bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental Ingredients for Supercells and Tornadoes within Hurricane Ivan
Authors: Baker Adam K. , Parker Matthew D. , Eastin Matthew D. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Hurricane Ivan (2004) was a prolific producer of tornadoes as it made landfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast. Prior researchers have revealed that the tornadic cells within tropical cyclone (TC) rainbands are often supercellular in character. The present study investigates the utility of several common midlatitude, continental supercell and tornado diagnostic tools when applied to Hurricane Ivan’s tornado episode.
The environment within Hurricane Ivan was favorable for storm rotation. While well offshore, the bands of Hurricane Ivan possessed embedded cells with mesocyclones of moderate intensity. A dual-Doppler analysis reveals that the updrafts of these cells were highly helical in the lower troposphere, suggesting significant ingestion of streamwise environmental vorticity. These coherent cells were long lived and could be tracked for multiple hours. As the supercells over the Gulf of Mexico approached the coast during Ivan’s landfall, rapid increases in midlevel vorticity and vertically integrated liquid (VIL) occurred. Based on compiled severe weather reports, these increases in storm intensity appear often to have immediately preceded tornadogenesis.
The local environment for supercells in Ivan’s interior is evaluated through the use of 62 soundings from the operational land-based network and from research flights. There were substantial differences in the thermodynamic profiles and wind profiles at differing ranges from Ivan’s center, from quadrant to quadrant of Ivan’s circulation, and between land and sea. The most optimal environment for supercells and tornadoes occurred in the most interior section of Ivan’s right-front quadrant, with conditions being even more favorable over land than over the sea. For contrast, comparable values are presented for Hurricane Jeanne (2004), which was similar to Ivan in several respects, but was not a prolific tornado producer at landfall. Although both storms provided environments with comparable shallow—and deep—layer vertical wind shear, the Ivan environment had notably more CAPE, likely due to a prominent dry air intrusion. This increase in CAPE was reflected in substantial increases in common operational forecasting composite indices. The results suggest that the conventionally assessed ingredients for midlatitude continental supercells and tornadoes can be readily applied to discriminate among TC tornado episodes.
Continous quality improvement of perfusion practice: the role of electronic data collection and statistical control charts
Authors: Baker RA , Newland RF 
Published: August 2008

In-hospital data collection may be used to improve the selection, operative techniques, and process of care for cardiac surgical patients. The aim of this report is to demonstrate the influence of the automated generation of quality indicators (QI) for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and the implementation of a continuous quality improvement (CQI) programme on the CPB process of care. Adult patients undergoing CPB were divided into three consecutive groups: Group 1 (n=363); no QI data feedback, Group 2 (n = 253); automated QI data feedback alone, and Group 3 (n = 363) data feedback and implementation of CQI. There were no significant differences in demographic, procedural or clinical outcomes for each group. Significant improvement, as determined by adherence to practice protocols and reduction in practice variation, was observed for cardiac index < 1.6 L/min/m2 (min), mean arterial pressure < 40 mmHg (min), venous saturation < 60% (min), arterial blood temperature of > 37.50C (min), minimum pCO2 (mmHg), maximum pCO2 (mmHg), and minimum pO2 (mmHg). There was no change in the minimum haemoglobin (g/dl) on bypass. Automated generation of QI resulted in improved adherence to process of care guidelines, highlighting the potential of electronic data collection. This technique is optimised in a CQI programme, utilising statistical control charts for data interpretation.
Cultural adaptation and validation of the Persian version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) outcome measure
Authors: Mousavi Sayed Javad , Parnianpour Mohamad , Abedi Mohsen , Askary-Ashtiani Ahmadreza , Karimi Abdolkarim , Khorsandi Aliakbar , Mehdian Hossein 
Published: August 2008

Objective: To translate and validate the Persian version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) outcome measure (Persian DASH). Design: Cultural translation and psychometric testing. Setting: Outpatient departments of orthopaedics surgery, primary care settings, rehabilitation medicine and physical therapy. Subjects: Two hundred and seventy-one consecutive Persian-speaking patients with upper extremity disorders including subacromial impingement syndrome, rotator cuff disease, epicondylitis, ulnar nerve entrapment, bursitis, instability, carpal tunnel syndrome, tenosynovitis and adhesive capsulitis. Methods: The translation and cultural adaptation of the original questionnaire was carried out in accordance with published guidelines. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire booklet including the Persian DASH, the Short Form General Health Survey (SF-36) and a visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain. In addition, 31 randomly selected patients were asked to complete the questionnaire 48 hours later for the second time. Results: Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the Persian DASH was 0.96. The Persian DASH showed excellent test—retest reliability with intraclass correlation coefficient equal to 0.82 (P<0.01). The correlation between the Persian DASH and the functional scales of the Iranian SF-36 showed desirable results indicating a good convergent validity (Pearson's coefficients ranged from -0.25 to -0.72; P<0.001). The correlation between the Persian DASH and the visual analogue scale was 0.52 (P<0.01). Conclusions: The Persian DASH is a reliable and valid instrument to measure functional status in Persian-speaking patients with upper extremity disorders in Iran. It is simple and easy to use and now can be applied in clinical settings and future outcome studies in Iran and other Persian-speaking communities.
Electrical stimulation of the upper extremity in stroke: cyclic versus EMG-triggered stimulation
Authors: de Kroon Joke R , IJzerman Maarten J 
Published: August 2008

Objective: To compare the effect of cyclic and electromyography (EMG)-triggered electrical stimulation on motor impairment and function of the affected upper extremity in chronic stroke. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Outpatient clinic of a rehabilitation centre. Subjects and intervention: Twenty-two subjects in the chronic stage after stroke were randomly assigned to receive either cyclic (n = 11) or EMG-triggered electrical stimulation (n = 11) of the wrist and finger extensor muscles for a six-week period. Outcome measures: The primary outcome measure was the Action Research Arm test (0—57 points) to assess arm function. Grip strength, Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment and Motricity Index were secondary outcome measures. Assessments were made at the start of the treatment and after 4, 6 and 12 weeks. Results: Both groups improved on the Action Research Arm test. The group receiving cyclic stimulation improved by 2.3 points, and the group receiving EMG-triggered stimulation improved by 4.2 points. The difference in functional gain was not statistically significant. Differences in gain on the secondary outcome measures were not significant either. Conclusion: The present study did not detect a significant difference between EMG-triggered and cyclic electrical stimulation with respect to improvement of motor function of the affected arm in chronic stroke.
Influence of spontaneous pursed lips breathing on walking endurance and oxygen saturation in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Faager G. , Stâhle A. , Larsen FF 
Published: August 2008

Objective: To evaluate how spontaneously used pursed lips breathing influences walking endurance, oxygen saturation and dyspnoea in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Design: A randomized open-label, cross-over study of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients participating in a rehabilitation programme. Setting: Outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation centre at a university hospital. Subjects: Thirty-two patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Intervention: All patients performed two endurance shuttle walking tests in random order. During endurance shuttle walking test I a mouthpiece was used in order to prevent spontaneous pursed lips breathing. During endurance shuttle walking test II spontaneous pursed lips breathing was used freely. Heart rate, oxygen saturation and the patients' estimated dyspnoea and leg fatigue on a Borg Category Ratio 10 scale were recorded before, directly after, and 5 and 10 minutes after the tests. Results: When spontaneous pursed lips breathing was used the patients walked on an average for 37 seconds (16%) longer (P<0.01) than when pursed lips breathing was prevented. The patients desaturated considerably during both walking tests but the average drop in oxygen saturation was 1.2% less when spontaneous pursed lips breathing was employed. There were no significant differences in rated degree of dyspnoea or leg fatigue with or without pursed lips breathing. Conclusion: Spontaneous pursed lips breathing can be a useful technique to increase walking endurance and reduce oxygen desaturation during walking in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Functional thumb orthosis for type I and II boutonniere deformity on the dominant hand in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Silva Paula Gabriel , Lombardi Império , Breitschwerdt Cristina , Poli Araújo Pola Maria , Natour Jamil 
Published: August 2008

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a functional thumb orthosis on the dominant hand of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and boutonniere thumb. Methods: Forty patients with rheumatoid arthritis and boutonniere deformity of the thumb were randomly distributed into two groups. The intervention group used the orthosis daily and the control group used the orthosis only during the evaluation. Participants were evaluated at baseline as well as after 45 and 90 days. Assessments were preformed using the O'Connor Dexterity Test, Jamar dynamometer, pinch gauge, goniometry and the Health Assessment Questionnaire. A visual analogue scale was used to assess thumb pain in the metacarpophalangeal joint. Results: Patients in the intervention group experienced a statistically significant reduction in pain. The thumb orthosis did not disrupt grip and pinch strength, function, Health Assessment Questionnaire score or dexterity in either group. Conclusion: The use of thumb orthosis for type I and type II boutonniere deformities was effective in relieving pain.
A phase II exploratory cluster randomized controlled trial of a group mobility training and staff education intervention to promote urinary continence in UK care homes
Authors: Sackley Catherine M , Rodriguez Natalie A , van den Berg Maayken , Badger Frances , Wright Christine , Besemer Jelske , van Reeuwijk Katarina TV , van Wely Leontine 
Published: August 2008

Objectives: To assess feasibility, acceptability and potential efficacy of group exercise and staff education intervention to promote continence in older people residing in care homes. To establish measures and information to inform a larger trial. Design: Phase II pilot exploratory cluster randomized controlled trial. Setting: Six purposively selected care homes in the West Midlands, UK. Subjects: Thirty-four care home residents (mean age 86, 29 female), 23 with cognitive impairments. Intervention: Physiotherapy-led group exercise and staff continence and mobility facilitation training. Main outcome measures: Reported continence status, Rivermead Mobility Index. Feasibility was assessed by uptake and compliance, and acceptability by verbal feedback. A staff knowledge questionnaire was used. Results: Thirty-three residents, cluster sizes from 3 to 7. The number of residents agreeing with the statement `Do you ever leak any urine when you don't mean to?' in the intervention group decreased from 12/17 at baseline to 7/17 at six weeks in the intervention group and increased from 9/16 at baseline to 9/15 at six weeks. The Rivermead Mobility Index scores were better in the intervention group (n = 17; baseline: 6.1, six weeks: 6.2) compared with controls (n = 16; baseline: 5.9, six weeks: 4.75). The intervention was feasible, well received and had good compliance. Conclusions: Group mobility training and staff education to promote continence is feasible and acceptable for use with care home residents, including those with cognitive impairment.
The effect of early customized vestibular rehabilitation on balance after acoustic neuroma resection
Authors: Vereeck Luc , Wuyts Floris L , Truijen Steven , De Valck Claudia , Van de Heyning Paul H 
Published: August 2008

Objective: To compare the effect of early customized vestibular rehabilitation with general instructions in patients after acoustic neuroma surgery. Setting: Tertiary referral centre. Subjects: Fifty-three patients after surgery. Design: A prospective assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Interventions: After stratification for age (<50 years; ≥50 years), patients were randomly allocated into groups receiving general instructions or customized vestibular rehabilitation protocols for 12 weeks. Outcome measures: Standing Balance Sum, Timed Up and Go test, Tandem Gait and Dynamic Gait Index. Balance performance was assessed preoperatively, at discharge (one week after surgery), three, six, nine, 12, 26 and 52 weeks after surgery. Results and discussion: All subjects clearly improved within the first six weeks after surgery. However, older subjects receiving vestibular rehabilitation performed significantly (P<0.05) better on standing balance, Timed Up and Go test and Tandem Gait, when compared with the older group that received only general instructions. This effect persisted up to 12 weeks and also became apparent on the Dynamic Gait Index. In addition, the older vestibular rehabilitation group had better balance scores at 12 weeks when compared with their original preoperative scores (P<0.05). This pattern remained even up to one year after surgery (P<0.05). Conclusion: In patients over 50, early vestibular rehabilitation facilitates recovery of postural control after acoustic neuroma surgery. Customized vestibular rehabilitation should be given in addition to general instructions that stress the need of exposure to movement. Retention of the early beneficial effects even one year after surgery stresses the importance of customized vestibular rehabilitation.
A randomized controlled trial evaluating the effect of a support and education programme for spouses of people affected by stroke
Authors: Franzén-Dahlin Å. , Larson J. , Murray V. , Wredling R. , Billing E. 
Published: August 2008

Objective: To determine whether a nurse-led support and education programme for spouses of patients affected by stroke improved the psychological health of the spouses. Design: A longitudinal, open, randomized controlled trial. Sample: One hundred spouses of stroke patients were randomly assigned to either an intervention or a control group. Setting: The study was conducted in a hospital setting. Intervention: The intervention consisted of six group meetings during six months, with a follow-up after further six months. Comparison between the intervention and the control groups was made at baseline, after six and 12 months using analysis with repeated measures. Main measures: The Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale — Self-Affective for psychological health. Results: No significant difference was found between the intervention and control groups concerning overall psychological health. However, a subanalysis revealed that those who participated more frequently in the group meetings (five or six times) had significantly stronger psychological health (P<0.05). Knowledge about stroke increased over time in both groups, but participants in the intervention group learned more (P = 0.041). Conclusion: Encouraging participation in the group meetings of a support programme might have a positive effect on psychological health.
Somatosensory impairment after stroke: frequency of different deficits and their recovery
Authors: Connell LA , Lincoln NB , Radford KA 
Published: August 2008

Objective: To investigate the frequency of somatosensory impairment in stroke patients within different somatosensory modalities and different body areas, and their recovery. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Two stroke rehabilitation units. Subjects: Seventy patients with a first stroke (36 men, 34 women; average age, 71, SD 10.00 years; average time since stroke onset, 15 days) were assessed on admission and two, four and six months after stroke. Interventions: Not applicable. Main measure: Nottingham Sensory Assessment. Results: Somatosensory impairment was common after stroke; 7—53% had impaired tactile sensations, 31—89% impaired stereognosis, and 34—64% impaired proprioception. When comparing somatosensory modalities within body areas the kappa values were low (kappa values <0.54). Recovery occurred over time, though not significantly in lower limb tactile sensations. Stroke severity was the main factor influencing initial somatosensory impairment, but accounted for a small amount of the variance (21—41%). Initial somatosensory impairment was significantly related to somatosensory ability at six months, accounting for 46—71% of the variance. Conclusions: Proprioception and stereognosis were more frequently impaired than tactile sensations. The different somatosensory modalities showed only slight agreement between impairment within the same body areas, suggesting that the modalities are independent of each other and all should be assessed. High agreements were found between different body areas for each somatosensory modality. Somatosensory impairment was associated with stroke severity, however low variance indicated other factors were involved.
Comparison study of chest physiotherapy home training programmes on respiratory functions in patients with muscular dystrophy
Authors: Yeldan Ipek , Gurses H Nilgun , Yuksel Husniye 
Published: August 2008

Objective: To compare the effects of home training programmes, threshold inspiratory muscle training and breathing exercise on spirometry and maximal pressures in patients with muscular dystrophy. Design: Prospective blinded 12-week study. Settings: Cardiopulmonary department of university hospital. Subjects: Twenty-three patients with muscular dystrophy (17 patients with limb girdle muscular dystrophy and 6 patients with Becker muscular dystrophy) assigned to the threshold inspiratory muscle training and breathing exercise groups with alternate allocation. Methods: Spirometry, maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax) and maximal expiratory pressure (PE max) were measured before and after training. In the threshold inspiratory muscle training group threshold pressure load was determined as equal to 30% of weekly PImax measurement. In the breathing exercise group, patients performed deep and forceful diaphragmatic and segmental exercises. All patients performed exercises at home and once a week at hospital under supervision. Results: The improvement of PImax in the threshold inspiratory muscle training group was more significant than the improvement observed in the breathing exercise group (P= 0.05). PEmax increased significantly only in the breathing exercise group (P= 0.01). Spirometry results did not change significantly in both groups after the training. Conclusions: We conclude that respiratory muscle strength is enhanced by training in the patients with muscular dystrophy who are ambulatory, but inspiratory and/or expiratory training effect is specific to the trained muscles. The techniques that improve the strength of respiratory muscles should be included in the physiotherapy management of patients with muscular dystrophy.
Template-free Hydrothermal Preparation of Mesoporous TiO2 Microspheres on a Large Scale
Authors: Ye Miao-Miao , Chen Zhong-Lin , Wang Wen-Shou , Zhen Liang , Shen Ji-Min 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Mesoporous TiO2 microspheres have been made on a large scale by a simple hydrothermal method without using any surfactants or templates. The products were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, SAED, nitrogen adsorption, and UV–vis spectroscopy. Results indicate that the TiO2 microspheres, with a diameter of 0.8–1.2 μm, are composed of numerous TiO2 nanocrystals with an average diameter of 5.6 nm. The average pore size, BET surface area, and optical band-gap energy of the microspheres are 4.0 nm, 185.6 m2/g, and 3.42 eV, respectively.
Enhanced Photocurrent in Nanocomposite of Dye-doped Titania Gel and Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Itai Hiroyuki , Nishikiori Hiromasa , Tanaka Nobuaki , Endo Morinobu , Fujii Tsuneo 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
A photocurrent was observed in a nanocomposite electrode consisting of an unheated dye-doped titania gel and carbon nanotubes. The electrode was prepared by the electrophoresis of carbon nanotubes and a simple dip-coating with a titanium isopropoxide sol containing fluorescein on ITO–glass plates at room temperature. The shape of the photocurrent action spectra was similar to that of the absorption spectrum of fluorescein. The photocurrent was generated by excitation of the dye and was enhanced by the carbon nanotubes.
Formation of Carbon Nanotubes through Ethylene Decomposition over Supported Platinum Catalysts: Effects of Silica Coating on Catalytic Performance of Platinum
Authors: Takenaka Sakae , Iguchi Toshiyuki , Tanabe Eishi , Matsune Hideki , Kishida Masahiro 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Pt metal particles supported on carriers such as MgO and SiO2 showed high activity for the formation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) through ethylene decomposition at 973 K. However, these CNTs were not uniform in diameter because of the sintering of Pt metal particles during the reaction. Covering Pt catalysts with silica prevented the sintering of Pt metal particles during ethylene decomposition, resulting in the formation of CNTs with a uniform diameter.
Acid-catalyzed Reaction Behavior of 1-Phenylselenocyclopropylmethanols
Authors: Honda Mitsunori , Nishizawa Toshiaki , Nishii Yuko , Segi Masahito 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
The reaction of 1-phenylselenocyclopropylmethanols with TsOH in methanol proceeded smoothly to afford the homoallylic ethers, ring-enlargement products, and ring-opening products depending upon the kind of substituent on the cyclopropane ring or α-carbon. On the other hand, in the case of the absence of methanol as nucleophile, 4H-selenochromene derivatives were obtained exclusively.
Efficient Reductive Alkylation of Aniline with Acetone over Pt Nanoparticles Encapsulated in Hollow Porous Carbon
Authors: Harada Takashi , Ikeda Shigeru , Okamoto Natsumi , Ng Yun Hau , Higashida Suguru , Torimoto Tsukasa , Matsumura Michio 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Reductive alkylation of aniline with acetone over various Pt catalysts was studied under atmospheric pressure of hydrogen at room temperature. It was found that our newly designed Pt catalyst, i.e., Pt nanoparticles encapsulated in hollow porous carbon, showed excellent catalytic activity in comparison with activities of other Pt catalysts. Moreover, one-pot reductive alkylation of nitrobenzene with acetone proceeded smoothly over the catalyst.