scholarly journals A combination of invasive and non-invasive techniques for the study of the palette and painting structure of a copy of Raphael's Transfiguration of Christ

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eloísa Manzano ◽  
Rosario Blanc ◽  
J. Daniel Martin-Ramos ◽  
Giacomo Chiari ◽  
P. Sarrazin ◽  
...  

AbstractThe main objective of this study is to establish an appropriate method for the characterization of the pigments, materials and structure of the paint layers in a copy of the painting the Transfiguration of Christ by Raffaello Sanzio. A multi-technique approach that combines elemental, molecular and structural analyses and involves optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX), μ-Attenuated Total Reflection–Fourier Transform InfraRed (µATR-FTIR), μ-Raman spectrometry (µRS) and non-invasive portable diffractometer (pXRD) was used. Our results revealed that this copy of the Transfiguration was executed with a palette, which includes white lead (cerussite and hydrocerussite), lazurite from lapis lazuli pigment, red and yellow earths (goethite, hematite and lepidocrocite), lead tin yellow, cinnabar, red lake, smalt and bone black, and fillers such as calcite, baryte (an impurity associated to some pigments), and traces of colorless powdered glass. A secondary objective of this research was the application of non-invasive in situ pXRD measurements, which do not require painting sampling and helped to confirm some inconclusive results obtained with other techniques regarding the artist's palette. The results showed the crystalline nature of all the pigments identified, which were known from ancient times and available during the 16th and 17th. Lastly, the used of 14C accelerator mass spectrometry determined that the canvas date was 1451–1633 AD (with a 95% confidence level). Although the main focus of the work was to improve the analytical methodology to better understand the artist’s palette, our results will further help us to explore the authorship of the copy or the school that executed it. Graphical Abstract

2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 447-452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Geba ◽  
Lacramioara Stratulat ◽  
Nicoleta Vornicu ◽  
Daniela Salajan ◽  
Mihaela M. Manea

The paper focuses on two works of art, Chrysanthemums and Roses, painted by Stefan Luchian, a representative painter for the modern Romanian art from the beginning of the 20th century. The two paintings were analyzed by several non-invasive techniques (optical microscopy, grazing light and UV examination, IR reflectography, XRF and Raman spectrometry) in order to get information concerning the chromatic and to assess the state of conservation. The study is focused in particular on yellow, red and white pigments, which are different in the two pictorial compositions: in Chrysanthemums the predominant pigments are Madder lake, cadmium yellow and zinc white mixed with lead white, while in Roses cinnabar, strontium yellow and lead white were found, according to the XRF and Raman analysis.


2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (12) ◽  
pp. 3464-3468
Author(s):  
Lacramioara Stratulat ◽  
Maria Geba ◽  
Daniela Salajan

Ion Marinescu V�lsan (1865 - 1936) was a Romanian painter belonging to the modern Romanian art from the beginning of the 20th century. Many of the paintings painted by him have picturesque landscapes in his native town, Malureni, Arges County. He was influencedby Nicolae Grigorescu. Village from Muscel painting, by Ion Marinescu V�lsan, was examined by several non-invasive techniques (Vis, UV &grazing light examination, IR reflectography, optical microscopy and X-rays fluorescence spectrometry) to obtain information on its chromatic palette and state of conservation. Zinc white, Lead white, Prussian blue, Cinnabar, Chrome yellow, Yellow ochre, Red ochre, Viridian and Burnt umber were used as the pigments, while the preparation layer is from Chalk, Zinc white, Lead white, identified by XRF analysis.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-111
Author(s):  
Nadia Shafei ◽  
Mohammad Saeed Hakhamaneshi ◽  
Massoud Houshmand ◽  
Siavash Gerayeshnejad ◽  
Fardin Fathi ◽  
...  

Background: Beta thalassemia is a common disorder with autosomal recessive inheritance. The most prenatal diagnostic methods are the invasive techniques that have the risk of miscarriage. Now the non-invasive methods will be gradually alternative for these invasive techniques. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the diagnostic value of two non-invasive diagnostic methods for fetal thalassemia using cell free fetal DNA (cff-DNA) and nucleated RBC (NRBC) in one sampling community. Methods: 10 ml of blood was taken in two k3EDTA tube from 32 pregnant women (mean of gestational age = 11 weeks), who themselves and their husbands had minor thalassemia. One tube was used to enrich NRBC and other was used for cff-DNA extraction. NRBCs were isolated by MACS method and immunohistochemistry; the genome of stained cells was amplified by multiple displacement amplification (MDA) procedure. These products were used as template in b-globin segments PCR. cff-DNA was extracted by THP method and 300 bp areas were recovered from the agarose gel as fetus DNA. These DNA were used as template in touch down PCR to amplify b-globin gen. The amplified b-globin segments were sequenced and the results compared with CVS resul. Results: The data showed that sensitivity and specificity of thalassemia diagnosis by NRBC were 100% and 92% respectively and sensitivity and specificity of thalassemia diagnosis by cff-DNA were 100% and 84% respectively. Conclusion: These methods with high sensitivity can be used as screening test but due to their lower specificity than CVS, they cannot be used as diagnostic test.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 138-152
Author(s):  
Bingren Zhang ◽  
Chu Wang ◽  
Chanchan Shen ◽  
Wei Wang

Background: Responses to external emotional-stimuli or their transitions might help to elucidate the scientific background and assist the clinical management of psychiatric problems, but pure emotional-materials and their utilization at different levels of neurophysiological processing are few. Objective: We aimed to describe the responses at central and peripheral levels in healthy volunteers and psychiatric patients when facing external emotions and their transitions. Methods: Using pictures and sounds with pure emotions of Disgust, Erotica, Fear, Happiness, Neutral, and Sadness or their transitions as stimuli, we have developed a series of non-invasive techniques, i.e., the event-related potentials, functional magnetic resonance imaging, excitatory and inhibitory brainstem reflexes, and polygraph, to assess different levels of neurophysiological responses in different populations. Results: Sample outcomes on various conditions were specific and distinguishable at cortical to peripheral levels in bipolar I and II disorder patients compared to healthy volunteers. Conclusions: Methodologically, designs with these pure emotions and their transitions are applicable, and results per se are specifically interpretable in patients with emotion-related problems.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy Sombke ◽  
Carsten H. G. Müller

Abstract Background The jointed appendage is a key novelty in arthropod evolution and arthropod legs are known to vary enormously in relation to function. Among centipedes, the ultimate legs always are distinctly different from locomotory legs, and different centipede taxa evolved different structural and functional modifications. In Geophilomorpha (soil centipedes), ultimate legs do not participate in locomotion and were interpret to serve a sensory function. They can be sexually dimorphic and in some species, male ultimate legs notably appear “hairy”. It can be assumed that the high abundance of sensilla indicates a pronounced sensory function. This study seeks for assessing the sensory diversity, however, documents the surprising and unique case of an extensive glandular epithelium in the ultimate legs of three phylogenetically distant species. Results The tightly aggregated epidermal glands with stalked ducts – mistakenly thought to be sensilla – were scrutinized using a multimodal microscopic approach comprising histology as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy in Haplophilus subterraneus. Hence, this is the first detailed account on centipede ultimate legs demonstrating an evolutionary transformation into a “secretory leg”. Additionally, we investigated sensory structures as well as anatomical features using microCT analysis. Contrary to its nomination as a tarsus, tarsus 1 possesses intrinsic musculature, which is an indication that this podomere might be a derivate of the tibia. Discussion The presence and identity of ultimate leg associated epidermal glands with stalked ducts is a new discovery for myriapods. A pronounced secretory as well as moderate sensory function in Haplophilus subterraneus can be concluded. The set of characters will improve future taxonomic studies, to test the hypotheses whether the presence of these specialized glands is a common feature in Geophilomorpha, and that tarsus 1 may be a derivate of the tibia. As the number of epidermal glands with stalked ducts is sexually dimorphic, their function might be connected to reproduction or a sex-specific defensive role. Our results, in particular the unexpected discovery of ‘glandular hairs’, may account for a striking example for how deceptive morphological descriptions of epidermal organs may be, if based on non-invasive techniques alone.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong Wang ◽  
Rui Wen ◽  
Julian Henderson ◽  
Xingjun Hu ◽  
Wenying Li

AbstractThe Hetian Bizili site in Lop County, located on the southern route of the Silk Road in Xinjiang, China, was a trade and cultural hub between the East and the West in ancient times. In 2016, a large number of glass beads were unearthed from the 40 tombs excavated on this site. In this study we determined the chemical compositions and manufacturing technology of bodies and decorations of twelve glass beads from the M5 tomb of Bizili by using LA-ICP-AES, EDXRF, Raman Spectrometry, and SR-μCT. The chemical compositions of the beads were all Na2O–CaO–SiO2, with plant ash mainly used as a flux. Lead antimonate and lead stannate were used as the opacifying agents. We detected elevated levels of boron and high levels of phosphorus in some beads: this is discussed in the context of the type of flux used and the possible use of a P-rich opacifier. Some of the beads with high contents of aluminum may potentially come from Pakistan. In terms of manufacturing technology, the craftsmen made ‘eye’ beads in different ways and also trail decorated beads.


Biosensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 189
Author(s):  
David Bamgboje ◽  
Iasonas Christoulakis ◽  
Ioannis Smanis ◽  
Gaurav Chavan ◽  
Rinkal Shah ◽  
...  

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that must be carefully managed to prevent serious complications such as cardiovascular disease, retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy. Self-monitoring of blood glucose is a crucial tool for managing diabetes and, at present, all relevant procedures are invasive while they only provide periodic measurements. The pain and measurement intermittency associated with invasive techniques resulted in the exploration of painless, continuous, and non-invasive techniques of glucose measurement that would facilitate intensive management. The focus of this review paper is the existing solutions for continuous non-invasive glucose monitoring via contact lenses (CLs) and to carry out a detailed, qualitative, and comparative analysis to inform prospective researchers on viable pathways. Direct glucose monitoring via CLs is contingent on the detection of biomarkers present in the lacrimal fluid. In this review, emphasis is given on two types of sensors: a graphene-AgNW hybrid sensor and an amperometric sensor. Both sensors can detect the presence of glucose in the lacrimal fluid by using the enzyme, glucose oxidase. Additionally, this review covers fabrication procedures for CL biosensors. Ever since Google published the first glucose monitoring embedded system on a CL, CL biosensors have been considered state-of-the-art in the medical device research and development industry. The CL not only has to have a sensory system, it must also have an embedded integrated circuit (IC) for readout and wireless communication. Moreover, to retain mobility and ease of use of the CLs used for continuous glucose monitoring, the power supply to the solid-state IC on such CLs must be wireless. Currently, there are four methods of powering CLs: utilizing solar energy, via a biofuel cell, or by inductive or radiofrequency (RF) power. Although, there are many limitations associated with each method, the limitations common to all, are safety restrictions and CL size limitations. Bearing this in mind, RF power has received most of the attention in reported literature, whereas solar power has received the least attention in the literature. CLs seem a very promising target for cutting edge biotechnological applications of diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic relevance.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Klara Retko ◽  
Maša Kavčič ◽  
Lea Legan ◽  
Polonca Ropret ◽  
Bojana Rogelj Škafar ◽  
...  

AbstractIn this study, a painted beehive panel from the collection of the Slovene Ethnographic Museum was examined with respect to its material composition with the aim to reveal the painting technique. Due to the state of degradation due to outdoor weathering (UV irradiation, rainfall, extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations), as well as past conservation interventions, the object represented a complex analytical challenge. We aimed for non-invasive techniques (FTIR in reflection mode, Raman spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging in the range of 400–2500 nm); however, in order to explore paint layers, cross-sections were also analysed using Raman spectroscopy. FTIR spectroscopy in transmission mode and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry were also used on sample fragments. Various original materials were identified such as pigments and binders. The surface coating applied during conservation interventions was also characterised. Additionally, organic compounds were found (oxalate, carboxylate), representing transformation products. The potential use of Prussian blue as a background paint layer is discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shinichiro Ohshimo

AbstractAcute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a fatal condition with insufficiently clarified etiology. Supportive care for severe hypoxemia remains the mainstay of essential interventions for ARDS. In recent years, adequate ventilation to prevent ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) and patient self-inflicted lung injury (P-SILI) as well as lung-protective mechanical ventilation has an increasing attention in ARDS.Ventilation-perfusion mismatch may augment severe hypoxemia and inspiratory drive and consequently induce P-SILI. Respiratory drive and effort must also be carefully monitored to prevent P-SILI. Airway occlusion pressure (P0.1) and airway pressure deflection during an end-expiratory airway occlusion (Pocc) could be easy indicators to evaluate the respiratory drive and effort. Patient-ventilator dyssynchrony is a time mismatching between patient’s effort and ventilator drive. Although it is frequently unrecognized, dyssynchrony can be associated with poor clinical outcomes. Dyssynchrony includes trigger asynchrony, cycling asynchrony, and flow delivery mismatch. Ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD) is a form of iatrogenic injury from inadequate use of mechanical ventilation. Excessive spontaneous breathing can lead to P-SILI, while excessive rest can lead to VIDD. Optimal balance between these two manifestations is probably associated with the etiology and severity of the underlying pulmonary disease.High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) are non-invasive techniques for supporting hypoxemia. While they are beneficial as respiratory supports in mild ARDS, there can be a risk of delaying needed intubation. Mechanical ventilation and ECMO are applied for more severe ARDS. However, as with HFNC/NPPV, inappropriate assessment of breathing workload potentially has a risk of delaying the timing of shifting from ventilator to ECMO. Various methods of oxygen administration in ARDS are important. However, it is also important to evaluate whether they adequately reduce the breathing workload and help to improve ARDS.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document