A Guarneri violin in the attic: the power of dendrochronology for analysing musical instruments

AbstractDendrochronology is the science that dates wooden artefacts by measuring annual growth rings visible in the wood. And, in the case of musical instruments, the method is non-invasive. In addition, dendrochronology can also help to identify the wood's provenance and to supply information on how the soundboard was made, giving details of ring width and regularity. This study also demonstrates the effectiveness of dendrochronology in attributing a musical instrument to an important luthier. It deals with a privately owned violin, whose date and origin had previously remained uncertain, despite various attempts to authenticate, at least, its technical and stylistic characteristics. The outermost tree-ring of the instrument's soundboard was dendrochronologically dated to the year 1696 and attributed, with certainty, to the Italian luthier Giuseppe Guarneri filius Andreae, father of the famous Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri "del Gesù". Thanks to dendrochronology, in this way, a twin of an already existing violin has been identified that was made by the same luthier. Both violins are identical in construction, having the same veining and dimensions, and the wood from the same tree was used in all parts, including the soundboard. Dendrochronology has, thus, been proven to be an extremely useful method, which has transformed a violin of uncertain value into a museum piece

La datación dendrocronológica en el estudio de los edificios históricos

[EN] This article addresses the discipline of dendrochronology and, especially, one of its most useful aspects for the study, restoration and appreciation of architectonic heritage: dating. In its pages it deals with the origin, foundations and principles of this technique, the requisites for its application, the different ways of obtaining samples, the use of statistics and the various difficulties, limitations and aspects of dating. Finally, it touches upon the ­field of dendroprovenance, that is, the technique used to discover the geographic origin of timber by means of concrete examples of works performed by the authors, such as the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Palestine.[ES] El presente artículo aborda la disciplina de la dendrocronología y, en especial, uno de sus aspectos más útiles para el estudio, restauración y puesta en valor del patrimonio arquitectónico: la datación. En sus páginas se trata del origen, fundamentos y principios de esta técnica, los requisitos para su aplicación, las diversas formas de obtener muestras, el concurso de la estadística y las diferentes dificultades, limitaciones y facetas de la datación. Por último, se trata el campo de la dendroproveniencia, esto es, la técnica empleada para averiguar el origen geográfico de la madera, a través de ejemplos concretos realizados por los autores, como la Basílica de la Natividad de Belén en Palestina.Bernabei, M.; Macchioni, N. (2012). La datación dendrocronológica en el estudio de los edificios históricos. Loggia, Arquitectura & Restauración. (24-25):104-111. doi:10.4995/loggia.2012.3003SWORD10411124-25BAILLIE, M. G. L.; PILCHER, J. R.,: "A simple cross-dating program for tree-ring research", en Tree-Ring Bull, 1973, 33: 7-14.BERNABEI, M.; BONTADI, J.; ROSSI ROGNONi, G.: "A dendrochronological investigation of stringed instruments from the collection of the Cherubini Conservatory in Florence, Italy", en Journal of Archaeological Science, 2010, 37: 192-200.BERNABEI, M.; QUARTA, G.; CALCAGNILE, L.; MACCHIONI, N.,: "Dating and technological features of wooden panel painting attributed to Cesare da Sesto", en Journal of Cultural Heritage, 2007, 8: 202-208.BONTADI, J.; BERNABEI, M.: "The Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem: an historical reconstruction using dendrochronology", en 5th International Congress "Science and Technology for the Safeguard of Cultural Heritage in the Mediterranean Basin", Istanbul, Turkey, 22nd-25th November 2011.BOURQUIN-MIGNOT, C.; GIRARDCLOS, O.: "Construction d'une longue chronologie de hetre au pays basque. Sud Ouest Européen", 2001, pp.1-14.BROWN, D. M.; BAILLIE, M. G. L.: "Construction and dating of a 5000 year English bog oak tree-ring chronology", en Tree rings and environment, LUNDQUA report, 1992, 34: 75-5.DEAN, J. S. : A model of Anasazi behavioral adaptation, en The Anasazi in a changing environment, Ed. by George J. Gumerman, pp. 25-44. Cambridge Univo Press, Cambridge, 1988.ECKSTEIN, D.: "Human time in tree rings", en Dendrochronologia, 2007, 24: 53-60.FIORAVANTI, M.: "Le specie legnose dei supporti: implicazioniper la conoscenza, la conservazione ed il restauro dei dipinti su tavola", en Conservazione dei dipinti su tavola, de UZIELLI, L. y CASAZZA, O. Nardini Ed., Firenze, 1994, pp. 83-109.FRIEDRICH, M.; REMMELE, S.; KROMER, B.; HOFMANN, J.; SPURK, M.; FELIX KAISER, K.; ORCEL, C.; KÜPPERS, M.: "The 12,460-year Hohenheim oak and pine tree-ring chronology from central Europe-a unique annual record for radiocarbon calibration and paleoenvironment reconstructions", en Radiocarbon, 2004, 46 (3): 1111-1122.FRITTS, H.C.: Tree Rings and Climate, Academic Press, London, 1976, 576 pp.GIL MONTERO, R.; VILLALBA R.: "Tree rings as a surrogate for economic stress - an example from the Puna of Jujuy, Argentina in the 19th century", en Dendrochronologia, 2005, 22: 141-147.JUDD, N.M.: "Dating our prehistoric Pueblo ruins", en Explorations and Fieldwork of the Smithsonian Institution in 1929, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., 1930, pp. 167-176.KAENNEL, M.; SCHWEINGRUBER, F. H. (1995): Multilingual Glossary of Dendrochronology, WSL/ FNP, Birmensdorf, Haupt Pub. Berne, Stuttgart, Vienna, ISBN 3-258-05259-X.Norma UNI 11141 (2004): Linee guida per la datazione dendrocronologica del legno. Ente Nazionale Italiano di Uni cazione, Milano.SANDER, C.; LEVANIC, T.: "Comparison of t-values calculated in different dendrochronological programmes", en Dendrochronologia, 1997, 14: pp. 269-272

Dendrochronological evidence for long-distance timber trading in the Roman Empire.

An important question for our understanding of Roman history is how the Empire's economy was structured, and how long-distance trading within and between its provinces was organised and achieved. Moreover, it is still unclear whether large construction timbers, for use in Italy, came from the widespread temperate forests north of the Alps and were then transported to the sparsely-wooded Mediterranean region in the south. Here, we present dendrochronological results from the archaeological excavation of an expensively decorated portico in the centre of Rome. The oak trees (Quercus sp.), providing twenty-four well-preserved planks in waterlogged ground, had been felled between 40 and 60 CE in the Jura Mountains of north-eastern France. It is most likely that the wood was transported to the Eternal City on the Saône and Rhône rivers and then across the Mediterranean Sea. This rare dendrochronological evidence from the capital of the Roman Empire gives fresh impetus to the ongoing debate on the likelihood of transporting timber over long distances within and between Roman provinces. This study reconstructs the administrative and logistic efforts required to transport high-quality construction timber from central Europe to Rome. It also highlights an advanced network of trade, and emphasises the enormous value of oak wood in Roman times

Diagnóstico estructural de estructuras de madera históricas: La sala diplomática del Palacio Real de Nápoles

[EN] The aim of this article is to describe the diagnosis process made on the timber structure that holds up the vault of the Diplomatic Room of the Royal Palace in Naples (Italy). After a brief historical description of the Royal Palace and the Diplomatic Room, it discusses the methodology according to Italian regulations and the speci­fic problems that arose during the works. To complete the diagnosis, a dendrochronological analysis of the wooden elements was performed. The results show the residual mechanical properties of each structural element and the main problems to be resolved by the restorers. The dendrochronological conclusions yield that the dating of the elements is compatible with that of the frescoes on the vault and therefore demonstrate that the elements have not been replaced.[ES] El objetivo de este artículo es describir el proceso diagnóstico realizado en la estructura de madera que sostiene la bóveda de la Sala Diplomática del Palacio Real de Nápoles (Italia). Tras una breve descripción histórica del Palacio Real y la Sala Diplomática, se detalla la metodología conforme a la normativa italiana, y los problemas específicos que surgieron durante las operaciones. Para completar el diagnóstico, se realizó un análisis dendrocronológico de los elementos de madera. Los resultados muestran las propiedades mecánicas residuales de cada elemento estructural así como los principales problemas que deben ser resueltos por los restauradores. Las conclusiones dendrocronológicas muestran que la datación de los elementos de madera es compatible con la de los frescos de la bóveda y, por lo tanto, demuestra que los elementos no han sido reemplazados.Calicchio, D.; Bernabei, M.; Brunetti, M.; Crivellaro, A.; Macchioni, N.; Pollini, C. (2012). Diagnóstico estructural de estructuras de madera históricas: La sala diplomática del Palacio Real de Nápoles. Loggia, Arquitectura & Restauración. (24-25):112-121. doi:10.4995/loggia.2012.3007SWORD11212124-25BERNETTI, G.: Selvicoltura speciale, UTET, Torino, 1995.BONAMINI, G.; UZIELLI, L.; CECCOTTI, A.: "Sulla valutazione della resistenza meccanica del legno antico", en L'Edilizia, 1991, 5(12):771-777.BONAMINI, G.: "Restoring timber structures-Inspection and evaluation", en Lecture D3: Timber engineering STEP2 - Design - Details and structural systems, STEP/EUROFORTECH, Centrum Hout, The Netherlands, 1995, pp.D3/1-9.FONTI, P.; MACCHIONI, N.; THIBAUT, B.: "Ring shake in Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.): state of the art", en Annals of Forest Science, 2002, 59 (2): 129-139.MACCHIONI, N.: "Inspection techniques for ancient wooden structures", en Structural analysis of historical constructions II de ROCA, P.; GONZÁLES, J.L.; ONATE, E.; LOURENÇO, P.B. Editors, Cimne, 1998, pp. 149-162.MACCHIONI, N. & PIAZZA, M.: "Italian standardisation activity in the field of diagnosis and restoration of ancient timber structures", en Structural analysis of historical construction, de LOURENCO, P.B.; ROCA, P.; MODENA, C.; AGRAWAL, S.; Eds., New Dehli, 2006, pp. 395-404.PIOVESAN, G.; BERNABEI, M.; DI FILIPPO, A.; ROMAGNOLI, M.; SCHIRONE, B.: "A long-term tree ring beech chronology from a highelevation old-growth forest of Central Italy", en Dendrochronologia, 2003, 21(1): 13-22.SCHWEINGRUBER, F. H.: "Data archived at the World Data Center for Paleoclimatology Boulder Colorado USA", en http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/paleo/ftp-treering.html, 1980.TAMPONE, G.; MANNUCCI, M.; MACCHIONI, N.: Strutture di legno. Cultura, conservazione e restauro, De Lettera, Milano, 2002.EN 334-1/2: Durability of wood and wood-based products. Definition of hazard classes of biological attack, General, 1993.UNI 11119: Cultural heritage - Wooden artefacts- Load-bearing structures - On site inspections for the diagnosis of timber members, UNI (Ente Nazionale Italiano di Unificazione), 2004

Interaction of Skeletal and Left Ventricular Mass in Older Adults with Low Muscle Performance

BACKGROUND: It was recently hypothesized the existence of “cardiac-skeletal muscle axis.” However, the relationship between skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and left ventricular mass (LVM) has never been investigated in the specific group of older individuals with low skeletal mass and physical performance. We tested this hypothesis in the SPRINT-T (Sarcopenia and Physical Frailty IN older people: multicomponenT Treatment strategies Trial) population using LVM as independent variable and SMM as dependent variable. METHODS: SMM was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan and expressed as appendicular lean mass (ALM), and LVM was estimated through echocardiography. Low ALM was defined according to Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Sarcopenia Project criteria, and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was used to assess physical performance.RESULTS: The population consisted of 100 persons (33 men and 67 women), aged 70 years or older (mean age = 79 5 years) with low ALM and SPPB ranged between 3 and 9, suggestive of physical frailty. Charlson Comorbidity Index median score was 0. Mean value of LVM was 193 67 g, indexed LVM/body surface area (LVM/BSA) was 112 33 g/m2, and cardiac output (CO) was 65 19 L/min. ALM was strongly and positively correlated with LVM (r = 0.54602; P < .0001), LVM/BSA (r = 0.30761; P < .002), CO (r = 0.49621; P < .0001), body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.52461; P < .0001), sex (r = 0.77; P < .001), fat mass (r = 0.38977; P < .0001), and hemoglobin (Hb) (r = 0.26001; P < .01). In the multivariate analysis, LVM (β = .019 .005; P < .0001), CO (β = .038 .016; P = .019), BMI (β = .286 .051; P < .0001), and Hb (β = .544 .175; P = .0025) remained associated to ALM. CONCLUSIONS: In a sample of older persons with low muscle mass and physical performance, LVM was positively and significantly correlated with ALM, independently from blood pressure, physical activity, and other potential confounders. Future studies are needed to address the effect of interventions targeting LVM and SMM

A Small Molecule SMAC Mimic LBW242 Potentiates TRAIL- and Anticancer Drug-Mediated Cell Death of Ovarian Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer remains a leading cause of death in women and development of new therapies is essential. Second mitochondria derived activator of caspase (SMAC) has been described to sensitize for apoptosis. We have explored the pro-apoptotic activity of LBW242, a mimic of SMAC/DIABLO, on ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780 cells and its chemoresistant derivative A2780/ADR, SKOV3 and HEY cells) and in primary ovarian cancer cells. The effects of LBW242 on ovarian cancer cell lines and primary ovarian cancer cells was determined by cell proliferation, apoptosis and biochemical assays. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: LBW242 added alone elicited only a moderate pro-apoptotic effect; however, it strongly synergizes with tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) or anticancer drugs in inducing apoptosis of both ovarian cancer cell lines and primary ovarian cancer cells. Mechanistic studies show that LBW242-induced apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells is associated with activation of caspase-8. In line with this mechanism, c-FLIP overexpression inhibits LBW242-mediated apoptosis. CONCLUSION: LBW242 sensitizes ovarian cancer cells to the antitumor effects of TRAIL and anticancer drugs commonly used in clinic. These observations suggest that the SMAC/DIABLO mimic LBW242 could be of value for the development of experimental strategies for treatment of ovarian cancer

How future surgery will benefit from SARS-COV-2-related measures: a SPIGC survey conveying the perspective of Italian surgeons

COVID-19 negatively affected surgical activity, but the potential benefits resulting from adopted measures remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in surgical activity and potential benefit from COVID-19 measures in perspective of Italian surgeons on behalf of SPIGC. A nationwide online survey on surgical practice before, during, and after COVID-19 pandemic was conducted in March-April 2022 (NCT:05323851). Effects of COVID-19 hospital-related measures on surgical patients' management and personal professional development across surgical specialties were explored. Data on demographics, pre-operative/peri-operative/post-operative management, and professional development were collected. Outcomes were matched with the corresponding volume. Four hundred and seventy-three respondents were included in final analysis across 14 surgical specialties. Since SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, application of telematic consultations (4.1% vs. 21.6%; p < 0.0001) and diagnostic evaluations (16.4% vs. 42.2%; p < 0.0001) increased. Elective surgical activities significantly reduced and surgeons opted more frequently for conservative management with a possible indication for elective (26.3% vs. 35.7%; p < 0.0001) or urgent (20.4% vs. 38.5%; p < 0.0001) surgery. All new COVID-related measures are perceived to be maintained in the future. Surgeons' personal education online increased from 12.6% (pre-COVID) to 86.6% (post-COVID; p < 0.0001). Online educational activities are considered a beneficial effect from COVID pandemic (56.4%). COVID-19 had a great impact on surgical specialties, with significant reduction of operation volume. However, some forced changes turned out to be benefits. Isolation measures pushed the use of telemedicine and telemetric devices for outpatient practice and favored communication for educational purposes and surgeon-patient/family communication. From the Italian surgeons' perspective, COVID-related measures will continue to influence future surgical clinical practice

Design and methodology of the screening for CKD among older patients across Europe (SCOPE) study: A multicenter cohort observational study

Background: Decline of renal function is common in older persons and the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is rising with ageing. CKD affects different outcomes relevant to older persons, additionally to morbidity and mortality which makes CKD a relevant health burden in this population. Still, accurate laboratory measurement of kidney function is under debate, since current creatinine-based equations have a certain degree of inaccuracy when used in the older population. The aims of the study are as follows: to assess kidney function in a cohort of 75+ older persons using existing methodologies for CKD screening; to investigate existing and innovative biomarkers of CKD in this cohort, and to align

Tree rings reveal globally coherent signature of cosmogenic radiocarbon events in 774 and 993 CE

This study was funded by the WSL-internal COSMIC project (5233.00148.001.01), the ETHZ (Laboratory of Ion Beam Physics), the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF Grant 200021L_157187/1), and as the Czech Republic Grant Agency project no. 17-22102s.Though tree-ring chronologies are annually resolved, their dating has never been independently validated at the global scale. Moreover, it is unknown if atmospheric radiocarbon enrichment events of cosmogenic origin leave spatiotemporally consistent fingerprints. Here we measure the 14C content in 484 individual tree rings formed in the periods 770–780 and 990–1000 CE. Distinct 14C excursions starting in the boreal summer of 774 and the boreal spring of 993 ensure the precise dating of 44 tree-ring records from five continents. We also identify a meridional decline of 11-year mean atmospheric radiocarbon concentrations across both hemispheres. Corroborated by historical eye-witness accounts of red auroras, our results suggest a global exposure to strong solar proton radiation. To improve understanding of the return frequency and intensity of past cosmic events, which is particularly important for assessing the potential threat of space weather on our society, further annually resolved 14C measurements are needed.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

VIII Encuentro de Docentes e Investigadores en Historia del Diseño, la Arquitectura y la Ciudad

Acta de congresoLa conmemoración de los cien años de la Reforma Universitaria de 1918 se presentó como una ocasión propicia para debatir el rol de la historia, la teoría y la crítica en la formación y en la práctica profesional de diseñadores, arquitectos y urbanistas. En ese marco el VIII Encuentro de Docentes e Investigadores en Historia del Diseño, la Arquitectura y la Ciudad constituyó un espacio de intercambio y reflexión cuya realización ha sido posible gracias a la colaboración entre Facultades de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño de la Universidad Nacional y la Facultad de Arquitectura de la Universidad Católica de Córdoba, contando además con la activa participación de mayoría de las Facultades, Centros e Institutos de Historia de la Arquitectura del país y la región. Orientado en su convocatoria tanto a docentes como a estudiantes de Arquitectura y Diseño Industrial de todos los niveles de la FAUD-UNC promovió el debate de ideas a partir de experiencias concretas en instancias tales como mesas temáticas de carácter interdisciplinario, que adoptaron la modalidad de presentación de ponencias, entre otras actividades. En el ámbito de VIII Encuentro, desarrollado en la sede Ciudad Universitaria de Córdoba, se desplegaron numerosas posiciones sobre la enseñanza, la investigación y la formación en historia, teoría y crítica del diseño, la arquitectura y la ciudad; sumándose el aporte realizado a través de sus respectivas conferencias de Ana Clarisa Agüero, Bibiana Cicutti, Fernando Aliata y Alberto Petrina. El conjunto de ponencias que se publican en este Repositorio de la UNC son el resultado de dos intensas jornadas de exposiciones, cuyos contenidos han posibilitado actualizar viejos dilemas y promover nuevos debates. El evento recibió el apoyo de las autoridades de la FAUD-UNC, en especial de la Secretaría de Investigación y de la Biblioteca de nuestra casa, como así también de la Facultad de Arquitectura de la UCC; va para todos ellos un especial agradecimiento