Re-drawing of vanished space: Casa Giobbe della Bitta by Marcello Piacentini

Ha ancora un senso oggi, nel tempo dominato dall’immagine e dal suo potere, interrogarsi sulle ragioni e sulle potenzialità del Disegno di Architettura? Potremmo sfruttare, invece, questa forza immateriale che pervade la nostra era contro il modus operandi della tabula rasa che interessa il patrimonio del moderno in Italia? Un tentativo di risposta a queste domande potrebbe giungere dallo studio di un’opera non più esistente di Marcello Piacentini, Casa Giobbe della Bitta, del 1925. A partire dal ridisegno critico dell’edificio, si vuol tentare una decodifica dell’architettura svanita, analizzandone forme e matrici geometriche che l’hanno generata; la modellazione tridimensionale digitale, invece, tenta la restituzione in forma d’immagine dell’essenza dello spazio e del suo valore intrinseco a cui la cultura italiana ha ormai definitivamente rinunciato. Pur rinunciando a fornire giudizi di carattere storico, sia sul controverso personaggio, che sull’edificio indagato, si vuol colmare un piccolo vuoto nello studio dell’architettura del primo ‘900, con l’auspicio di favorire una maggiore presa di coscienza da parte nostra nel conservare e tutelare le opere del moderno italiano.Does it still make sense today, over time dominated by the image and its power, to question the reasons and the potential of Architectural Drawing? Could we use, instead, this immaterial force that pervades our era against the modus operandi of the tabula rasa that affects the Modern Italian architectural heritage? An attempt to answer these questions could come from the study of a work no longer existing by Marcello Piacentini, Casa Giobbe della Bitta, of 1925. Starting from the critical re-drawing of the building, we want to attempt a decoding of the vanished architecture, analyzing it geometric shapes and matrices that generated it; digital 3D modeling, on the other hand, attempts to return in the form of an image the essence of space and its intrinsic value to which Italian culture has now definitively given up. While renouncing to provide judgments of a historical nature, both on the controversial character, and on the architecture investigated, we want to fill a small void in the study of architecture of the early 1900s, with the hope of favoring a greater awareness on our part in preserving and protecting the works of modern Italian

The shape of the liquid plain: sicilian salt flats

This paper analyzes the salt flats as a place for the mixing of knowledge and experiences that originate and substantiate life: from the application of physical, chemical and biological principles to produce salt, to economic laws to regulate sales and trade, to aspects socio-anthropological aspects underlying the life of the communities that worked in production. A patrimony of material and immaterial overlaps, generated by the redesign of a segment of territory with physical and positional characteristics median between sea and land, and in which man strives to obtain fundamental resources for his livelihood. Given the complex moment of crisis and gradual abandonment that these particular ecological, anthropological and landscape systems are going through - in an attempt to avert the impending oblivion - the action of preserving this inestimable heritage could be restarted through an overturning of the consolidated reading key: evolve from the pervasion of the traditional taxonomic conception – or the intending of the landscape as a mediation between aesthetics and science - to arrive at an analysis, supported by the graphic-perceptive tools proper to the architect, of the traces left by human events on the territory

Tecniche di risoluzione di ambiguita' Radar mediante l'uso di PRF multiple

Simulazione di un ricevitore Radar operante con PRF multiple al fine della risoluzione delle ambiguita' in distanza, mediante l'integrazione del decisore e dell'algoritmo di deambiguity

Does Conservative Surgery for Breast Carcinoma Still Require Axillary Lymph Node Evaluation? A Retrospective Analysis of 1156 Consecutive Women With Early Breast Cancer

The role of axillary surgery for early breast carcinoma treated with conservative surgery and radiotherapy is currently the subject of considerable investigation. Recent studies have supported the noninferiority of avoiding axillary surgery in terms of overall survival when sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) presents ≤ 2 positive lymph nodes, thus sparing the patients from complications. There are some ongoing studies investigating the possibility of omitting SLNB. Axillary study seems to be sufficiently replaced by SLNB for staging the disease. Axillary surgery maintains a therapeutic role in the presence of > 2 metastatic lymph nodes at SLNB

A Human-Derived Monoclonal Antibody Targeting Extracellular Connexin Domain Selectively Modulates Hemichannel Function

Connexin hemichannels, which are plasma membrane hexameric channels (connexons) composed of connexin protein protomers, have been implicated in a host of physiological processes and pathological conditions. A number of single point pathological mutations impart a "leaky" character to the affected hemichannels, i.e., make them more active or hyperactive, suggesting that normal physiological condition could be recovered using selective hemichannel inhibitors. Recently, a human-derived monoclonal antibody named abEC1.1 has been shown to inhibit both wild type and hyperactive hemichannels composed of human (h) connexin 26 (hCx26) subunits. The aims of this work were (1) to characterize further the ability of abEC1.1 to selectively modulate connexin hemichannel function and (2) to assess its in vitro stability in view of future translational applications. In silico analysis of abEC1.1 interaction with the hCx26 hemichannel identified critically important extracellular domain amino acids that are conserved in connexin 30 (hCx30) and connexin 32 (hCx32). Patch clamp experiments performed in HeLa DH cells confirmed the inhibition efficiency of abEC1.1 was comparable for hCx26, hCx30 and hCx32 hemichannels. Of note, even a single amino acid difference in the putative binding region reduced drastically the inhibitory effects of the antibody on all the other tested hemichannels, namely hCx30.2/31.3, hCx30.3, hCx31, hCx31.1, hCx37, hCx43 and hCx45. Plasma membrane channels composed of pannexin 1 were not affected by abEC1.1. Finally, size exclusion chromatography assays showed the antibody does not aggregate appreciably in vitro. Altogether, these results indicate abEC1.1 is a promising tool for further translational studies

Necrotizing Panniculitis as an Uncommon Manifestation of Acute Pancreatitis

Pancreatic panniculitis is a rare disorder affecting 2–3% of patients with pancreatic disease. The findings are characterized by tender, erythematous, subcutaneous nodules which may undergo spontaneous ulceration with discharge of brownish and viscous material derived from colliquative necrosis of adipocytes. The lesions are usually localized in the lower limbs, although they may also extend to the buttocks and also involve the trunk, upper limbs and scalp. They can precede overt pancreatic disease in 40% of cases. The typical histological features observed in these lesions are characterized by necrotic adipocytes with absent nuclei (better known as ‘ghost cells’) in the context of a predominantly lobular panniculitis. We describe the case of a 78-year-old cirrhotic woman admitted to our department with abdominal pain affecting the upper abdomen and a 3-day fever. On physical examination, multiple tender erythematous nodules, with irregular margins, were present on the pretibial regions of both lower legs, ranging in size from 0.8 to 1.5 cm. Pancreatic amylase and lipase were elevated and abdominal computed tomography revealed acute pancreatitis with oedema, focal gland enlargement of the pancreatic tail and perivisceral inflammation. Histological examination of the lesions was consistent with a diagnosis of necrotizing granulomatous panniculitis

Arthrocentesis and temporomandibular joint disorders: clinical and radiological results of a prospective study

Purpose. We evaluated the efficacy of arthrocentesis in the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Material and Methods. In this prospective clinical case series, 30 consecutive patients with TMJ disorders underwent arthrocentesis using saline and sodium hyaluronate injections. Outcome measures were TMJ pain, maximum mouth opening (MMO), joint noises, and anatomical changes in the TMJ architecture. Patients were evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the beginning of treatment and 60 days after the last arthrocentesis. Pretreatment and posttreatment clinical parameters were compared using paired and unpaired t-tests, and McNemar’s test was used to evaluate CBCT and MRI changes (P < 0.05). Results. At 1-year follow-up examinations, visual analogue scale scores indicated that pain was reduced significantly and mean postoperative MMO was increased significantly. CBCT findings showed no significant change, and MRI showed only slight reductions in inflammatory signs. Conclusions. Within the limitations of this study, we can conclude that arthrocentesis is a simple, minimally invasive procedure with a relatively low risk of complications and significant clinical benefits in patients with TMJ disorders. This trial is registered with NCT01903512 [http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01903512]

ENTERAL NUTRITION SUPPORT TO TREAT MALNUTRITION IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

Malnutrition is a common consequence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Diet has an important role in the management of IBD, as it prevents and corrects malnutrition. It is well known that diet may be implicated in the aethiology of IBD and that it plays a central role in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal tract disease. Often oral nutrition alone is not sufficient in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal tract disease. Often oral nutrition alone is not sufficient in the management of IBD patients, especially in children or elederly, and must be combined with oral supplementation or replaced with tube enteral nutrition. In this review, we describe several different approaches to enteral nutrition total-parenteral, oral supplementation and enteral tiube feeding in terms of results, patience compliance, risks and benefits. we also focus on the home enteral nutrition strategy as the future goal for treating IBD while focusing on patient wellness

Relationship between hospital volume and short-term outcomes: A nationwide population-based study including 75,280 rectal cancer surgical procedures

There is growing interest on the potential relationship between hospital volume (HV) and outcomes as it might justify the centralization of care for rectal cancer surgery. From the National Italian Hospital Discharge Dataset, data on 75,280 rectal cancer patients who underwent elective major surgery between 2002 and 2014 were retrieved and analyzed. HV was grouped into tertiles: low-volume performed 1-12, while high-volume hospitals performed 33+ procedures/year. The impact of HV on in-hospital mortality, abdominoperineal resection (APR), 30-day readmission, and length of stay (LOS) was assessed. Risk factors were calculated using multivariate logistic regression. The proportion of procedures performed in low-volume hospitals decreased by 6.7 percent (p<0.001). The rate of in-hospital mortality, APR and 30-day readmission was 1.3%, 16.3%, and 7.2%, respectively, and the median LOS was 13 days. The adjusted risk of in-hospital mortality (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.25-1.78), APR (OR 1.10, 95%CI 1.02-1.19), 30-day readmission (OR 1.49, 95%CI 1.38-1.61), and prolonged LOS (OR 2.29, 95%CI 2.05-2.55) were greater for low-volume hospitals than for high-volume hospitals. This study shows an independent impact of HV procedures on all short-term outcome measures, justifying a policy of centralization for rectal cancer surgery, a process which is underwa

Tecnologie diagnostico-analitiche e informatiche per l’attribuzione, l’autenticazione e la valutazione economica delle opere d’arte

Summary This study, addresses the specific subject relating to the formulation of the economic value of art works in connection with their attribution and authentication. Through this process, which also includes regulatory issues, it follows that the current problem in the field of forgery and, in general inauthentic works, is precisely that of ascertaining, by means of scientific methods, whether a work of art is authentic or not.With this aim in mind, the following research project has been proposed and aims to develop the right methodological path to use to achieve this aim. It includes a cognitive phase involving aesthetic, stylistic, iconographic, and historical analysis and concludes with a technical-experimental phase in which diagnostic-analytical and computer technologies are employed.On completion of the research, combined the diagnostic and analytical results, as well as the development of software allowing the style of a particular artist to be identified, will provide a valuable contribution to the various and complex issues relating to the attribution and authentication of art works.Riassunto Lo studio è rivolto alla specifica tematica relativa alla formulazione del valore economico delle opere d’arte collegato alla loro attribuzione ed autenticazione. Attraverso questo percorso, che include anche gli aspetti normativi, ne deriva che la problematica attuale, in materia di falsi e, in genere, di opere non autentiche, è proprio quella di accertare mediante metodi scientifici l’autenticità o non di un’opera d’arte.A tal riguardo di seguito viene proposto un progetto di ricerca che si prefigge di mettere a punto il corretto e completo percorso metodologico, che comprende la fase conoscitiva relativa all’analisi di carattere estetico, stilistico, iconografico, storico, e si completa con la fase tecnico-sperimentale mediante l’utilizzo di tecnologie diagnostico-analitiche ed informatiche.Alla conclusione della ricerca, la combinazione delle risultanze diagnostico-analitiche, nonché la messa a punto di un software che permetta di identificare lo stile di un determinato artista, forniranno un valido contributo in riferimento alle diverse e complesse problematiche relative alla attribuzione e autenticazione delle opere d’arte.RésuméCette étude s’adresse au thème spécifique de la formulation de la valeur économique des oeuvres d’art en lien avec leur attribution et authentification. Ce parcours, qui se penche aussi sur les questions réglementaires, fait ressortir qu’en matière de faux et en général, d’oeuvres non authentiques, l’enjeu consiste aujourd’hui à vérifier, par des méthodes scientifiques, l’authenticité ou la non-authenticité d’une oeuvre d’art. À ce propos, le projet de recherche qui est proposé vise à mettre au point un parcours méthodologique correct et complet, articulé en une phase de connaissance de l’oeuvre, par son analyse esthétique, stylistique, iconographique, historique. Celle-ci est suivie d’une phase technique et expérimentale, à l’aide de techniques diagnostiques, analytiques et informatiques. À la fin de la recherche, l’ensemble des résultats diagnostiques et analytiques et la mise au point d’un logiciel permettant d’identifier le style d’un artiste donné apporteront une aide précieuse, eu égard des problématiques multiples et complexes qui se posent dans le cadre de l’attribution et de l’authentification des oeuvres d’art.Zusammenfassung Diese Studie befasst sich spezifisch mit der Thematik der Bestimmung des wirtschaftlichen Werts von Kunstwerken in Verbindung mit deren Zuordnung und Authentifizierung. Aus diesen Betrachtungen, die auch den Aspekt der gesetzlichen Vorschriften berücksichtigen, ergibt sich, dass die heutige Problematik der Fälschungen und generell der nicht authentischenWerke gerade darin liegt, anhand wissenschaftlicher Methoden die Echtheit oder Nicht-Echtheit eines Kunstwerks zu ermitteln.Diesbezüglich wird im Weiteren ein Forschungsprojekt vorgestellt, das sich das Ziel gesteckt hat, eine korrekte und vollständige Methode auszuarbeiten, die die kognitive Phase der Analysen ästhetischer, stilistischer, ikonographischer, historischer Art umfasst, und mit der technisch-experimentellen Phase abschließt, wobei diagnostisch-analytische sowie datentechnische Technologien herangezogen werden.Bei Abschluss der Forschungsarbeit sollen die Kombination der diagnostisch-analytischen Ergebnisse und der Erstellung einer Software, die es gestattet, den Stil eines bestimmten Künstlers zu erkennen, einen wesentlichen Beitrag zur Lösung der verschiedenen und komplexen Problematiken im Rahmen der Zuordnung und Authentifizierung von Kunstwerken leisten.Resumen El estudio se centra en la cuestión específica de la formulación del valor económico de las obras de arte en relación con su atribución y autenticación. Siguiendo el hilo argumental del texto, que también incluye aspectos normativos, se deduce que en referencia a las falsificaciones y, en general, a las obras no auténticas, hoy día el principal problema está en la verificación, aplicando métodos científicos, de la autenticidad o no de una obra de arte.A continuación se describe un proyecto de investigación a este respecto que se propone establecer una metodología correcta y completa, articulada en dos fases: una de conocimiento, fundada en un análisis estético, estilístico, iconográfico e histórico; y otra técnico-experimental, basada en el uso de tecnología diagnóstico-analítica e informática.Al final de la investigación, la combinación de los resultados diagnóstico-analíticos, sumada a la creación de un programa informático que permita identificar el estilo de un determinado artista, contribuirá de modo relevante a arrojar luz sobre los distintos y complejos problemas relativos a la atribución y autenticación de las obras de arte.简介 研究主题围绕着艺术作品的经济价值换算公式，联系作品归属及真伪鉴定展开。通过这一过程，附带法律法规方面参考，针对仿制、伪造，从中引申出现实问题，即通过科学途径鉴定艺术作品的真伪。接下来是一项分析研究计划，需要预先确定其使用的研究方法正确全面，其中需包含关于美学特色、风格特色、肖像学特色、历史特色研究的认知性分析步骤，以及通过使用诊断-分析技术和信息技术的技术-实验性分析步骤。在研究的结论中，诊断-分析结论的融合，与分析特定艺术家风格软件的加入，针对艺术作品归属及真伪鉴定这个庞杂的问题，提供一个准确可信的结论。Резюме Эта работа посвящена вопросам определения экономической ценности произ-ведений искусства в зависимости от установления их авторства и подлинности.Из этого подхода, затрагивающего также и нормативные аспекты, следует, что самый актуальный вопрос в сфере подделок и репродукций произведений заклю-чается именно в определении того, подлинно или нет произведение искусства, применяя для этого научные методы.В этих целях предложен проект исследований, направленный на разработку правильного и комплексного методологического подхода, включающего позна-вательный этап с эстетическим, стилистическим, иконографическим и историче-ским анализом, и завершающийся технико-экспериментальным этапом с приме-нением аналитическо-диагностических и информационных технологий.По итогам исследовательской работы сочетание аналитическо-диагностиче-ских результатов, а также и разработка программного обеспечения, позволяю-щего идентифицировать стиль определенного художника, предоставят дейст-венную помощь при решении многочисленных и сложных проблем, связанных с установлением авторства и подлинности произведений искусства