Emplotment as Epic in Archaeological Writing: The Site Monograph as Narrative

To emplot a narrative as epic is to present a story of vast scope and multiple plots as a legitimate member of a tradition of other such stories. This article argues that emplotment as epic is the broadest of three levels of plot in archaeological writings. At that level, the site monograph emerges as a characteristically archaeological form of narrative, fundamental to archaeology as a discipline and a source of chronic anxiety for archaeologists. The ‘stories’ told in site monographs are epic in length, diversity of materials covered and multiplicity of themes, plots and authors. Indeed, the more complexities of that sort the better, since those are features that help to emplot the work as good archaeology

Diminished osmotic and chemically induced haemolysis of human erythrocytes following exposure to contrast media molecules.

International audienceRadiocontrast molecules (RCM) used in coronaroangiography and/or urography diminished their osmotic fragility when they were incubated for 30 min with human erythrocytes. The shift of the osmotic fragility curve towards lower NaCl concentration is related to the hypertonicity of RCM, but in addition, at a given osmolality (100 +/- 5 mosm/kg), RCM at the concentration of 4-10% v/v increase the resistance to osmotic lysis or even suppress it. Similar protection is observed towards erythrocyte lysis induced by a detergent (saponin), polyenic antibiotic (filipin) or non-polyenic cholesterol-specific agent (digitonin). The effect is (1) proportional to the amount of RCM present, (2) independent of hypertonicity of the molecule, and (3) related to the nature of acidic molecules. A weak insertion of RCM into the erythrocyte membrane is suggested since it was suppressed by a single washing of the cells.Radiocontrast molecules (RCM) used in coronaroangiography and/or urography diminished their osmotic fragility when they were incubated for 30 min with human erythrocytes. The shift of the osmotic fragility curve towards lower NaCl concentration is related to the hypertonicity of RCM, but in addition, at a given osmolality (100 +/- 5 mosm/kg), RCM at the concentration of 4-10% v/v increase the resistance to osmotic lysis or even suppress it. Similar protection is observed towards erythrocyte lysis induced by a detergent (saponin), polyenic antibiotic (filipin) or non-polyenic cholesterol-specific agent (digitonin). The effect is (1) proportional to the amount of RCM present, (2) independent of hypertonicity of the molecule, and (3) related to the nature of acidic molecules. A weak insertion of RCM into the erythrocyte membrane is suggested since it was suppressed by a single washing of the cells

Contrast agents used for excretory urography impair platelet function in human patients.

International audienceThe platelet function was investigated in 65 patients submitted to diagnostic excretion urography (injection of 60 ml contrast medium). Blood sampling was performed before (T0) 90 seconds after (T1) and 30 minutes after (T2) injection of the radiocontrast molecule (RCM). Five RCM of different osmolality ionicity and nature of the lateral chain have been tested. Platelet aggregation, platelet release of ATP, osmolality, total calcemia and ionized calcium level were determined on each plasma sample as well as RCM concentration at T1 and T2. Decrease (20 - 40%) of platelet aggregation occurred at T1, whichever platelet aggregating agent (ADP, collagen, Ristocetin or thrombin) were used (significant after Iopamidol 300 and Na Meg Ioxaglate). Platelet release of ATP induced by collagen was also decreased or delayed. These changes were rapidly reversible and a tendency to improvement was observed at T2. Among the five RCM tested, one (Na Diatrizoate) might be a proaggregating agent. No changes of osmolality occurred in the plasma and no correlation could be established between RCM concentration and platelet inhibition. A pathogenic hypothesis is suggested by the significant fall of total and ionized calcium level after RCM injection.The platelet function was investigated in 65 patients submitted to diagnostic excretion urography (injection of 60 ml contrast medium). Blood sampling was performed before (T0) 90 seconds after (T1) and 30 minutes after (T2) injection of the radiocontrast molecule (RCM). Five RCM of different osmolality ionicity and nature of the lateral chain have been tested. Platelet aggregation, platelet release of ATP, osmolality, total calcemia and ionized calcium level were determined on each plasma sample as well as RCM concentration at T1 and T2. Decrease (20 - 40%) of platelet aggregation occurred at T1, whichever platelet aggregating agent (ADP, collagen, Ristocetin or thrombin) were used (significant after Iopamidol 300 and Na Meg Ioxaglate). Platelet release of ATP induced by collagen was also decreased or delayed. These changes were rapidly reversible and a tendency to improvement was observed at T2. Among the five RCM tested, one (Na Diatrizoate) might be a proaggregating agent. No changes of osmolality occurred in the plasma and no correlation could be established between RCM concentration and platelet inhibition. A pathogenic hypothesis is suggested by the significant fall of total and ionized calcium level after RCM injection

Immediate and long-term evolution of the blood-venous graft interface. Experimental study in dogs.

International audienceEndothelial damage and repair in autogenous saphenous vein grafts was evaluated serially from 30 s to 9 months after implantation into the femoral arteries of 25 dogs. Light and scanning electron microscopy, quantitative morphometry and cytochemistry with specific rabbit antidog factor VIII-related antigen were used. These studies demonstrate: (1) early complete endothelial cell desquamation both on the venous graft and adjacent artery apparently related to dissection and suture; (2) differing early platelet activation on the venous and adjacent arterial wall, platelet aggregates were noted on the adjacent artery, whereas only adhesive platelets are noted on the exposed vein graft; (3) endothelial reconstitution being initiated after 10-15 days but not reaching completion even 9 months after implantation; (4) a mediointimal proliferation which is a constant feature. A unique cell possessing both fibroblastic and myocytic characteristics takes part in the process.Endothelial damage and repair in autogenous saphenous vein grafts was evaluated serially from 30 s to 9 months after implantation into the femoral arteries of 25 dogs. Light and scanning electron microscopy, quantitative morphometry and cytochemistry with specific rabbit antidog factor VIII-related antigen were used. These studies demonstrate: (1) early complete endothelial cell desquamation both on the venous graft and adjacent artery apparently related to dissection and suture; (2) differing early platelet activation on the venous and adjacent arterial wall, platelet aggregates were noted on the adjacent artery, whereas only adhesive platelets are noted on the exposed vein graft; (3) endothelial reconstitution being initiated after 10-15 days but not reaching completion even 9 months after implantation; (4) a mediointimal proliferation which is a constant feature. A unique cell possessing both fibroblastic and myocytic characteristics takes part in the process