bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Intravenous Dexamethasone and Lidocaine on Propofol-Induced Vascular Pain: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Ahmad Shireen , De Oliveira Gildasio S. , Fitzgerald Paul C. , McCarthy Robert J.
Published: July 2013

Background.The mechanism for pain associated with intravenous administration of propofol is believed to be related to the release of nitric oxide. We hypothesized that pain following propofol injection would be reduced by pretreatment with dexamethasone.Methods.One hundred fourteen female subjects received 5 mL of preservative-free saline, 0.5 mg·kg−1of lignocaine hydrochloride 10 mg·mL−1or 0.25 mg·kg−1of dexamethasone, intravenously, following exsanguination and occlusion of the veins of the arm. This was followed by a 0.5 mg·kg−1injection of propofol. Pain scores, facial grimacing, arm withdrawal, and vocalization were recorded prior to and at 15 and 30 seconds following the injection of propofol.Results.The incidence of moderate to severe pain following the injection of propofol was significantly decreased with both lidocaine and dexamethasone. Hand withdrawal was also significantly decreased in comparison to saline.Conclusion.Low dose dexamethasone is commonly used as an antiemetic, and, in larger doses, it has been demonstrated to provide prolonged postoperative analgesia. At higher analgesic doses, dexamethasone may also reduce pain associated with the injection of propofol. This effect is probably related to the effect of the steroid on nitric oxide production associated with intravenous propofol injection.
The Hydrolysis of Carbonyl Sulfide at Low Temperature: A Review
Authors: Zhao Shunzheng , Yi Honghong , Tang Xiaolong , Jiang Shanxue , Gao Fengyu , Zhang Bowen , Zuo Yanran , Wang Zhixiang
Published: July 2013

Catalytic hydrolysis technology of carbonyl sulfide (COS) at low temperature was reviewed, including the development of catalysts, reaction kinetics, and reaction mechanism of COS hydrolysis. It was indicated that the catalysts are mainly involved metal oxide and activated carbon. The active ingredients which can load on COS hydrolysis catalyst include alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal oxides, rare earth metal oxides, mixed metal oxides, and nanometal oxides. The catalytic hydrolysis of COS is a first‐order reaction with respect to carbonyl sulfide, while the reaction order of water changes as the reaction conditions change. The controlling steps are also different because the reaction conditions such as concentration of carbonyl sulfide, reaction temperature, water‐air ratio, and reaction atmosphere are different. The hydrolysis of carbonyl sulfide is base‐catalyzed reaction, and the force of the base site has an important effect on the hydrolysis of carbonyl sulfide.
Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Laffin Michael , Chau Johnny , Gill Richdeep S. , Birch Daniel W. , Karmali Shahzeer
Published: July 2013

Bariatric surgery, when combined with lifestyle and medical interventions, is a common and successful treatment modality in the obese patient. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is one such procedure that has increased in popularity as a definitive bariatric operation. Although laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has been shown to be effective in producing weight loss and improving type 2 diabetes mellitus, its effect on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been inconsistent. This paper aims to summarize the available literature regarding GERD prevalence following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, 8 studies demonstrate increased GERD prevalence, and 5 demonstrate decreased GERD prevalence following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The relationship between GERD and SG is complex and no clear relationship exists. The anatomic and physiologic changes caused by laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy are discussed in the context of these inconsistent results.
Respiratory Disease following Illicit Injection of Silicone: A Case Report
Authors: Essenmacher Alex Charles , Astani Seyed Amin
Published: July 2013

Unregulated, pseudomedical procedures risk serious sequelae even when otherwise safe compounds are used. Silicone is commonly used legally in cosmetic procedures owing to its durability, resistance to heat and aging, and low immunogenicity. However, inappropriate or illegal silicone injection can pose severe local and systemic complications including serious pulmonary compromise. We describe the case of a 30-year-old female who presented with hemoptysis and progressive shortness of breath following illicit silicone injections to the gluteal fat and was found to have new, diffuse, bilateral, ground-glass opacities on contrast-enhanced pulmonary computed tomography. Transbronchial biopsy elucidated that this was a lipoid pneumonia-type injury secondary to silicone infiltration.
Effects of Sheep and Mouse Urine on the Growth Pattern ofLeishmania majorPromastigotes
Authors: Nasiri Vahid , Karimi Gholamreza , Dalimi Abdolhossein , Paykari Habibollah , Ghaffarifar Fatemeh
Published: July 2013

The protozoan parasites of the genusLeishmaniaare the causative agents of different clinical diseases. Fetal calf serum (FCS) is the main part and the most expensive ingredient of theLeishmaniaculture media. Here, the efficacies of different concentrations (1%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10%) of the filtered and autoclaved sheep and mouse urine were evaluated as a growth stimulator inLeishmaniaculture procedure. The results indicated that culture media enriched with the filtered sheep and mouse urine supported the growth of the parasites and can be used for cultivation ofLeishmaniaparasites. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated an alternative low-cost medium that could be used in cultivation process ofLeishmania majorpromastigotes.
Comparison of Octopus Semi-Automated Kinetic Perimetry and Humphrey Peripheral Static Perimetry in Neuro-Ophthalmic Cases
Authors: Rowe Fiona J. , Noonan Carmel , Manuel Melanie
Published: July 2013

Aim. To compare semikinetic perimetry (SKP) on Octopus 900 perimetry to a peripheral static programme with Humphrey automated perimetry. Methods. Prospective cross-section study comparing Humphrey full field (FF) 120 two zone programme to a screening protocol for SKP on Octopus perimetry. Results were independently graded for presence/absence of field defect plus type and location of defect. Results. 64 patients (113 eyes) underwent dual perimetry assessment. Mean duration of assessment for SKP was 4.54 minutes ±0.18 and for FF120 (). 80% of results were correctly matched for normal or abnormal visual fields using the I4e target versus FF120, and 73.5% were correctly matched using the I2e target versus FF120. When comparing Octopus results with combined I4e and I2e isopters to the FF120 result, a match for normal or abnormal fields was recorded in 87%. Conclusions. Humphrey perimetry test duration was generally longer than Octopus SKP. In the absence of kinetic perimetry, peripheral static suprathreshold programme options such as FF120 may be useful for detection of visual field defects. However, statokinetic dissociation may occur. Octopus SKP utilising both I4e and I2e targets provides detailed information of both the defect depth and size and may provide a more representative view of the actual visual field defect.
Structure and Properties of Nanostructured (Ti‐Hf‐Zr‐V‐Nb)N Coatings
Authors: Pogrebnjak Alexander D.
Published: July 2013

Nanostructured coatings of (Ti‐Zr‐Hf‐V‐Nb)N were obtained by the Cathodic Arc Vapor Deposition (CAVD) method. To investigate these coatings, a number of complementary methods of elemental and structural analysis were used, namely, slow positron beam (SPB), proton microbeam (μ‐PIXE), micro‐ and nanoelectron beam (EDS and SEM analyses), and X‐ray diffraction method (XRD), including method of “α‐sin2φ” measurement of a stress‐strain state (X‐ray strain measurement). Additionally, the texture of coatings before and after annealing up to 873 K (for time of annealing τ = 30 min) was also investigated. It was shown that increasing of stress‐strain state in the coating during deposition increases the resistance to oxidation at high temperatures of annealing. It was also found that the redistribution of elements and defects, as well as their alignment (segregation), appeared due to thermally stimulated diffusion. It is also connected with the process of spinodal segregation near grain boundaries and interfaces around the grains and subgrains.
Rheological Study on ATBS‐AM Copolymer‐Surfactant System in High‐Temperature and High‐Salinity Environment
Authors: Kamal Muhammad Shahzad , Hussien Ibnelwaleed Ali , Sultan Abdullah Saad , Han Ming
Published: July 2013

Experimental studies were conducted to evaluate the rheological properties of surfactant‐polymer (SP) system. This SP system consists of a copolymer of acrylamide (AM) and acrylamido tertiary butyl sulfonate (ATBS) and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) surfactant. Effects of surfactant concentration, temperature, polymer concentration, and salinity on rheological properties of SP system were investigated by means of oscillation and shear measurements. Comparison with classical partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) was made. For the same temperature range, the viscosity drop for HPAM was about four times higher than the viscosity drop for ATBS‐AM copolymer. In deionized water, viscosity of both polymers and SP systems was very high as compared to viscosity in saline water. Viscosity reduction of ATBS‐AM copolymer was higher for salts having divalent cations. The SP system showed precipitation in presence of divalent cations. It worked well with monovalent cations even at relatively high salinities. The addition of 0.1% surfactant to the polymer resulted in a 60% decrease in the viscosity. Some interfacial rheological experiments were also carried out to investigate the behaviors on the interface between SP solutions and oil. Addition of 0.1% surfactant showed a 65% decrease in G′ at SP solution‐oil interface. SP system consisting of ATBS‐AM and SDS showed better performance at high temperature compared to HPAM‐SDS system. Due to precipitation, the SP system should be restricted to environment having low divalent cations.
Clinical Presentation, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita
Authors: Ludwig Ralf J.
Published: July 2013

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is a chronic mucocutaneous autoimmune skin blistering disease. The pathogenic relevance of autoantibodies targeting type VII collagen (COL7) has been well-documented. Therefore, EBA is a prototypical autoimmune disease with a well-characterized pathogenic relevance of autoantibody binding to the target antigen. EBA is a rare disease with an incidence of 0.2 new cases per million and per year. The current treatment of EBA relies on general immunosuppressive therapy, which does not lead to remission in all cases. Therefore, there is a high, so far unmet medical need for the development of novel therapeutic options. During the last 10 years, several novel in vitro and in vivo models of EBA have been established. These models demonstrated a critical role of the genetic background, T cells, and cytokines for mediating the loss of tolerance towards COL7. Neutrophils, complement activation, Fc gamma receptor engagement, cytokines, several molecules involved in cell signaling, release of reactive oxygen species, and matrix metalloproteinases are crucial for autoantibody-induced tissue injury in EBA. Based on this growing understanding of the diseases’ pathogenesis, several potential novel therapeutic targets have emerged. In this review, the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and current treatment options for EBA are discussed in detail.
Development of a Smart Residential Fire Protection System
Authors: Oh Juhwan , Jiang Zhongwei , Panganiban Henry
Published: July 2013

Embedded system is applied for the development of smart residential fire detection and extinguishing system. Wireless communication capability is integrated into various fire sensors and alarm devices. The system activates the fire alarm to warn occupants, executes emergency and rescue calls to remote residents and fire-fighting facility in an intelligent way. The effective location of extra-sprinklers within the space of interest for the fire extinguishing system is also investigated. Actual fire test suggests that the developed wireless system for the smart residential fire protection system is reliable in terms of sensors and their communication linkage.
Dystrophic Cutaneous Calcification and Metaplastic Bone Formation due to Long Term Bisphosphonate Use in Breast Cancer
Authors: Tatlı Ali Murat , Gunduz Seyda , Göksu Sema Sezgin , Arslan Deniz , Uysal Mukremin , Başsorgun Cumhur İbrahim , Coşkun Hasan Şenol
Published: July 2013

Bisphosphonates are widely used in the treatment of breast cancer with bone metastases. We report a case of a female with breast cancer presented with a rash around a previous mastectomy site and a discharge lesion on her right chest wall in August 2010. Biopsy of the lesion showed dystrophic calcification and metaplastic bone formation. The patient’s history revealed a long term use of zoledronic acid for the treatment of breast cancer with bone metastasis. We stopped the treatment since we believed that the cutaneous dystrophic calcification could be associated with her long term bisphosphonate therapy. Adverse cutaneous events with bisphosphonates are very rare, and dystrophic calcification has not been reported previously. The dystrophic calcification and metaplastic bone formation in this patient are thought to be due to long term bisphosphonate usage.
Prevalence of Priapism and Its Awareness amongst Male Homozygous Sickle Cell Patients in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Adediran Adewumi , Wright Kikelomo , Akinbami Akinsegun , Dosunmu Adedoyin , Oshinaike Olajumoke , Osikomaiya Bodunrin , Ajibola Sarah , Ismail Kamal , Uche Ebele , Ojelabi Olaitan
Published: July 2013

Background. Priapism is a pathological condition of penile erection that persists beyond, or is unrelated to, sexual stimulation. Impotence and infertility are major problems in male sickle cell disease patients, and priapism has been implicated as a cause of impotence and infertility. The aim of this study is to determine priapism prevalence and assess the knowledge of male homozygous male patients about it in Lagos, Nigeria.Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst male homozygous sickle cell disease patients of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. Pretested questionnaires were distributed to determine the prevalence and assess their knowledge on priapism. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0.Results. A total of 114 consenting subjects filled the questionnaires, 85 of 114 (74.6%) had not heard about priapism before this study. A total of 77 of 114 (67.5%) did not know that they are at risk of priapism. Whilst 84 of 114 (73.7%) were not aware that priapism is a complication of SCD. The majority, 94 of 114 (82.5%), were not aware that priapism could cause impotence.Conclusion. There is a need to create more awareness about this complication amongst sickle cell disease patients in order to stem the incidence of impotence and infertility amongst them.
Deprea zamorae (Physalideae, Solanoideae, Solanaceae): a new species from southern Ecuador
Authors: BARBOZA GLORIA E. , GONZÁLEZ SEGUNDO LEIVA , GARCÍA CAROLINA CARRIZO , OROZCO CLARA INÉS
Published: July 2013

Deprea zamorae Barboza & S. Leiva (Solanaceae), a new species from southern Ecuador (Loja and Zamora–Chinchipe), is described and illustrated. It is most similar to D. cyanocarpa, but differs by the presence of minute teeth on the calyx, the ratio of the corolla tube length to the lobe length, the orientation of the fruiting pedicels, and the color and shape of the fruiting calyx. Its distribution does not overlap with that of any other Deprea species. A key for all Deprea species is provided.
A new redfin species, Pseudobarbus skeltoni (Cyprinidae, Teleostei), from the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa
Authors: CHAKONA ALBERT , SWARTZ ERNST R.
Published: July 2013

A new cyprinid species, Pseudobarbus skeltoni sp. nov, is described from material recently collected in the upper Riviersonderend River (a major tributary of the Breede River system) and the Krom River (a tributary of the Molenaars River in the upper Breede River) in the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa. The new species is readily distinguished from congeners, except P. burgi and P. burchelli, by having two pairs of prominent oral barbels. Pseudobarbus skeltoni can be distinguished from P. burgi and P. burchelli by the following combination of characters: distinctive terminal (vs. subterminal) mouth in adults; mouth inferior in sub-adults and young adults of P. skeltoni but lower lips are unretracted (vs. retracted) and lack a distinct cartilaginous plate; snout prominent; more slender head (head depth 64.2% of HL, vs. 70.1% of HL in P. burchelli and 74.1% of HL in P. burgi); and a longer head relative to standard length (30.5 % vs. 26.8% in P. burchelli and 25.8% in P. burgi). The new species attains the largest size of any Pseudobarbus. The restricted distribution and the small remaining population sizes of P. skeltoni indicate that this species is highly threatened and requires immediate conservation attention.
Description of Pristina armata n. sp. (Clitellata: Naididae: Pristininae) from a carnivorous plant (Nepenthes sp.) in Borneo, Indonesia
Authors: SCHENKOVÁ JANA
Published: July 2013

A new clitellate species of Pristininae (Naididae), Pristina armata n. sp., found in the pitcher of the carnivorous plant Nepenthes sp., is reported from East Kalimantan, Indonesia. P. armata n. sp. is a very small clitellate, less than 1 mm long in fixed state, and without proboscis on the prostomium. Signs of reproduction by paratomy were observed, but the generic placement remains preliminary because sexually mature individuals were not found. P. armata n. sp. is characterized by giant hook-like dorsal chaetae at IV. The description of P. armata n. sp. was based on six fixed specimens of different size and stage of development. Noteworthy is the habitat of P. armata n. sp. in Nepenthes pitchers, this being the first clitellate species described from such a habitat. P. armata n. sp. may be a member of the nepenthebionts’ community, realizing its life cycle inside the digestive fluid of the Nepenthes pitcher, or it belongs to nepenthephiles, species that commonly occur in this habitat but do not specialize on it.
Forest Fire Effects on Air Quality in Ontario: Evaluation of Several Recent Examples
Authors: Dempsey Frank
Published: July 2013

Several events were studied to examine the sources of smoke and pollutants that may affect air quality in Ontario as well as the transport mechanisms that result in effects on ground-level air quality. The selected events were strongly suspected of being influenced by forest fire smoke plumes and the evaluation of the events in this study confirmed (to a high degree of confidence) that smoke made a contribution to the measured pollutants. The main satellite-based remote-sensing product that correlated well with wildfire smoke plumes was carbon monoxide column amount.
The Emergence of Weather-Related Test Beds Linking Research and Forecasting Operations
Authors: Ralph F. Martin , Intrieri Janet , Andra David , Atlas Robert , Boukabara Sid , Bright David , Davidson Paula , Entwistle Bruce , Gaynor John , Goodman Steve , Jiing Jiann-Gwo , Harless Amy , Huang Jin , Jedlovec Gary , Kain John , Koch Steven , Kuo Bill , Levit Jason , Murillo Shirley , Riishojgaard Lars Peter , Schneider Timothy , Schneider Russell , Smith Travis , Weiss Steven
Published: July 2013

Test beds have emerged as a critical mechanism linking weather research with forecasting operations. The U.S. Weather Research Program (USWRP) was formed in the 1990s to help identify key gaps in research related to major weather prediction problems and the role of observations and numerical models. This planning effort ultimately revealed the need for greater capacity and new approaches to improve the connectivity between the research and forecasting enterprise.

Out of this developed the seeds for what is now termed “test beds.” While many individual projects, and even more broadly the NOAA/National Weather Service (NWS) Modernization, were successful in advancing weather prediction services, it was recognized that specific forecast problems warranted a more focused and elevated level of effort. The USWRP helped develop these concepts with science teams and provided seed funding for several of the test beds described.

Based on the varying NOAA mission requirements for forecasting, differences in the organizational structure and methods used to provide those services, and differences in the state of the science related to those forecast challenges, test beds have taken on differing characteristics, strategies, and priorities. Current test bed efforts described have all emerged between 2000 and 2011 and focus on hurricanes (Joint Hurricane Testbed), precipitation (Hydrometeorology Testbed), satellite data assimilation (Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation), severe weather (Hazardous Weather Testbed), satellite data support for severe weather prediction (Short-Term Prediction Research and Transition Center), mesoscale modeling (Developmental Testbed Center), climate forecast products (Climate Testbed), testing and evaluation of satellite capabilities [Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R Series (GOES-R) Proving Ground], aviation applications (Aviation Weather Testbed), and observing system experiments (OSSE Testbed).
Assessment of Global Cloud Datasets from Satellites: Project and Database Initiated by the GEWEX Radiation Panel
Authors: Stubenrauch C. J. , Rossow W. B. , Kinne S. , Ackerman S. , Cesana G. , Chepfer H. , Di Girolamo L. , Getzewich B. , Guignard A. , Heidinger A. , Maddux B. C. , Menzel W. P. , Minnis P. , Pearl C. , Platnick S. , Poulsen C. , Riedi J. , Sun-Mack S. , Walther A. , Winker D. , Zeng S. , Zhao G.
Published: July 2013

Clouds cover about 70% of Earth's surface and play a dominant role in the energy and water cycle of our planet. Only satellite observations provide a continuous survey of the state of the atmosphere over the entire globe and across the wide range of spatial and temporal scales that compose weather and climate variability. Satellite cloud data records now exceed more than 25 years; however, climate data records must be compiled from different satellite datasets and can exhibit systematic biases. Questions therefore arise as to the accuracy and limitations of the various sensors and retrieval methods. The Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX) Cloud Assessment, initiated in 2005 by the GEWEX Radiation Panel (GEWEX Data and Assessment Panel since 2011), provides the first coordinated intercomparison of publicly available, standard global cloud products (gridded monthly statistics) retrieved from measurements of multispectral imagers (some with multiangle view and polarization capabilities), IR sounders, and lidar. Cloud properties under study include cloud amount, cloud height (in terms of pressure, temperature, or altitude), cloud thermodynamic phase, and cloud radiative and bulk microphysical properties (optical depth or emissivity, effective particle radius, and water path). Differences in average cloud properties, especially in the amount of high-level clouds, are mostly explained by the inherent instrument measurement capability for detecting and/or identifying optically thin cirrus, especially when overlying low-level clouds. The study of long-term variations with these datasets requires consideration of many factors. The monthly gridded database presented here facilitates further assessments, climate studies, and the evaluation of climate models.
Toward the Assimilation of the Atmospheric Surface Layer Using Numerical Weather Prediction and Radar Clutter Observations
Authors: Karimian Ali , Yardim Caglar , Haack Tracy , Gerstoft Peter , Hodgkiss William S. , Rogers Ted
Published: July 2013

Radio wave propagation on low-altitude paths over the ocean above 2 GHz is significantly affected by negative refractivity gradients in the atmospheric surface layer, which form what is often referred to as an evaporation duct (ED). Refractivity from clutter (RFC) is an inversion approach for the estimation of the refractivity profile from radar clutter, and RFC-ED refers to its implementation for the case of evaporation ducts. An approach for fusing RFC-ED output with evaporation duct characterization that is based on ensemble forecasts from a numerical weather prediction (NWP) model is examined here. Three conditions of air–sea temperature difference (ASTD) are examined. Synthetic radar clutter observations are generated using the Advanced Propagation Model. The impacts of ASTD on the evaporation duct refractivity profile, atmospheric parameter inversion, and propagation factor distributions are studied. Relative humidity at a reference height and ASTD are identified as state variables. Probability densities from NWP ensembles, RFC-ED, and joint inversions are compared. It is demonstrated that characterization of the near-surface atmosphere by combining RFC-ED and NWP reduces the estimation uncertainty of ASTD and relative humidity in an evaporation duct, with respect to using either method alone.
PNA Predictability at Various Time Scales
Authors: Younas Waqar , Tang Youmin
Published: July 2013

In this study, the predictability of the Pacific–North American (PNA) pattern is evaluated on time scales from days to months using state-of-the-art dynamical multiple-model ensembles including the Canadian Historical Forecast Project (HFP2) ensemble, the Development of a European Multimodel Ensemble System for Seasonal-to-Interannual Prediction (DEMETER) ensemble, and the Ensemble-Based Predictions of Climate Changes and their Impacts (ENSEMBLES). Some interesting findings in this study include (i) multiple-model ensemble (MME) skill was better than most of the individual models; (ii) both actual prediction skill and potential predictability increased as the averaging time scale increased from days to months; (iii) there is no significant difference in actual skill between coupled and uncoupled models, in contrast with the potential predictability where coupled models performed better than uncoupled models; (iv) relative entropy (REA) is an effective measure in characterizing the potential predictability of individual prediction, whereas the mutual information (MI) is a reliable indicator of overall prediction skill; and (v) compared with conventional potential predictability measures of the signal-to-noise ratio, the MI-based measures characterized more potential predictability when the ensemble spread varied over initial conditions.

Further analysis found that the signal component dominated the dispersion component in REA for PNA potential predictability from days to seasons. Also, the PNA predictability is highly related to the signal of the tropical sea surface temperature (SST), and SST–PNA correlation patterns resemble the typical ENSO structure, suggesting that ENSO is the main source of PNA seasonal predictability. The predictable component analysis (PrCA) of atmospheric variability further confirmed the above conclusion; that is, PNA is one of the most predictable patterns in the climate variability over the Northern Hemisphere, which originates mainly from the ENSO forcing.
Montaigne’s Tasso: Madness, melancholy and the enigma of Italy
Authors: Ramachandran Ayesha
Published: July 2013

This essay re-examines the question of Montaigne’s view of contemporary Italy and Italians by focusing on his allusions to Tasso in the Essais. It places Montaigne’s Italianism in the context of the virulent anti-Italian polemics in France in the 1570s and 1580s, and argues that his strategic choice of Tasso as an emblem for Italy, following his tour of the peninsula in 1580 to 1581, points to a conflicted, deeply ambivalent perspective on Franco-Italian relations in the late 16th century. In the Essais, Tasso and Italy become associated with brilliance and decay, madness and tragic decline.
The negation of God erected into a system of disaster relief: The British press, Household Words and the great Neapolitan earthquake of 1857
Authors: Hiller Jonathan R
Published: July 2013

This article analyzes the reaction of the British press to the Neapolitan government’s disaster relief efforts following a massive earthquake which struck the Basilicata region in late 1857. The Bourbons’ failure to provide substantive relief and their corresponding effort to hide the scope of the destruction led to a wave of outrage in a range of British periodicals, most notably in literary journals. The article shows how this campaign helped consolidate British public opinion against the Bourbon monarchy at a time when British support for Italian unification was essential. Special consideration is given to Household Words by Charles Dickens, which provided the definitive commentary on the disaster, retelling the story of horrific destruction, local incompetence and ultimate (British) relief efforts with a narrative touch calculated to marshal antipathy towards the Bourbons.
Giovanni Ruffini’s Doctor Antonio and the healing power of the Italian landscape
Authors: Pagano Tullio
Published: July 2013

This essay analyzes a novel entitled Doctor Antonio, published in 1855 in Edinburgh by an Italian exile, Giovanni Ruffini. During their ‘forced’ stay in an isolated village in the western part of the Italian Riviera, the aristocrat Sir John and his daughter Lucy discover a part of Italy that Northern European travelers had neglected until then. The romantic love story between Lucy and the Italian patriot Doctor Antonio contributed to make the region of Liguria a popular destination among British tourists, who eventually transformed the small village of Bordighera, where the novel is set, into a ‘British paradise,’ as Italian novelist and journalist Edmondo De Amicis defined it in an essay published at the beginning of the 20th century ( De Amicis, 1906 ).
Istrian Italy and the homeland: The lessons of poetry
Authors: Harrison Thomas
Published: July 2013

This article uses Eugenio Montale's poem ‘Dora Markus’ to reflect on considerable complications attending the concept of the patria vera, or the homeland, in borderland Italy. The geographical locales are Istria – the peninsula southeast of Trieste on the Adriatic coast – and Carinthia some distance to the north, where Italy meets Austria and Slovenia. Both places have been multiethnic and politically contested regions for centuries, changing political hands so frequently that they make a mockery of the very notion of homeland. This article considers historical, poetic, and linguistic knowledge to offset much of the nationalist, ideological rhetoric surrounding the two world wars.
A view from Africa: Edmondo De Amicis and the formation of a national identity in post-unification Italy
Authors: Valentini Daria
Published: July 2013

As a writer of travelogues from Europe, Morocco and Constantinople, Edmondo De Amicis is unique in his ability to combine descriptions of foreign places and peoples with impressions regarding his own country. The encounter with Africa, which De Amicis explores on many levels, reaches beyond the reporting of sights and customs to assert the validity of Western values and beliefs. The present analysis of the travelogue Marocco (1876) demonstrates how travel writing as practiced by De Amicis represents a journey toward self-knowledge, which, given the writer’s immense popularity in late 19th century Italy, has important implications for the broader notion of Italian nationhood.
Picturing oneself: Politics and society in Berlusconi’s Italy
Authors: Mazzarella Eugenio
Published: July 2013

This short paper addresses thorny issues in the dynamics of the social imagination and public debate. Insofar as they deal with the ongoing acute political and economic crisis, these topics are difficult to gauge and easily misunderstood. I will attempt nonetheless to sketch the image Italy has of itself, evaluating how plausible and trustworthy it might be, whether it needs rethinking, and what the reasons would be if this were not to happen.
If the boot fits . . . Luciano Fabro’s Italie
Authors: Hecker Sharon
Published: July 2013

From 1968 to 2005, Arte Povera artist Luciano Fabro made mixed-media sculptural installations featuring the well-known geographical ‘boot’ of Italy. He placed these curious maps, fitted with ironic titles, in various positions – hanging, tilted, inverted, lying on the ground – and locations. The works have elicited multiple interpretations, ranging from formal, material experiments and anecdotal vignettes to wry references to the darker side of Italian history. Fragmented and united, light and heavy, simple and complex, Fabro’s Italie pose deeper questions about the contradictions of Italy’s national identity as it struggles to emerge from its past into modern times.
It was not only the Cold War: Italian and American trade unionism for the economic development of the country (1947–1960)
Authors: Bianchi Giampiero
Published: July 2013

During the crucial years in which Italian society for the first time in its history became an advanced industrial society, took part in a free international economy and consolidated the foundations of its young democracy, a group of Italian and American trade unionists started to look at ways to transform work and business in Italy. These attempts sometimes met with success but at other times with failure.

Italian trade unionism split into different parts: the CGIL trade union remained tied to the economic culture and praxis of the Third Communist International, while the CISL mixed the ideas of J Commons and J Maritain and M Mounier, changing completely its strategy between 1948 and 1950. It was a ‘new union’ walking away from its own traditions: many of CISL’s opponents called it the ‘American Trade Union’ and accused it of imitating the USA’s productivity, industrial democracy, vertical organization and its complete autonomy from the state and political parties.

So far, the historiography has read this event only in the context of the Cold War, but this point of view does not explain all those matters that persisted in the Italian Labor market: today’s policies for productivity, the new collective bargaining reforms and the problems of industrial democracy are just some examples that demonstrate that at the end of the Cold War the same issues remained.
Beyond Culture Learning Theory
Authors: Wilson Jessie , Ward Colleen , Fischer Ronald
Published: July 2013

The meta-analytic study examined correlates of cultural competence as assessed by the Sociocultural Adaptation Scale. A total of 17 variables were analyzed from 66 independent studies ( N = 10,672). In line with culture learning theory, situational factors such as length of residence ( r = .16), cultural knowledge ( r = .34), previous cross-cultural experience ( r = .17), cultural distance ( r = −.33), language proficiency ( r = .35), and contact with host nationals ( r = .29) were associated with better sociocultural adaptation. The meta-analysis was extended to personality variables, with small to medium effect sizes found for the “Big Five” traits of agreeableness ( r = .16), conscientiousness ( r = .22), openness/flexibility ( r = .29), extraversion ( r = .29), and neuroticism ( r = −.32), and large effect sizes found for more narrowly defined, culture-relevant factors such as cultural empathy ( r = .49) and cross-cultural self-efficacy ( r = .45). The findings indicate that both personal and situational factors relate to cultural competence and that personality variables deserve greater attention in future studies of sociocultural adaptation.
To Know or Not to Know, Is That the Question? Exploring the Role and Assessment of Metacognition in Cross-Cultural Contexts
Authors: Klafehn Jennifer , Li Chenchen , Chiu Chi-yue
Published: July 2013

Findings from research in educational and cognitive psychology have shown that metacognition, defined as the awareness, monitoring, and evaluation of one’s knowledge and cognitive processes, exerts substantial influence on individual performance. The majority of this research, however, has only examined metacognitive skill as it applies to academic settings, and has largely overlooked its applications to other contexts, such as cross-cultural performance. To better understand the role of metacognition in cross-cultural contexts, as well as the means by which it should be assessed, two studies were conducted that jointly explored the construct validity of a well-established self-reported measure of metacognition (i.e., the Metacognitive subscale of the Cultural Intelligence Scale; CQS), as well as its relative utility in predicting cross-cultural performance. Results from Study 1 indicated that self-reported metacognition (as measured by the CQS) is distinct from personality, but highly correlated with the other subfacets of self-reported cultural intelligence. Analyses using structural equation modeling (SEM) further revealed that peers ( n = 206) were more accurate in rating participants’ cultural intelligence than were participants themselves ( n = 206). Results from Study 2, which explored the criterion-related validity of the Metacognitive subscale of the CQS, in particular, demonstrated that self-reported metacognition did not predict international students’ adaptation ( n = 50). These findings are discussed in light of other research that has called into question the validity of self-reported measures of metacognition, in general.
Meta-Knowledge of Culture Promotes Cultural Competence
Authors: Leung Angela K.-y. , Lee Sau-lai , Chiu Chi-yue
Published: July 2013

A behavioral signature of cross-cultural competence is discriminative use of culturally appropriate behavioral strategies in different cultural contexts. Given the central role communication plays in cross-cultural adjustment and adaptation, the present investigation examines how meta-knowledge of culture—defined as knowledge of what members of a certain culture know—affects culturally competent cross-cultural communication. We reported two studies that examined display of discriminative, culturally sensitive use of cross-cultural communication strategies by bicultural Hong Kong Chinese (Study 1), Chinese students in the United States and European Americans (Study 2). Results showed that individuals formulating a communicative message for a member of a certain culture would discriminatively apply meta-knowledge of the culture. These results suggest that unsuccessful cross-cultural communications may arise not only from the lack of motivation to take the perspective of individuals in a foreign culture, but also from inaccurate meta-knowledge of the foreign culture.
Culture Shock or Challenge? The Role of Personality as a Determinant of Intercultural Competence
Authors: van der Zee Karen , van Oudenhoven Jan Pieter
Published: July 2013

This paper provides a theoretical basis for the empirical link between traits and intercultural success indicators relying on the A (Affect) B (Behavior) C (Cognition)-model of culture shock. With respect to affect, we argue that intercultural traits can be differentiated according to whether they predispose individuals to be (in-)sensitive to either threat or challenge. Whereas stress-related traits (emotional stability, flexibility) are linked to a lower tendency to perceive an intercultural situation as threatening, social-perceptual traits (social initiative, open-mindedness) may predispose individuals to perceive its challenging aspects and respond with positive affect. As a behavioral consequence, stress-buffering traits may protect against culture shock, whereas social-perceptual traits may facilitate cultural learning. Finally, the ABC-model defines cognitions in terms of associated cultural identity patterns. Whereas stress-related traits may help individuals refrain from sticking to one’s own culture, social-perceptual traits reinforce identification with new culture. Implications for training and development are discussed.
A Novel Ex vivo Culture Model for Inflammatory Bone Destruction
Authors: Sloan A.J. , Taylor S.Y. , Smith E.L. , Roberts J.L. , Chen L. , Wei X.Q. , Waddington R.J.
Published: July 2013

Pathological alterations in the balance of bone metabolism are central to the progression of inflammatory bone diseases such as periodontal disease. We have developed and characterized a novel ex vivo murine mandible model of inflammatory bone destruction. Slices of mandible were cultured for 14 days in the presence or absence of P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or pro-inflammatory cytokines. Following culture, cell viability and tissue histomorphometry were assessed with quantification of matrix proteins, resident osteoclasts, ligament cells, monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils. In the absence of inflammatory factors, culture viability, osteoclasts, and matrix components were maintained. LPS or TNFα stimulation demonstrated an increase in cellular proliferation, monocyte cells, osteoclast differentiation, and matrix degradation. Pathophysiological bone metabolism can be induced via exposure to LPS and direct influence of TNFα within the model despite the absence of systemic circulation, providing a model for inflammatory bone destruction and investigation of the effects of novel therapeutics.
Can 18F-FDG–PET show differences in myocardial metabolism between Wistar Kyoto rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats?
Authors: Quintana-Villamandos B , Delgado-Martos MJ , Fernandez-Riveira C , Fernández-Criado MC , Martos-Rodríguez A , Canillas F , Delgado-Baeza E
Published: July 2013

Positron emission tomography (PET) is useful for evaluating the cardiac metabolism of free fatty acid, glucose and oxygen both in human clinical practice and in experimental animal models. However, no data are available for such an evaluation in a model of stable compensated left ventricular hypertrophy in 14-month-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). This study was designed to assess the metabolism of myocardial glucose in SHRs using 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG) using PET. The study was performed on 14-month-old male SHRs ( n = 4) and age-matched Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats ( n = 4). PET scans were performed after the administration of anaesthesia with isoflurane and injection of a bolus of 39.37 ± 3.25 (mean ± SD) MBq (1.06 mCi) of 18F-FDG. The standardized uptake value (SUV) was used to evaluate 18F-FDG uptake by the heart. The analysis of SUV showed increased metabolism in the left ventricle of SHRs compared with WKY rats. Our results show that small animal PET using 18F-FDG can be performed in 14-month-old SHRs to evaluate new therapies in the regression of left ventricular hypertrophy in SHRs because pathological myocardial metabolism in the SHR differs from the normal metabolism of the WKY rat.
Task-Oriented Comparison of Power Spectral Density Estimation Methods for Quantifying Acoustic Attenuation in Diagnostic Ultrasound Using a Reference Phantom Method
Authors: Rosado-Mendez Ivan M. , Nam Kibo , Hall Timothy J. , Zagzebski James A.
Published: July 2013

Reported here is a phantom-based comparison of methods for determining the power spectral density (PSD) of ultrasound backscattered signals. Those power spectral density values are then used to estimate parameters describing α( f), the frequency dependence of the acoustic attenuation coefficient. Phantoms were scanned with a clinical system equipped with a research interface to obtain radiofrequency echo data. Attenuation, modeled as a power law α( f) = α0 fβ, was estimated using a reference phantom method. The power spectral density was estimated using the short-time Fourier transform (STFT), Welch’s periodogram, and Thomson’s multitaper technique, and performance was analyzed when limiting the size of the parameter-estimation region. Errors were quantified by the bias and standard deviation of the α0 and β estimates, and by the overall power-law fit error (FE). For parameter estimation regions larger than ~34 pulse lengths (~1 cm for this experiment), an overall power-law FE of 4% was achieved with all spectral estimation methods. With smaller parameter estimation regions as in parametric image formation, the bias and standard deviation of the α0 and β estimates depended on the size of the parameter estimation region. Here, the multitaper method reduced the standard deviation of the α0 and β estimates compared with those using the other techniques. The results provide guidance for choosing methods for estimating the power spectral density in quantitative ultrasound methods.
Foster carers and family contact: foster carers’ views of social work support
Authors: Austerberry Helen , Stanley Nicky , Larkins Cath , Ridley Julie , Farrelly Nicola , Manthorpe Jill , Hussein Shereen
Published: July 2013

Foster carers have an important role to play in maximising the quality of any contact between children and their parents and monitoring its effects on the child. This article explores how a sample of foster carers view family contact and the professional support they receive concerning their role in this activity. It draws on a large-scale survey (N = 1405) of English foster carers conducted in 2011 as part of the Social Work Practices evaluation. Data provided by those carers who had had difficulties relating to contact (N = 405) were further analysed thematically. Foster carers with disabilities and those experiencing difficulties in contact arrangements were less satisfied with support from the child’s social worker than other foster carers. Foster carers valued social workers who considered the interests of all parties affected by contact plans and decisions. The practice implications of the findings are discussed.
Beyond a two-tier service? Preparation and assessment in intercountry adoption in the UK
Authors: Hoffman Katie
Published: July 2013

Intercountry adoption (ICA) in the UK has historically been a small-scale practice, ‘tolerated’ at best, virtually unregulated and arguably privatised in nature. With the primary purpose of enabling the ratification of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, the Adoption (Intercountry Aspects) Act 1999 also aimed to place ICA on equal footing with domestic adoption by applying to it the adoption procedures and services prescribed by the Adoption and Children Act 2002 and its subsequent regulations. Taking into consideration factors such as the over-burdened national care system, inadequate policy provisions, tensions between ideological support for and opposition to intercountry adoption, and the well-established national ICA support community, this article addresses the extent to which this objective has been achieved through an examination of agency practices and intercountry adoptive parents’ experiences of preparation and assessment. The findings of this study indicate that a ‘two-tier service’ persists and ICA has been preserved as a small-scale, semi-private practice.
Failing to settle: a decade of disruptions in a voluntary adoption agency in placements made between 2001 and 2011
Authors: Randall John
Published: July 2013

This article provides a summary of one voluntary adoption agency’s attempt to look at a specific area of its own practice over the decade 2001–2011. In the UK the understanding of adoptive placements that disrupt is hampered by the lack of consistently gathered national statistics. This gap can be addressed only at central government level and it seems remarkable that, given the well-publicised investment of successive administrations in adoption, we are unable to track trends on such a fundamental issue. The voluntary agency, Families for Children, placed over 300 children during that period. Twenty-four placements ended in a disruption – 12 before an adoption order could be made and 12 after an adoption order. We used predictors of disruption from previous research to interrogate the data available in our own files. Our findings may reveal nothing that is radically new but they provide us with a tool by which to measure our performance and focus on the things that we need to do better.