitable distance between gallbladder and SILS access port. Conversion to traditional laparoscopy was necessary in just two cases, while an accessory trocar was introduced in another two cases. Conversion to open surgery was not necessary in any case. One case of SILS cholecystectomy was complicated by postoperative bile leakage, which was treated conservatively, as the fistula had a low output. The mean duration of hospitalization was 3.6 days. This preliminary experience led us to conclude that SILS is safe and highly satisfactory in the postoperative phase, thanks to the reduced need for painkillers and the improved esthetic result.

L'influence de l'intervention de l'équipe de psychogériatrie a domicile sur le bien-être psychologique de la personne âgée

L'influence de l'intervention de l'équipe multidisciplinaire de psychogériatrie à domicile sur le bien-être psychologique de la personne âgée. L'organisation des soins de santé a subi plusieurs modifications importantes au cours de la dernière décennie afin de répondre aux besoins engendrés par le vieillissement de la population et de favoriser le maintien à domicile des personnes âgées. Les équipes sous-régionales de psychogériatrie à domicile mises en place en 1986 à Montréal et à Québec sont au coeur de ces modifications. L'existence relativement récente de ce programme a pu contribuer au fait qu'il n'y ait jamais eu d'évaluation auprès des personnes âgées bénéficiaires de ce service. La présente recherche tentera de combler cette lacune. L'objectif visé est de mesurer l'influence de l'intervention de l'équipe sur le bien-être psychologique des sujets. Un plan de recherche quasi expérimental fut élaboré utilisant les clients référés à l'équipe. Selon le plan original il avait été prévu de former un groupe contrôle a posteriori avec les sujets qui n'auraient pas encore reçu l'intervention au post-test, mais ce groupe n'a pu être formé comme souhaité à cause des contraintes rencontrées. L'échantillon par convenance est composé de dix sujets: 6 femmes et 4 hommes âgés entre 61 et 84 ans, bénéficiaires des services à domicile et référés à trois équipes de psychogériatrie à domicile dans la région de Montréal. La grille MUNSH (Memorial University of Newfoundland Scale of Happiness) révisée de Kozma et Stones (1991) fut appliquée à domicile lors d'une entrevue structurée avant et après l'intervention de l'équipe. Les données furent traitées à l'aide de statistiques corrélationnelles et vérificationnelles afin d'établir une relation entre les variables. Les résultats démontrent que l'intervention de l'équipe multidisciplinaire de psychogériatrie à domicile a une influence positive sur le bien-être psychologique de la personne âgée tel que mesuré par la grille MUNSH. Même si statistiquement les résultats des différences au prétest et au post-test permettraient d'établir un lien causal entre l'intervention et l'amélioration du bien-être psychologique de la personne âgée, le fait que le groupe contrôle a posteriori n'a pu être matérialisé a donc apporté des modifications au devis original ne permettant plus de vérifier ce lien causal. La discussion explique les différents facteurs autres que l'intervention ayant pu contribuer à l'amélioration des sujets. Il en ressort toutefois que l'intervention de l'équipe est intensive et spécialisée et que l'intervention en soi semble plus pertinente que sa durée et le délai d'attente.

Sistema de realidade aumentada no procedimento cirúrgico de remoção de pedras nos rins

A inovação tecnológica e as facilidades que gera tem tido um impacto crescente em diversas área, inclusivamente na medicina. A rápida evolução por parte de algumas tecnologias, como é o caso da Realidade Aumentada (RA), criam excelentes oportunidades, nomeadamente para intervenções cirúrgicas laparoscópicas, que apresentam especialmente problemas ao nível da exposição do doente a radiação. O presente documento detalha todo o processo de investigação e desenvolvimento realizado com a pretensão de criar um sistema de navegação por RA que auxilie o procedimento cirúrgico laparoscópico de remoção de pedras nos rins. Com este objetivo em perspetiva, e numa parceria com a empresa ECmedica LTD, foram desenvolvidos quatro protótipo funcionais. Com o intuito de compreender as melhores práticas de sistemas de input, interface e sistema de registo a aplicar, estes integraram aspetos inovadores tais como a utilização de uma sonda ultra-som, como substituta do raioX, e um registo feito através de sensores magnéticos. Apoiados numa metodologia de design centrado no utilizador e em instrumentos de análise como entrevistas e observação natural, os protótipos foram testados, obtendo respostas esclarecedoras relativamente ao objetivos dos protótipos. Foi observado que a RA é vista pelos médicos como uma solução com potencial, com as soluções apresentadas ao nível de inputs, interface e registo a serem bem recebidas. A projeção bidimensional oferecida pela imagem ultra-som foi encarada como insuficientes, sendo sugerida a sua substituição por um aumento tridimensional capaz de facilitar a correta inserção da agulha.

Civita Castellana (VT). Indagini archeologiche di emergenza nel suburbio di Falerii Veteres

In 2013 the works for the construction of the new sewerage network in Civita Castellana have allowed to find a stretch of ancient road paved in via Roma in the suburb of Falerii Veteres. The street was not yet known by archaeologists. It is characterized by a pavement with small lava stones. We know that the Roman conquest of 241 B.C. entailed the abandonment of the Faliscan city and the foundation elsewhere of a new town, called Falerii Novi. However this new discovery joins to other known archaeological evidence documenting the continuity of attendance after this date both the sanctuaries - frequented until the end of II - beginning of I century B.C.- and Falerii Veteres plateau, on which there arose a small Roman burial ground. These testimonies are certainly evidence of the frequenting of the site (although limited) even after the conquest by Rome. A subsequent earthy street with edges in tuff blocks has overlapped on the ancient street: it probably was made when the eastern access to Civita Castellana was built, under the pontificate of Pope Pius VI.

A petrographic investigation into the durability of common replacement sandstones to the crystallisation of de-icing salts

Scottish sandstone buildings are now suffering the long-term effects of salt-crystallisation damage, owing in part to the repeated deposition of de-icing salts during winter months. The use of de-icing salts is necessary in order to maintain safe road and pavement conditions during cold weather, but their use comes at a price. Sodium chloride (NaCl), which is used as the primary de-icing salt throughout the country, is a salt known to be damaging to sandstone masonry. However, there remains a range of alternative, commercially available de-icing salts. It is unknown however, what effect these salts have on porous building materials, such as sandstone. In order to protect our built heritage against salt-induced decay, it is vital to understand the effects of these different salts on the range of sandstone types that we see within the historic buildings of Scotland. Eleven common types of sandstone were characterised using a suite of methods in order to understand their mineralogy, pore structure and their response to moisture movement, which are vital properties that govern a stone’s response to weathering and decay. Sandstones were then placed through a range of durability tests designed to measure their resistance to various weathering processes. Three salt crystallisation tests were undertaken on the sandstones over a range of 16 to 50 cycles, which tested their durability to NaCl, CaCl2, MgCl2 and a chloride blend salt. Samples were primarily analysed by measuring their dry weight loss after each cycle, visually after each cycle and by other complimentary methods in order to understand their changing response to moisture uptake after salt treatment. Salt crystallisation was identified as the primary mechanism of decay across each salt, with the extent of damage in each sandstone influenced by environmental conditions and pore-grain properties of the stone. Damage recorded in salt crystallisation tests was ultimately caused by the generation of high crystallisation pressures within the confined pore networks of each stone. Stone and test-specific parameters controlled the location and magnitude of damage, with the amount of micro-pores, their spatial distribution, the water absorption coefficient and the drying efficiency of each stone being identified as the most important stone-specific properties influencing salt-induced decay. Strong correlations were found between the dry weight loss of NaCl treated samples and the proportion of pores <1µm in diameter. Crystallisation pressures are known to scale inversely with pore size, while the spatial distribution of these micro-pores is thought to influence the rate, overall extent and type of decay within the stone by concentrating crystallisation pressures in specific regions of the stone. The water absorption determines the total amount of moisture entering into the stone, which represents the total amount of void space for salt crystallisation. The drying parameters on the other hand, ultimately control the distribution of salt crystallisation. Those stones that were characterised by a combination of a high proportion of micro-pores, high water absorption values and slow drying kinetics were shown to be most vulnerable to NaCl-induced decay. CaCl2 and MgCl2 are shown to have similar crystallisation behaviour, forming thin crystalline sheets under low relative humidity and/or high temperature conditions. Distinct differences in their behaviour that are influenced by test specific criteria were identified. The location of MgCl2 crystallisation close to the stone surface, as influenced by prolonged drying under moderate temperature drying conditions, was identified as the main factor that caused substantial dry weight loss in specific stone types. CaCl2 solutions remained unaffected under these conditions and only crystallised under high temperatures. Homogeneous crystallisation of CaCl2 throughout the stone produced greater internal change, with little dry weight loss recorded. NaCl formed distinctive isometric hopper crystals that caused damage through the non-equilibrium growth of salts in trapped regions of the stone. Damage was sustained as granular decay and contour scaling across most stone types. The pore network and hydric properties of the stones continually evolve in response to salt crystallisation, creating a dynamic system whereby the initial, known properties of clean quarried stone will not continually govern the processes of salt crystallisation, nor indeed can they continually predict the behaviour of stone to salt-induced decay.

Acute Acalculous Cholecystitis as a Presenting Manifestation in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is known to involve the gastrointestinal tract, but gallbladder involvement is rare. The authors report the case of a 26-year-old postpartum female who presented with acute right upper quadrant abdominal pain and was diagnosed with acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC). In the presence of concomitant features of nephritis, pericardial effusion, anaemia and positive ANA titre, the diagnosis of SLE was confirmed during hospitalisation. Histopathological analysis of the gall bladder revealed evidence of vasculitis. Although rare, AAC can be the first presentation of patients diagnosed with SLE. Prompt diagnosis and management results in a better patient outcome.