bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cooperation or Coordination of Underwater Glider Networks? An Assessment from Observing System Simulation Experiments in the Ligurian Sea
Authors: Alvarez A. , Mourre B. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
The coordinated and cooperative-unaware networking of glider fleets have been proposed to obtain a performance gain in ocean sampling over naïve collective behavior. Whether one of these implementations results in a more efficient sampling of the ocean variability remains an open question. This article aims at a performance evaluation of cooperative-unaware and coordinated networks of gliders to reduce the uncertainty in operational temperature model predictions. The evaluation is based on an observing system simulation experiment (OSSE) implemented in the northern Ligurian Sea (western Mediterranean) from 21 August to 1 September 2010. The OSSE confronts the forecast skills obtained by the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) when assimilating data gathered from a cooperative and unaware network of three gliders with the prediction skill obtained when data comes from a coordinated configuration. An asynchronous formulation of the ensemble Kalman filter with a 48-h window is used to assimilate simulated temperature observations. Optimum sampling strategies of the glider networks, based on a pattern search optimization algorithm, are computed for each 48-h forecasting period using a covariance integrated in time and in the vertical direction to reduce the dimensionality of the problem and to enable a rapid resolution. Perturbations of the depth-averaged current field in glider motions are neglected. Results indicate a better performance of the coordinated network configuration due to an enhanced capacity to capture an eddy structure that is responsible for the largest forecast error in the experimental domain.
The Air–Sea Interaction Profiler (ASIP): An Autonomous Upwardly Rising Profiler for Microstructure Measurements in the Upper Ocean
Authors: Ward Brian , Fristedt Tim , Callaghan Adrian H. , Sutherland Graig , Sanchez Xavier , Vialard Jérôme , Doeschate Anneke ten 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
The upper few meters of the ocean form a critical layer for air–sea interaction, but because of observational challenges this region is undersampled. However, the physical processes controlling momentum transfer, gas exchange, and heat transfer are all concentrated in the uppermost region of the ocean. To study this region, the Air–Sea Interaction Profiler (ASIP) was developed. This is an autonomous microstructure vertical profiling instrument that provides data from a maximum depth of 100 m to the ocean surface and allows measurements to be performed in an undisturbed environment. The core sensor package on ASIP includes shear probes, microstructure and CTD-quality temperature and conductivity sensors, a photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) sensor, and an oxygen optode providing a repeated high-resolution dataset immediately below the air–sea interface. Autonomous profiling is accomplished with thrusters that submerge the positively buoyant instrument. Once the desired depth is reached, ASIP ascends through the water column acquiring data. At the surface, ASIP acquires its position and transmits this over the Iridium satellite network. ASIP is then placed in a low-power mode for a specified period, whereupon it repeats the profile cycle. Two-way communication over the Iridium network allows mission parameters to be changed in real time. ASIP has been used to study several scientific questions, such as the impact of diurnal warming on atmospheric processes, turbulence scaling in the upper ocean, parameterizing air–sea gas exchange, salinity gradients in the ocean surface boundary layer (OSBL), and consequences for remote sensing.
Modeling the Atmospheric Boundary Layer Wind Response to Mesoscale Sea Surface Temperature Perturbations
Authors: Perlin Natalie , de Szoeke Simon P. , Chelton Dudley B. , Samelson Roger M. , Skyllingstad Eric D. , O’Neill Larry W. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
The wind speed response to mesoscale SST variability is investigated over the Agulhas Return Current region of the Southern Ocean using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model and the U.S. Navy Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS) atmospheric model. The SST-induced wind response is assessed from eight simulations with different subgrid-scale vertical mixing parameterizations, validated using Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) winds and satellite-based sea surface temperature (SST) observations on 0.25° grids. The satellite data produce a coupling coefficient of sU = 0.42 m s−1 °C−1 for wind to mesoscale SST perturbations. The eight model configurations produce coupling coefficients varying from 0.31 to 0.56 m s−1 °C−1. Most closely matching QuikSCAT are a WRF simulation with the Grenier–Bretherton–McCaa (GBM) boundary layer mixing scheme (sU = 0.40 m s−1 °C−1), and a COAMPS simulation with a form of Mellor–Yamada parameterization (sU = 0.38 m s−1 °C−1). Model rankings based on coupling coefficients for wind stress, or for curl and divergence of vector winds and wind stress, are similar to that based on sU. In all simulations, the atmospheric potential temperature response to local SST variations decreases gradually with height throughout the boundary layer (0–1.5 km). In contrast, the wind speed response to local SST perturbations decreases rapidly with height to near zero at 150–300 m. The simulated wind speed coupling coefficient is found to correlate well with the height-averaged turbulent eddy viscosity coefficient. The details of the vertical structure of the eddy viscosity depend on both the absolute magnitude of local SST perturbations, and the orientation of the surface wind to the SST gradient.
A Climatology of Tornadoes in Europe: Results from the European Severe Weather Database
Authors: Groenemeijer Pieter , Kühne Thilo 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
A climatology of tornadoes (over land and water) is presented, based on the European Severe Weather Database (ESWD), which contains reports of 9529 tornadoes. With the exception of a few small countries, tornadoes have been reported from all regions of Europe. The highest density of tornado reports is in western and central Europe. ESWD tornado reports increased strongly from 1995 to 2006 as a result of increased data collection efforts, followed by a decrease that likely has a meteorological nature. There is strong underreporting in the Mediterranean region and eastern Europe. The daily cycle of tornadoes over land (sea) peaks between 1500 and 1600 (0900 and 1000) local time. The Mediterranean annual maximum is in autumn and winter, while regions farther north have a maximum in summer. In total, 822 tornado fatalities have been recorded in the ESWD, which include 10 tornadoes with more than 20 fatalities. The average annual number of tornado fatalities in Europe is estimated to be between 10 and 15. The F2 and F3 tornadoes are responsible for the majority of the fatalities.
Multi-axis shoulder abduction splint in acute burn rehabilitation: a randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Jang Ki Un , Choi Ji Soo , Mun Jeong Hyeon , Jeon Jong Hyun , Seo Cheong Hoon , Kim Jong Hyeon 
Published: September 2014

Objective: The traditional thermoplastic aeroplane splint for axillary burn contracture is heavy, uncomfortable, and time consuming and difficult to put on and off. The present study tested the effectiveness of a newly designed multi-axis shoulder abduction splint with an easy-to-change angle. Design: Randomized controlled parallel assessor blinded pilot. Setting: Inpatient rehabilitation center in a general hospital. Subjects: Twenty-four patients with recent (< 30 days) burns around the shoulder joint were randomized into two groups. After two dropouts, 11 patients used the new splint for four weeks and 13 patient were left unsplinted for four weeks. Interventions: The newly designed multi-axis shoulder abduction splint keeps the shoulder abducted at the highest possible angle. Main outcomes: The range of motion of the shoulder joint was measured at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks. Active abduction, flexion, and external rotation were measured according to the zero position method by placing the axis of the goniometer ventral to the shoulder joint. Results: Repeated-measure ANOVA revealed that the splint group developed significantly better abduction ( P = 0.020) and flexion ( P = 0.036) over 4 weeks than the non-splint group. ANCOVA using the initial (0 week) angle and Shoulder Burn Depth Index as covariates revealed that the splint group had significantly better abduction than the non-splint group ( P = 0.013). Conclusion: The new multi-axis shoulder abduction splint resulted in a significant improvement in shoulder abduction angle compared to unsplinted patients.
Ghrelin and obestatin levels in hypertensive obese patients
Authors: Wang Wei-Min , Li Shu-Mei , Du Fu-Man , Zhu Zhi-Cheng , Zhang Ji-Chang , Li Yang-Xue 
Published: September 2014

Objectives To investigate plasma total ghrelin and obestatin levels and the ghrelin/obestatin ratio prospectively, in hypertensive obese patients. Methods Height, weight, and waist and hip circumferences were measured in hypertensive and normotensive obese patients and matched healthy controls; the body mass index and waist to hip ratio were calculated. Fasting glucose and insulin levels were measured and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was determined. Fasting ghrelin and obestatin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay and the ghrelin/obestatin ratio was calculated. Results A total of 38 hypertensive obese patients, 40 normotensive obese patients and 38 controls were enrolled. Hypertensive obese patients had lower plasma levels of ghrelin and obestatin than normotensive obese patients or controls. In addition, normotensive obese patients had lower plasma ghrelin and obestatin levels than controls. In hypertensive obese patients, ghrelin and obestatin levels were negatively associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR. In normotensive obese patients, ghrelin, obestatin and the ghrelin/obestatin ratio were negatively associated with fasting insulin and HOMA-IR. In both patient groups, fasting obestatin and ghrelin concentrations were significantly and positively correlated with each other. Conclusion Changes in the levels of ghrelin and obestatin may play a role in the pathophysiology of obesity and hypertension.
Nitrazepam and Temazepam: A Comparative Trial of Two Hypnotics
Authors: Priest R G , Rizvi Z A 
Published: September 2014

A specially designed sleep questionnaire was used to assess the performance of the two hypnotic drugs. Psychiatric patients were given 5 mg nitrazepam or 10 mg temazepam in identical capsules, and were allowed more if necessary. A double-blind cross-over design was used. We found that 5·2 mg nitrazepam showed few differences from 13·2 mg temazepam. The two regimes produced fairly similar reports on patient satisfaction, quality of sleep, number of awakenings, depth of sleep and other variables. Patients on nitrazepam were a little more clear-headed in the morning, though they tended to wake later, sleep longer, and take more sleep over the 24-hour period. No toxicity was found with either drug over the 434 patient days of administration. In view of the advantages of the benzodiazepine drugs over their predecessors, we feel that it is worth exploring further the use of temazepam as a sleep inducing drug.
Treatment of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections with Cefadroxil, a New Oral Cephalosporin
Authors: Cordero Alejandro 
Published: September 2014

Oral cefadroxil in doses of 0·6-1·8 g per day given on twice or three times daily schedules was effective in the treatment of thirty-six patients with infections such as abscesses, carbuncles, cellulitis, furunculosis and impetigo. Staphylococcus aureus strains and beta-haemolytic streptococci, alone or in combination, were cultured from lesions before treatment. In vitro studies with test discs showed that all the organisms were sensitive to cefadroxil, but twenty-three of twenty-nine S aureus strains and one of the seven streptococci strains were resistant to penicillin G. Pre- and post-treatment laboratory tests of renal, hepatic and haematopoietic functions produced no evidence of drug toxicity. The cefadroxil dosage effective in this study is lower than that recommended for currently available oral cephalosporins, which must be given on a four times daily schedule.
Short-Term and Long-Term Clinical Evaluation of a Non-Amphetaminic Anorexiant (Mazindol) in the Treatment of Obesity
Authors: Enzi G , Baritussio A , Marchiori E , Crepaldi G 
Published: September 2014

The effectiveness and tolerance of a non-amphetaminic anorexiant drug has been evaluated in a short-term and in a long-term clinical trial in simple obesity and in refractory obesity. In the short-term ‘crossover’ trial, a more evident effectiveness and tolerance result when the anorexiant is given in a late phase of treatment. The association of an anorexiant drug with the hypocaloric diet was seen to be effective in the treatment of so-called refractory obesity. In the evaluation of the long-term treatment it is seen that weight loss is greater and remains so for longer periods in patients receiving anorexiant, as compared to controls. This is related to a better maintenance of a restricted calorie regimen. Mazindol did not affect the improvement of glucose tolerance and insulin secretion which follows the weight reduction.
A Double-Blind Trial of Penbutolol: A New Beta-Receptor Blocking Agent in the Treatment of Angina Pectoris
Authors: Agarwal A K , Ahuja R C , Chandra M , Gupta N N , Hasan M 
Published: September 2014

A double-blind placebo controlled study of angina pectoris with Penbutolol was undertaken in parallel groups in fifty-two patients. The duration of the study was six weeks. The dosage range for Penbutolol was 8 mg to 50 mg per day. Six patients were dropped from the analysis. Seventeen patients (81%) in the Penbutolol series exhibited a 50% reduction in anginal attacks, NTG consumption and subjective improvement. Significant reduction in nitrite intake was observed. Effort tolerance was improved significantly in those receiving penbutolol. Penbutolol was well-tolerated.
A Comparative Trial of Orphenadrine and Tofenacin in the Control of Depression and Extrapyramidal Side-Effects Associated with Fluphenazine Decanoate Therapy
Authors: Capstick N , Pudney Helena 
Published: September 2014

A trial involving patients receiving fluphenazine decanoate was designed to compare the effects of orphenadrine hydrochloride (Disipal) and its major metabolite, tofenacin hydrochloride (Elamol) on the Parkinsonian side-effects and depression occurring during fluphenazine decanoate therapy. The trial was a double-blind one, with crossover. It was found that both drugs exerted an adequate control on the Parkinsonian side-effects, but there was no significant difference between their effects. Ophenadrine, however, was shown to be significantly superior (p > 0·05) in the control of the depressive side-effects.
Haemodynamic Effects of Dobutamine in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Magnani B , Ambrosioni E , Branzi A , Picchio F , Capitanucci P 
Published: September 2014

The haemodynamic effects of the infusion of dobutamine in dosages of 2·5, 5·0 and 10·0 μg/kg/min were studied in twelve patients with coronary artery disease. At the lowest dose, infusion of dobutamine caused a significant increase in cardiac output; greater increases occurred with doses of 5·0 and 10·0 μg/kg/min. The means by which the myocardium produced the increase in cardiac output differed according to the dose of the drug; 2·5 and 5·0 μg/kg/min produced an increase in stroke volume without any significant variation in the heart rate. At the highest dose rate, an increase in heart rate made a distinct contribution to the overall increase in output. The ventricular dp/dt max. increased at all three dosages. Blood pressure, pulmonary arterial and capillary pressure, and left ventricular and diastolic pressure did not show any significant change. The separation of the inotropic and the chronotropic effects of dobutamine according to the infused dose appears to have extremely interesting clinical implications.
Diftalone: A New Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agent: Comparative Study with Phenylbutazone in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Chalem F , Farias P , Lizarazo H , Peña P 
Published: September 2014

A double-blind study was carried out to compare the effectiveness and tolerability of diftalone and phenylbutazone in thirty patients with classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis, randomly distributed between the two treatment groups. Both drugs were administered according to a progressively decreasing daily dosage schedule: 1,000 mg during the 1st week; 750 mg the 2nd week and 500 mg from the 3rd week on for diftalone; 400 mg, 300 mg, and 200 mg daily for the 1st, 2nd and from the 3rd week on respectively for phenylbutazone. The study lasted twelve weeks. The clinical controls and laboratory tests were performed weekly up to the 8th week, while the final evaluation was made at the end of the 3rd month. Twelve patients in the group receiving diftalone and fourteen in the phenylbutazone group completed the trial. Clinical improvement was observed in both groups. Effectiveness was somewhat more evident in the diftalone group. Tolerability was acceptable for both drugs, although the diftalone patients showed less frequent and intense side-effects than those treated with phyenylbutazone. No significant differences were found as regards the laboratory parameters, except a significant fall of the E.S.R. (p < 0·05) in the diftalone group. Diftalone seems to be an effective and safe anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
The Mechanism of Action of a Normophasic Oral Contraceptive ‘Fysioquens'
Authors: Franchi F , Luisi M 
Published: September 2014

Six women with normal menstrual cycles were treated over six cycles with Fysioquens, a normophasic contraceptive consisting of 7 tablets of ethinyloestradiol (EE) 0·050 mg and 15 tablets containing 1·0 mg lynestrenol +0·050 mg EE. In the 1st, 3rd and 6th treatment cycles and in the cycles before and after treatment, hormonal assays and other tests were carried out to determine whether ovulation had occurred. No treatment cycles showed any signs of ovulation, but it did occur in the pre- and post-treatment cycles. Blood pressures and liver function tests remained normal, but two of the six volunteers showed a slight increase in body-weight.
A Double-Blind Comparative Study of the Inhibitory Effect of Intraduodenally Administered Hyoscine-N-Butylbromide on Human Duodenal Motility
Authors: Miyoshi A , Suyama T , Kawamura I 
Published: September 2014

In a double-blind crossover study hyoscine-N-butylbromide (HBB) was compared with placebo in its inhibitory effect on duodenal motility stimulated by metoclopramide. Measurements were made both by the balloon technique and the open-tipped tube method with pressure transducer. 20 mg or 50 mg HBB or placebo were instilled in random sequence into the intestinal tract of 12 healthy volunteers. The frequency of Type II waves was determined in each experiment after administration of the test substance following prior metoclopramide stimulation. This frequency was used as the inhibitory index for each drug. The test substance was administered 15 minutes before a second stimulation. A four-way analysis of variance (mixed model) was applied to the calculated number of waves per period. Subjects were required to respond equally to stimulation with increased motility on both trial days as evidenced by a minimal difference in the averages following the first stimulation on each trial day and before application of the test substance. The frequency of Type II waves after 20 mg and 50 mg HBB was reduced in a statistically significant manner in each case when compared with placebo. The probabilities of error were p < 0·05 and p < 0·025.
Observations on the Gastric Mucosa of Rheumatic Patients before and after Ibuprofen Administration as Studied by the Pentagastrin Test, Endoscopy, and Light and Electron Microscopy
Authors: Teixeira A Vasconcelos , Abrunhosa Rui , Poças Licinio 
Published: September 2014

The initial results of a study set up to investigate the gastric mucosa in rheumatic patients receiving ibuprofen are described. The study involved seven male patients, aged between 17 to 70 years, suffering from various rheumatic diseases. All patients received a daily dose of 1200 mg of ibuprofen per os divided into three fractions and taken over periods of treatment ranging from one to six weeks. On the data obtained by the gastric secretion test, endoscopy, and specific histological and ultrastructure studies it is concluded that, in the cases investigated, ibuprofen could not be shown to be responsible for any significant modifications of the gastric mucosa.
Critical Dosages for Oral Contraceptives
Authors: Mladenović D , Grčić R , Pestelek B , Kapor M 
Published: September 2014

An investigation was carried out into the effectiveness of Ovostat E, a low dosage oral contraceptive. One hundred women, aged between 17 and 39 years, participated in the trial; 47 women completed 12 treatment cycles and 42 of these completed all 24 treatment cycles. The following results were obtained by computer analysis: Reliability was 100% and the Pearl Index therefore - 0 Cycle Control length: an obvious regulating effect; 85·3% was the average percentage of women with a cycle length of 26 to 30 days. withdrawal bleeding occurred in 94·6% of cycles duration of withdrawal bleeding: no change in 26·0% 1–2 days shorter in 51· 7% 1–2 days longer in 5·6% intensity of withdrawal bleeding: no change in 61·9% decreased in 29·3% increased in 3·4% irregular bleedings occurred in 4·6% of cycles. The most common complaints were nervousness, headache and nausea, the last two virtually disappearing after the 3rd treatment cycle. Of the 49 women who continued the investigation for the further eighteen months, 2 dropped out because of intolerance, 1 because of objections to the periodic check-ups and 1 for reasons unknown.
Clinical Trial with Lunerin® Mixture and Lunerin® Mite in Children with Secretory Otitis Media
Authors: Saunte Carsten , Johansson Sten-Åke 
Published: September 2014

A double-blind comparison between a combined antihistaminic and vasoconstricting preparation (Lunerin® Mixture, Lunerin® Mite) and placebo was performed in children with secretory otitis media. It was shown that the children given the active drug reacted more favourably on every investigated parameter (hearing threshold, appearance and mobility of the ear drum, number of myringotomies and observation time) than the patients who were given placebo. The incidence of side-effects was low.
A Controlled Study of Trancopal in the Treatment of Sleep Disturbances Due to Anxiety
Authors: Warnock J M T 
Published: September 2014

Sixty-eight patients presenting with sleep disturbances due to mild neurotic anxiety were treated for two weeks with a single night-time dose of 400 mg Trancopal or matching placebo under double-blind conditions. Patients kept a daily record of the quality of their sleep and the observer carried out a weekly rating of anxiety using a modified Hamilton scale. By Day 7 patients receiving Trancopal had a significantly better rating for sleep and mean Hamilton scores for day-time anxiety than the placebo group. Side-effects were minimal. It was concluded that for patients with sleep disturbances due to neurotic anxiety Trancopal is a well tolerated and effective alternative to the hypnotics.