bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short-Range Direct and Diffuse Irradiance Forecasts for Solar Energy Applications Based on Aerosol Chemical Transport and Numerical Weather Modeling
Authors: Breitkreuz Hanne , Schroedter-Homscheidt Marion , Holzer-Popp Thomas , Dech Stefan 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
This study examines 2–3-day solar irradiance forecasts with respect to their application in solar energy industries, such as yield prediction for the integration of the strongly fluctuating solar energy into the electricity grid. During cloud-free situations, which are predominant in regions and time periods focused on by the solar energy industry, aerosols are the main atmospheric parameter that determines ground-level direct and global irradiances. Therefore, for an episode of 5 months in Europe the accuracy of forecasts of the aerosol optical depth at 550 nm (AOD550) based on particle forecasts of a chemical transport model [the European Air Pollution Dispersion (EURAD) CTM] are analyzed as a first step. It is shown that these aerosol forecasts underestimate ground-based AOD550 measurements by a mean of −0.11 (RMSE = 0.20). Using these aerosol forecasts together with other remote sensing data (ground albedo, ozone) and numerical weather prediction parameters (water vapor, clouds), a prototype for an irradiance forecasting system (Aerosol-based Forecasts of Solar Irradiance for Energy Applications, AFSOL) is set up. Based on the 5-month aerosol dataset, the results are then compared with forecasts of the ECMWF model and the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (MM5), with Meteosat-7 satellite data, and with ground measurements. It is demonstrated that for clear-sky situations the AFSOL system significantly improves global irradiance and especially direct irradiance forecasts relative to ECMWF forecasts (bias reduction from −26% to +11%; RMSE reduction from 31% to 19% for direct irradiance). On the other hand, the study shows that for cloudy conditions the AFSOL forecasts can lead to significantly larger forecast errors. This also justifies an increased research effort on cloud parameterization schemes, which is a topic of ongoing research. One practical solution for solar energy power plant operators in the meanwhile is to combine the different irradiance models depending on the forecast cloud cover, which leads to significant reductions in bias for the overall period.
S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine-Induced Nephrotoxicity in the New Zealand White Rabbit: Characterization of Proteinuria and Examination of the Potential Role of Oxidative Injury
Authors: Davis Joe W. , Blakeman David P. , Jolly Robert A. , Packwood William H. , Kolaja Gerald J. , Petry Thomas W. 
Published: April 2009

S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine (DCVC)-induced nephrotoxicity in vivo was investigated in New Zealand White rabbits. A primary emphasis in these studies was further characterization of DCVC-induced nephrotoxicity using a variety of serum and urinary analytes, including sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Additionally, the role of oxidative injury was assessed to address the dichotomy between reports indicating that such a mechanism is important in vivo and those indicating that such mechanisms do not contribute substantially to the mechanism of effects observed in vitro. Urine was collected prior to and at 8 and 24 hr after iv administration of DCVC. Serum was collected 15 min prior to and 24 hr after DCVC administration. Rabbits were euthanized 24 hr post-DCVC administration, and kidneys were fixed in formalin and further processed for light microscopic examination. DCVC (10 mg/kg, iv) induced a 45-50-fold increase in total urinary protein excretion, a 10-15-fold increase in urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase concentration, plus a marked glucosuria by 24 hr postadministration. Additionally, DCVC increased serum creatinine levels by about 2-fold, with a trend toward increased blood urea nitrogen. SDS-PAGE analysis of rabbit urine confirmed the clinical finding of marked proteinuria in DCVC-treated animals, which in contrast to previously reported data was due to the presence of both low and high molecular weight proteins. Antioxidants had no significant effect on DCVC-dependent renal injury, nor was there evidence for DCVC-induced lipid peroxidation, as measured by either thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances or a commercial assay for malondialdehyde and hydroxalkenals. These latter data are consistent with previously published in vitro evidence citing no major role for lipid peroxidation in DCVC-induced nephrotoxicity.
Cadmium-Induced Dental Lesions in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Katsuta Osamu , Hiratsuka Hideaki , Matsumoto Junko , Tsuchitani Minoru , Umemura Takashi 
Published: April 2009

The effects of cadmium chloride on both incisor and molar teeth of ovariectomized female rats were studied histopathologically. The rats were injected intravenously with the compound at doses of 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg, 5 days/wk. Six rats per group were sacrificed at 4, 8, and 13 wk. Discoloration of the incisors was observed in the rats of the 2.0-mg/kg group from 8 wk. Histopathologic examination of the incisor demonstrated decreased iron-containing pigment in ameloblasts and destruction of the enamel organ. These changes were accompanied with accumulation of cadmium and loss of iron in the teeth. Necrosis of the dental pulp occurred from the coronal end of both the incisor and molar teeth extended to the apical, deep portion of the teeth. The dental pulp of the molar teeth, which is shorter than that of the incisor, was mildly affected by cadmium intoxication. These findings suggested that intradental ischemia due to cadmium toxicity may have contributed to the development of the pulpal necrosis.
Anatomical Reconstruction of the Medial Collateral Ligament and Posteromedial Corner of the Knee in Patients With Chronic Medial Collateral Ligament Instability
Authors: Lind Martin , Jakobsen Bent Wulff , Lund Bent , Hansen Mogens Strange , Abdallah Ossama , Christiansen Svend Erik 
Published: April 2009

Background In cases of multiple ligament injury or severe medial collateral ligament (MCL) lesion, nonoperative treatment of the MCL lesion may lead to chronic valgus instability or rotatory instability. Hypothesis In a retrospective case series after isolated and combined MCL reconstructions using a novel MCL reconstruction technique that addresses both the MCL and the posteromedial corner, an acceptable clinical outcome is expected 2 years after MCL reconstruction. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods From July 2002 to December 2005, 61 patients with grade 3 or 4 medial instability were treated with MCL reconstruction. Median age was 33 years (range, 14–62). Thirteen underwent isolated MCL reconstructions, 34 had combined MCL and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, and 14 had multiple ligament reconstructions. All patients had reconstruction of the medial collateral and the posteromedial complex using ipsilateral semitendinosus autografts. Fifty patients were available for follow-up more than 24 months postoperatively and were examined by an independent observer using objective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) measures and subjective Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Results At follow-up, medial stability according to the IKDC score showed 98% normal or nearly normal (grade A or B), and for overall IKDC score, patients improved from 5% with grade A or B preoperatively to 74% with grade A or B at follow-up. There were 91% who were satisfied or very satisfied with the result; 88% would go through surgery again. The KOOS improved primarily for sports and quality of life subscales with approximately 10-point improvements. Conclusion Acceptable clinical results with the MCL reconstruction technique were achieved in patients suffering from chronic valgus instability.
Regulating Dangerous Futures: The German Embryo Protection Act of 1990 - Legislation in Risk Society
Authors: Augst Charlotte 
Published: April 2009

This article summarises the outcome of a research project which analyses the legislative debates about the German Embryonenschutzgesetz (Embryo Protection Act) in 1990. From 1988 to 1990 the German Parliament discussed legislation for the practices of assisted conception and embryo research. The term ‘risk’ is central to the discourse. For Ulrich Beck (1986) this emphasis on risk is a sign of the reflexivity which contemporary western societies have reached. This article reads back into the risk discourse the values hidden in risk terminology: they are identified as fears about modernisation processes. The focus on risk in this article allows observation of late modernity’s unease about its own potential and a growing ambiguity about modern ideas of progress and control (Bauman, 1991). This ambiguity also becomes apparent in the strategies of policing which the German legislature offers as solutions to the perceived risks: different legislative strategies are developed to tackle the contradictory risk scenarios. These different strategies of policing are understood as the construction of ‘places of safety’ in the face of identified dangers: the ‘traditional family’, the ‘good doctor’, ‘professional’ judgement. Defining those boundaries allows the German legislature to juggle contradictory agendas. This explains the inconsistent and fragmented nature of the Embryo Protection Act 1990.
Walking the Straight and Narrow: Performative Sexuality and the First Amendment After Hurley
Authors: Yalda Christine A. 
Published: April 2009

This article looks at a US Supreme Court case, Hurley v GLIB (1995), to consider the United States Constitution’s First Amendment both as a tool and as a site for contesting hegemonic ideas about sexuality. In Hurley, the Court allowed Boston St Patrick’s-Evacuation Day Parade organizers to exclude a group of openly gay Irish-Americans (and their supporters) who wished to march in the annual parade. The parade organizers maintained that they were not excluding the gay group as such, but rather the pro-gay message. The Court accepted this argument, ostensibly on First Amendment grounds. I argue that the holding has much broader implications. In Hurley, the Court equated the heterosexual parade organizers with their speech act, the parade. By conflating heterosexual act and identity, the Court maintained the parade as a heterosexual spectacle. At the same time, the Court rejected gay participants’ claims that public self-identification was a critical component of their identity. By separating the homosexual (speech) act of self-identification from homosexual identity, the Court was able to exclude openly gay participants while claiming only to exclude their message. In this way, the Court transformed a seemingly public celebration into a private landscape, constituted the parties as sexual subjects within this landscape, and defined the boundaries between the parties, in effect, to exclude identifiable homosexuals from marching in the parade. I suggest that, in addition to narrowing the political space for gay and lesbian expression and resistance, the decision serves to reinscribe a normalized homosexuality. It also shows the act/identity distinction to be a troubling strategy - not only a means of creating new political opportunities for collective action but a discursive tool for anti-homosexual forces as well. I conclude that tactics of inclusion may be necessary to reclaim meaningful political space. Parades are public dramas of social relations, and in them performers define who can be a social actor and what subjects and ideas are available for communication and consideration. (Davis, 1986) Nowadays, the First Amendment is the First Refuge of Scoundrels. (Fish, 1994)
No Rules, Only Choices?
Authors: Grove-White Annie 
Published: April 2009

This article presents a case study about the way women make decisions about colour and dress prior to, and after a visit to an image consultancy, Color Me Beautiful. It specifically asks to what extent women feel they have benefited from such a consultation in relation to the fashion system and the experience of consumption. The article is divided into two sections. The first section argues that the interviewees, prior to the consultation, had adopted a narrow and restricted mode of decision-making in relation to colour and clothes due to a variety of social and personal reasons. The second section explores the processes by which the majority of interviewees began to gain confidence and a renewed interest in selecting clothes after a colour consultation. Such a technology of the self enabled the respondents to question and ‘play’ with the fashion system, in such a way that they had not felt able to do before. In particular, the mechanisms of expertise and of meaning were central to this process of change.
Effect of Magnesium L-Lactate on Blood Pressure in Patients with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
Authors: Baker William L , Kluger Jeffrey , White C Michael , Dale Krista M , Silver Burton B , Coleman Craig I 
Published: April 2009

Background: Previous studies have evaluated the impact of oral magnesium on blood pressure; however, they used magnesium salts with low bioavailability, had methodological issues, and showed differing results. Objective: To evaluate the long-term blood pressure–lowering ability of oral magnesium L-lactate versus placebo in patients with implanted cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). Methods: In this double-blind, 24-week trial, 50 patients with ICDs were randomized to receive magnesium L-lactate (6 tablets daily, supplying a total of 504 mg of elemental magnesium daily) or matching placebo for at least 12 weeks. Baseline intracellular and serum magnesium concentrations were determined. The primary efficacy endpoint was the mean sitting systolic blood pressure at 24 weeks. Results: In 50 patients who completed at least 12 weeks of follow-up, 86% of patients, regardless of randomization, had a baseline intracellular magnesium deficiency, but no patients had a serum magnesium deficiency. At 12 weeks, magnesium L-lactate significantly reduced systolic blood pressure compared with placebo (117.7 ± 11.8 vs 126.3 ± 16.7 mm Hg, respectively; p = 0.04). In the 45 patients who continued in the study through the 24-week time period, the systolic blood pressure reduction was maintained, but statistical significance was lost (118.1 ± 14.1 vs 125.5 ± 17.2 mm Hg, respectively; p = 0.13). Magnesium L-lactate did not impact diastolic blood pressure at either time period (p ≥ 0.75 for both). Patients with a documented history of hypertension at baseline showed similar qualitative results to the primary analysis. Conclusions: A large number of subjects with ICDs have an intracellular magnesium deficiency not captured through serum magnesium determination. The use of magnesium L-lactate in patients with an ICD results in significant improvement in systolic blood pressure at 12 weeks, which may be maintained through 24 weeks.
Type 1 Diabetes in Young Rats Leads to Progressive Trabecular Bone Loss, Cessation of Cortical Bone Growth, and Diminished Whole Bone Strength and Fatigue Life
Authors: Silva Matthew J , Brodt Michael D , Lynch Michelle A , McKenzie Jennifer A , Tanouye Kristi M , Nyman Jeffry S , Wang Xiaodu 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
People with diabetes have increased risk of fracture disproportionate to BMD, suggesting reduced material strength (quality). We quantified the skeletal effects of type 1 diabetes in the rat. Fischer 344 and Sprague-Dawley rats (12 wk of age) were injected with either vehicle (Control) or streptozotocin (Diabetic). Forelimbs were scanned at 0, 4, 8, and 12 wk using pQCT. Rats were killed after 12 wk. We observed progressive osteopenia in diabetic rats. Trabecular osteopenia was caused by bone loss: volumetric BMD decreased progressively with time in diabetic rats but was constant in controls. Cortical osteopenia was caused by premature arrest of cortical expansion: cortical area did not increase after 4–8 wk in diabetic rats but continued to increase in controls. Postmortem μCT showed a 60% reduction in proximal tibial trabecular BV/TV in diabetic versus control rats, whereas moments of inertia of the ulnar and femoral diaphysis were reduced ∼30%. Monotonic bending tests indicated that ulna and femora from diabetic animals were ∼25% less stiff and strong versus controls. Estimates of material properties indicated no changes in elastic modulus or ultimate stress but modest (∼10%) declines in yield stress for diabetic bone. These changes were associated with a ∼50% increase in the nonenzymatic collagen cross-link pentosidine. Last, cyclic testing showed diminished fatigue life in diabetic bones at the structural (force) level but not at the material (stress) level. In summary, type 1 diabetes, left untreated, causes trabecular bone loss and a reduction in diaphyseal growth. Diabetic bone has greatly increased nonenzymatic collagen cross-links but only modestly reduced material properties. The loss of whole bone strength under both monotonic and fatigue loading is attributed mainly to reduced bone size.
Evaluation of mucosal and seborrheic sites for staphylococci in two populations of captive psittacines
Authors: Briscoe Jeleen A. , Morris Daniel O. , Rosenthal Karen L. , Shofer Frances S. , Rankin Shelley C. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Objective—To survey 2 populations of psittacines to characterize Staphylococcus spp isolated from commensal cutaneous microflora.
Design—Prospective cross-sectional study.
Animals—107 psittacine birds from a sanctuary and 73 psittacine birds in private households or a pet store.
Procedures—Gram-positive, catalase-positive cocci isolated from mucosal and seborrheic sites were speciated, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was performed on coagulase-positive isolates. A bird was classified as having positive results when at least 1 sample site yielded positive results for at least 1 staphylococcal species.
Results—89 of 180 (49.4%) birds had positive results for staphylococci at the carriage sites sampled. Privately owned birds were twice as likely to have positive results for staphylococci as were sanctuary birds (71% vs 35%). Coagulase-positive staphylococci were significantly more common in the sanctuary birds (47% vs 1%). Staphylococcus intermedius was significantly more common in the sanctuary birds (46% vs 2%). Staphylococcus hominis subsp hominis and Staphylococcus epidermidis, coagulase-negative staphylococci associated with humans, were significantly more common in pet birds. Cockatoos were twice as likely to have positive results for staphylococci as were other genera.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that staphylococcal colonization in captive psittacines was less common than in other species studied. Staphylococci isolated from a pet psittacine may reflect that of the humans and other animals with which the bird lives in close proximity; however, further studies are needed to evaluate the effects exposure to humans may have on the microflora of these birds.
A personal consecutive series of surgically treated 51 cases of insular WHO Grade II glioma: advances and limitations
Authors: Duffau Hugues 
Published: April 2009

Object
Few experiences of insular surgery have been reported. Moreover, there are no large surgical studies with long-term follow-up specifically dedicated to WHO Grade II gliomas involving the insula. In this paper, the author describes a personal consecutive series of 51 cases in which patients underwent surgery for an insular Grade II glioma. On the basis of the functional and oncological results, advances and limitations of this challenging surgery are discussed.

Methods
Fifty-one patients harboring an insular Grade II glioma (revealed by seizures in 50 cases) underwent surgery. Findings on preoperative neurological examination were normal in 45 patients (88%). All surgeries were conducted under cortico-subcortical stimulation, and in the case of 16 patients while awake.

Results
Despite an immediate postoperative worsening in 30 cases (59%), the condition of all but 2 patients (96%) returned to baseline or better. Postoperative MR imaging demonstrated that 77% of resections were total or subtotal. Ten patients underwent a second or third surgery, with no additional deficit. Forty-two patients (82%) are alive with a median follow-up of 4 years.

Conclusions
This is the largest reported experience with insular Grade II glioma surgery. The better knowledge of the insular pathophysiology and the use of intraoperative functional mapping allow the risk of permanent deficit to be minimized (and even enable improvement in quality of life) while increasing the extent of resection and thus the impact on the course of the disease. Therefore, surgical removal must always be considered for insular Grade II glioma. However, this surgery remains challenging, especially within the anterior perforating substance and the posterior part of the (dominant) insula. Additional surgery can be suggested in cases in which the first resection is not complete.
Generation of Monodisperse Inorganic–Organic Janus Microspheres in a Microfluidic Device
Authors: Prasad Naveen , Perumal Jayakumar , Choi Chang‐Hyung , Lee Chang‐Soo , Kim Dong‐Pyo 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis study presents a simple synthetic approach for the in situ preparation of monodisperse hybrid Janus microspheres (HJM) having organic and inorganic parts in a PDMS‐based microfluidic device. Based on the mechanism of shear‐force‐driven break‐off, merged droplets of two photocurable oligomer solutions having distinctive properties are generated into an immiscible continuous phase. Functionalized perfluoropolyether (PFPE) as the organic phase and hydrolytic allylhydridopolycarbosilane (AHPCS) as the inorganic phase are used for the generation in aqueous medium of HJM with well‐defined morphology and high monodispersity (average diameter of 162 µm and a 3.5% coefficient of variation). The size and shape of the HJM is controlled by varying the flow rate of the disperse and continuous phases. The HJM have two distinctive regions: a hydrophobic hemisphere (PFPE) having a smooth surface and a relatively hydrophilic region (AHPCS) with a rough, porous surface. In addition, pyrolysis and subsequent oxidation of these HJM convert them into SiC‐based ceramic hemispheres through the removal of the organic portion and etching off the silica shell. The selective incorporation of magnetic nanoparticles into the inorganic part shows the feasibility of the forced assembly of HJM in an applied magnetic field.
Does altruism play a role in determining U.S. consumer preferences and willingness to pay for natural and regionally produced beef?
Authors: Umberger Wendy J. , Thilmany McFadden Dawn D. , Smith Amanda R. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAn area of increasing differentiation among meat products relates to the source‐of‐origin and types of production methods used to raise the animals. Consumer data collected from a U.S. national online survey was used to estimate the factors helping explain consumers' willingness to purchase and pay a higher premium for two natural and regionally produced beef products: ground beef and USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Choice rib eye steaks. Consumer preferences for natural and regionally produced beef are shown to be motivated by a combination of perceptions of personal benefits and altruistic factors. Additionally, the results of probit models indicate that the probability a consumer will pay more or less of a premium depends on purchase behavior and shopping location, stated importance of production attributes, awareness and interest in private and civic agricultural issues, in addition to some typical demographic variables such as income. [EconLit Citations: Q130, M130, Q180]. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.