Constructing Identity in Lombard Italy

This thesis addresses the process of identity construction in Lombard Italy through an examination of the expression of gender, an aspect often neglected in Lombard archaeology, which has tended to focus on issues surrounding migration and ethnicity. The main evidence considered are the grave good assemblages (1639 objects recorded from 347 furnished graves) found in sixteen Lombard-period cemeteries distributed across northern Italy and Tuscany. Methodologies for studying gender in Early Medieval cemeteries elsewhere in Europe have been adopted and adapted, including multivariate statistics, and the analysis has been also supported by information obtained from the written and iconographic sources. Through an integrated perspective that allows us to observe both the general trends and (as importantly) their variations, I show that beyond the well-known association between masculinity/weapons and femininity/jewellery gender discourse was a complex phenomenon, deeply intertwined with other facets of identity, and with local concerns and traditions

Rediscovering an American Master: An Examination and Analysis of the Decorative Plaster Ceiling of Robert Winthrop Chanler\u27s Whitney Studio, New York

Though a well-known decorative painter and muralist in the early 20th century, the artist Robert “Bob the Sheriff” Chanler was an incredible personality and creative genius who has been largely forgotten overtime. His work is representative of artistic innovation and experimentation that characterized the early 20th century , presenting a unique quality that can only be called ‘Chanleresque.’ This thesis intends to situate Chanler\u27s interior decoration of the Whitney Studio within the body of Chanler’s work in decorative interiors, screens and murals, to analyze the materials and structural system that compose the ceiling and present a proposal for the original color scheme based on the findings. The finishes present unique challenges, as they are primarily composed of metallic foils, which are then modeled with a series of glazes. Chanler’s Whitney studio highlights a moment in America’s artistic development that brings together the genius and patronage of Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney with the vision of a truly unique American artist. The interior’s design elements are a true American hybrid composed of influences that span from French rocaille plasterwork to ancient classical mythology, from Eastern philosophy to Native American spiritual beliefs. The plaster ceiling stands alone as a truly unique example of craftsmanship, and is one of the few surviving by Chanler. This thesis attempts to (1) provide a historical framework to understand the artistic and technological aspects and significance of the Whitney Studio, (2) identify and analyze the finishes and materials used in the original production of the ceiling and (3) propose a general conservation program for the ceiling, along with a digital reconstruction of the original color scheme and a partial mockup of the finishes originally employed. While this project is centered on the conservation of the Whitney Studio, the methodologies, techniques and approaches discussed can be used as a case-study for further conservation work in decorative plaster, metallic finishes, early twentieth century artist-designed interiors and Robert Winthrop Chanler’s body of work

Perception and the problem with preserving modernist architecture: 2 Columbus Circle

This article explores the pressures facing post-war buildings through an in-depth case study of the re-design of 2 Columbus Circle, New York now the Museum of Arts and Design. While the re-design of 2 Columbus Circle has yet to stand the test of time, the initiation, implementation and controversy surrounding the project brings forward some of the major issues in American modern architectural preservation

Improving of psychological status and inflammatory biomarkers during omalizumab for chronic spontaneous urticaria

Background: Depression and anxiety are the most common psychiatric comorbidities in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Omalizumab is a monoclonal antibody approved for CSU treatment. We evaluated the prevalence of anxiety and depression in CSU patients before and after treatment with omalizumab. Materials & methods: A total of 30 patients were enrolled in the study: 15 patients affected by CSU and treated with omalizumab and the other 15 healthy subjects did not receive any systemic therapy. All patients were evaluated using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, CRP and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, at baseline and after 6 months. Results: The omalizumab group after 6 months of therapy had a decrease of all the scores and biomarkers. Conclusion: Omalizumab allowed an improvement of urticaria and mental comorbidities

Dermoscopy and Reflectance Confocal Microscopy in the Diagnosis and Management of Nail Fold Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The management and prognosis of squamous cell carcinoma largely depend on its invasiveness and grade of differentiation. Pigmented nail fold squamous cell carcinoma represents a therapeutic challenge, needing careful treatment to preserve nail function. Here, we report the use of dermoscopy and Reflectance Confocal Microscopy to monitor nail fold squamous cell carcinoma in situ and its response to treatment with topical imiquimod

Abnormal Circadian Modification of A\u3b4-Fiber Pathway Excitability in Idiopathic Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is characterized by unpleasant sensations generally localized to legs, associated with an urge to move. A likely pathogenetic mechanism is a central dopaminergic dysfunction. The exact role of pain system is unclear. The purpose of the study was to investigate the nociceptive pathways in idiopathic RLS patients. We enrolled 11 patients (mean age 53.2\u2009\ub1\u200919.7 years; 7 men) suffering from severe, primary RLS. We recorded scalp laser-evoked potentials (LEPs) to stimulation of different sites (hands and feet) and during two different time conditions (daytime and nighttime). Finally, we compared the results with a matched control group of healthy subjects. The A\u3b4 responses obtained from patients did not differ from those recorded from control subjects. However, the N1 and the N2-P2 amplitudes' night/day ratios after foot stimulation were increased in patients, as compared to controls (N1: patients: 133.91\u2009\ub1\u200950.42%; controls: 83.74\u2009\ub1\u200934.45%; p = 0.016; A\u3b4-N2-P2: patients: 119.15\u2009\ub1\u200915.56%; controls: 88.42\u2009\ub1\u200923.41%; p = 0.003). These results suggest that RLS patients present circadian modifications in the pain system, which are not present in healthy controls. Both sensory-discriminative and affective-emotional components of pain experience show parallel changes. This study confirms the structural integrity of A\u3b4 nociceptive system in idiopathic RLS, but it also suggests that RLS patients present circadian modifications in the pain system. These findings could potentially help clinicians and contribute to identify new therapeutic approaches

Migraine, arousal and sleep deprivation: comment on: "sleep quality, arousal and pain thresholds in migraineurs: a blinded controlled polysomnographic study"

We discuss the hypothesis proposed by Engstrom and coworkers that Migraineurs have a relative sleep deprivation, which lowers the pain threshold and predispose to attacks. Previous data indicate that Migraineurs have a reduction of Cyclic Alternating Pattern (CAP), an essential mechanism of NREM sleep regulation which allows to dump the effect of incoming disruptive stimuli, and to protect sleep. The modifications of CAP observed in Migraineurs are similar to those observed in patients with impaired arousal (narcolepsy) and after sleep deprivation. The impairment of this mechanism makes Migraineurs more vulnerable to stimuli triggering attacks during sleep, and represents part of a more general vulnerability to incoming stimuli