bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The India-US Rapprochement
Authors: Jaffrelot Christophe 
Published: June 2009

The rapprochement between India and the US, under the government of Manmohan Singh, has translated into many collaborations and strategic deals—including the 123 agreement. It may be based on some quid pro quo though. While Washington would like to transform India into a long-term ally to defend the American interests and values, New Delhi seems to be willing to partner with the US so long as this relationship serves its interests in economic and strategic terms, regarding Islamist groups and their Pakistani protectors especially. New Delhi, for instance, may not join hands with the US in the World Trade Organization at all and may also resist American attempts to instrumentalise her against China and Iran. But the economic and societal links that have been built between India and the US, because of massive investments and the growing role of the Indian diaspora in the US, may make it difficult for the Indian government to backtrack, even if it wishes. What may well be at stake is nothing more than the autonomy of the state vis-à-vis non-state interests, ranging from the corporate sector to the new Indian middle-class, which—during the Bush years—appeared to be more pro-American than any other public opinion.
Optimization Framework for a Multiple Classifier System with Non-Registered Targets
Authors: Albrecht Timothy W. , Bauer Kenneth W. 
Published: June 2009

A fundamental problem facing the designers of automatic target recognition (ATR) systems is how to deal with out-of-library or non-registered targets. This research extends a mathematical programming framework that selects the optimal classifier ensemble and fusion method across multiple decision thresholds subject to classifier performance constraints. The extended formulation includes treatment of exemplars from target classes on which the ATR system is not trained (non-registered targets). Further, a multivariate Gaussian hidden Markov model (HMM) is developed and applied using real world synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data comprised of ten registered and five non-registered target classes. The framework is exercised in an experimental design across classifier fusion methods, prior probabilities of targets and non-targets, correlation between multiple sensor looks, and levels of target pose estimation error.
Using Genetic Algorithms to Aid in a Vulnerability Analysis of National Missile Defense Simulation Software
Authors: Imsand Eric S. , Evans Gordon , Dozier Gerry , Hamilton J. A. 
Published: June 2009

The National Strategy for Homeland Defense, published by the then U.S. Office of Homeland Security in July 2002, directs all U.S. government agencies to conduct vulnerability analyses of their sensitive systems. This policy applies to Department of Defense systems, including the simulation packages used to design and exercise national missile defense. Many, if not most, of the previous vulnerability analyses of missile defense simulation platforms have utilized traditional reverse engineering techniques along with a review of all documentation and publicly available sources. These experiments have produced some useful information, though the amount of platform specific data recovered has been limited. The use of genetic algorithms (GAs) has been shown to be an effective method of performing boundary analysis and parameter optimization. In this paper, we show how GAs can be used to extract information concerning how particular parameters affect heavily parameterized missile defense simulation system performance. This information would be very valuable to researchers as part of a greater vulnerability analysis of national missile defense software.
Quantifying the Impact of Multiple Risks on Software-Intensive Programs
Authors: Els Sharon A. , Reichelt Kimberly Sklar , Cooper Kenneth G. 
Published: June 2009

It is a rare program that is affected by just a single risk. There may be one risk that is of more concern than others, but there are almost always other risks that can compound the challenges and impacts of any single risk. If not foreseen and mitigated, compounding risk impacts can be a dangerous phenomenon. Our findings show that the program impact of a single risk can be significantly greater—by 20–30% or more—when it occurs in the presence of certain other risks. The authors have developed an approach using system dynamics simulation to assess the impact of both isolated risks and the combined impact of risks. The model employed simulates the primary cost drivers of most programs— staffing, work schedules, the drivers of productivity, and the causes of rework. This paper focuses on the dynamics that can cause compounding impacts in combinations of potentially interacting risks.
EST and EST-SSR marker resources for Iris
Authors: Tang Shunxue , Okashah Rebecca A , Cordonnier-Pratt Marie-Michele , Pratt Lee H , Ed Johnson Virgil , Taylor Christopher A , Arnold Michael L , Knapp Steven J 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackgroundLimited DNA sequence and DNA marker resources have been developed forIris(Iridaceae), a monocot genus of 200–300 species in the Asparagales, several of which are horticulturally important. We mined anI. brevicaulis-I. fulvaEST database for simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and developed ortholog-specific EST-SSR markers for genetic mapping and other genotyping applications inIris. Here, we describe the abundance and other characteristics of SSRs identified in the transcript assembly (EST database) and the cross-species utility and polymorphisms ofI. brevicaulis-I. fulvaEST-SSR markers among wild collected ecotypes and horticulturally important cultivars.ResultsCollectively, 6,530 ESTs were produced from normalized leaf and root cDNA libraries ofI. brevicaulis(IB72) andI. fulva(IF174), and assembled into 4,917 unigenes (1,066 contigs and 3,851 singletons). We identified 1,447 SSRs in 1,162 unigenes and developed 526 EST-SSR markers, each tracing a different unigene. Three-fourths of the EST-SSR markers (399/526) amplified alleles from IB72 and IF174 and 84% (335/399) were polymorphic between IB25 and IF174, the parents ofI. brevicaulis×I. fulvamapping populations. Forty EST-SSR markers were screened for polymorphisms among 39 ecotypes or cultivars of seven species – 100% amplified alleles from wild collected ecotypes of Louisiana Iris (I.brevicaulis,I.fulva,I. nelsonii, andI. hexagona), whereas 42–52% amplified alleles from cultivars of three horticulturally important species (I. pseudacorus,I. germanica, andI. sibirica). Ecotypes and cultivars were genetically diverse – the number of alleles/locus ranged from two to 18 and mean heterozygosity was 0.76.ConclusionNearly 400 ortholog-specific EST-SSR markers were developed for comparative genetic mapping and other genotyping applications inIris, were highly polymorphic among ecotypes and cultivars, and have broad utility for genotyping applications within the genus.
The first clinical case due to AP92 like strain of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus and a field survey
Authors: Midilli Kenan , Gargılı Ayşen , Ergonul Onder , Elevli Murat , Ergin Sevgi , Turan Nesrin , Şengöz Gönül , Ozturk Recep , Bakar Mehmet 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a fatal infection, but no clinical case due to AP92 strain was reported. We described the first clinical case due to AP92 like CCHFV.

Methods
A case infected by a AP92 like CCHFV was detected in Balkanian part of Turkey. Diagnosis was confirmed by RT-PCR and sequencing. A human serologic and tick survey studies were performed in the region, where the case detected.

Results
Thirty eight individuals out of 741 were found to be anti CCHFV IgM positive. The attack rate for overall CCHFV was calculated as 5.2%. In univariate analyses, CCHFV IgM positivity was found to be associated with the age (p < 0.001), male gender (p = 0.001), agricultural activity (p = 0.036), and history of tick bite (p = 0.014). In multivariate analysis, older age (OR: 1.03, CI:1.01–1.05, p < 0.001), male gender were found to be the risk factors (OR: 2.5, CI:1.15–5.63, p = 0.020) for CCHFV infection.

Conclusion
This is the first human case with AP92 like CCHFV infection. Furthermore, this is the first report of AP92 like strain in Turkey. In the region, elderly males carry the highest risk for CCHFV infection.
Structural and phylogenetic analysis of a conserved actinobacteria-specific protein (ASP1; SCO1997) from Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Gao Beile , Sugiman-Marangos Seiji , Junop Murray S , Gupta Radhey S 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe Actinobacteria phylum represents one of the largest and most diverse groups of bacteria, encompassing many important and well-characterized organisms includingStreptomyces, Bifidobacterium, CorynebacteriumandMycobacterium. Members of this phylum are remarkably diverse in terms of life cycle, morphology, physiology and ecology. Recent comparative genomic analysis of 19 actinobacterial species determined that only 5 genes of unknown function uniquely define this large phylum [1]. The cellular functions of these actinobacteria-specific proteins (ASP) are not known.ResultsHere we report the first characterization of one of the 5 actinobacteria-specific proteins, ASP1 (Gene ID: SCO1997) fromStreptomyces coelicolor. The X-ray crystal structure of ASP1 was determined at 2.2 Ǻ. The overall structure of ASP1 retains a similar fold to the large NP-1 family of nucleoside phosphorylase enzymes; however, the function is not related. Further comparative analysis revealed two regions expected to be important for protein function: a central, divalent metal ion binding pore, and a highly conserved elbow shaped helical region at the C-terminus. Sequence analyses revealed that ASP1 is paralogous to another actinobacteria-specific protein ASP2 (SCO1662 fromS. coelicolor) and that both proteins likely carry out similar function.ConclusionOur structural data in combination with sequence analysis supports the idea that two of the 5 actinobacteria-specific proteins, ASP1 and ASP2, mediate similar function. This function is predicted to be novel since the structures of these proteins do not match any known protein with or without known function. Our results suggest that this function could involve divalent metal ion binding/transport.
Effect of a supplement rich in alkaline minerals on acid-base balance in humans
Authors: König Daniel , Muser Klaus , Dickhuth Hans-Hermann , Berg Aloys , Deibert Peter 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackgroundWestern diets are considered acidogenic due to the high dietary acid load and a low intake of base-forming dietary minerals such as potassium, magnesium or calcium. In the present study we investigated the effect of a multimineral supplement (MMS) rich in alkaline minerals on acute and chronic regulation of acid-base balance with the pH of blood, urine and saliva as potential surrogate markers.MethodsParameters were measured (i) without MMS intake, (ii) in the three consecutive hours following ingestion (blood and urinary pH) and (iii) during one week with or without MMS intake (self-monitored using pH measurement strips).Results25 (15 female; 10 male) subjects (age 44 ± 14 y; BMI 23.9 ± 1.9 kg/m2) were enrolled in the investigation. Following acute administration of the MMS in the morning, blood ph (1 and 2 h after ingestion) rose from 7.40 to 7.41; p < 0.05, and also urinary pH 3 h after ingestion (5.94 to 6.57; p < 0.05) increased significantly.Following longer-term supplementation, both the increase in urinary pH in the morning and in the evening occurred within 1 day. Compared to pH values without the MMS, average pH in urine was 11% higher in the morning and 5% higher in the evening. Analyses of food records showed that the increase in urinary pH was not related to dietary change.ConclusionOur results suggest that the ingestion of a multimineral supplement is associated with both a significant increase in blood and urinary pH. The health related consequences of this supplementation remain to be determined.
Divine intervention? A Cochrane review on intercessory prayer gone beyond science and reason
Authors: Jørgensen Karsten Juhl , Hróbjartsson Asbjørn , Gøtzsche Peter C 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
We discuss in this commentary a recent Cochrane review of 10 randomised trials aimed at testing the religious belief that praying to a god can help those who are prayed for. The review concluded that the available studies merit additional research. However, the review presented a scientifically unsound mixture of theological and scientific arguments, and two of the included trials that had a large impact on the findings had problems that were not described in the review. The review fails to live up to the high standards required for Cochrane reviews.
An aerobiological perspective of dust in cage-housed and floor-housed poultry operations
Authors: Just Natasha , Duchaine Caroline , Singh Baljit 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe Canadian poultry production industry contributes nearly $10 billion to the Canadian economy and employs nearly 50,000 workers. However, modern poultry facilities are highly contaminated with airborne dust. Although there are many bioaerosols in the poultry barn environment, endotoxin is typically attributed with the negative respiratory symptoms observed in workers. These adverse respiratory symptoms have a higher prevalence in poultry workers compared to workers from other animal confinement buildings. Workers in cage-housed operations compared to floor-housed facilities report a higher prevalence of some respiratory symptoms. We review the current state of knowledge on airborne dust in poultry barns and respiratory dysfunction in poultry workers while highlighting the areas that need further investigation. Our review focuses on the aerobiological pathway of poultry dust including the source and aerosolization of dust and worker exposure and response. Further understanding of the source and aerosolization of dust in poultry operations will aid in the development of management practices to reduce worker exposure and response.
Assessing the Clinical Efficacy of Sildenafil for the Treatment of Female Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Brown Dana A , Kyle Jeffrey A , Ferrill Mary J 
Published: June 2009

Objective: To review the clinical data regarding the efficacy and safety of sildenafil for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Data Sources: A MEDLINE search from 1950 to February 2009 was conducted using the key words sildenafil and female sexual dysfunction. Human studies and publication in English were used as primary limits. A combination of several publication-type limits was used to locate the clinical trials (eg, clinical trial, controlled clinical trial, randomized clinical trial). A bibliographic search was also performed of all located articles. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Clinical trials involving sildenafil treatment of premenopausal and postmenopausal women with FSD and women with FSD due to concomitant medications and/or disease states were reviewed. Data Synthesis: An increasing number of clinical trials have been published regarding the treatment of FSD with sildenafil. Eight studies demonstrated a possible benefit from treatment for FSD in patients receiving sildenafil, regardless of dose, while 4 trials did not show any significant differences with treatment. It appears that sildenafil might be beneficial for women with FSD caused by diseases such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, spinal cord injury, and use of antidepressant medications. Conclusions: Although data suggest a possible role of sildenafil for the treatment of FSD, the information should be interpreted cautiously, as many of the studies included small sample sizes, used inappropriate statistical tests, and used nonvalidated assessment tools. A better FSD classification system and consistent use of validated assessment tools might help alleviate differences among clinical trials and provide a more cohesive foundation for assessing the safety and efficacy of sildenafil for the treatment of FSD.
Structure and Electrochemistry of Novel Silver Metal Oxyfluoride Perovskite: Cathode Materials for High Volumetric Energy Storage
Authors: Tong W. , Yoon W-S. , Amatucci G. G. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTA novel electroactive nanostructured silver molybdenum oxyfluoride (SMOF) perovskite was successfully synthesized via mechanochemistry through the use of AgFx and MoO3. The structure of the SMOF perovskite has been examined utilizing X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) combined with X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and elemental analysis. The SMOF perovskite exhibited a very good electrochemical activity. A detailed in-situ electrochemical study by XRD and XAS was carried out. Finally, preliminary work on fabrication of a metallic Ag2F phase and optimization of the rate capability of SMOF perovskite is presented.
Computer Simulation of Structural Stability by Hydrogenation in Hydrogen Storage Materials
Authors: Katagiri Masahiko , Onodera Hidehiro , Ogawa Hiroshi 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTMicroscopic mechanism of Hydrogen-Induced Amorphization (HIA) in AB2 C15 Laves phase compound is studied. Experimentally, compounds in which A atoms are contracted and B atoms are expanded in Laves phase show HIA. It suggests that the relative atomic size is the controlling factor. We investigate the role of the size effect by molecular Dynamics (MD) methods using Lennard-Jones pair-wise potentials. Our simulations show that in such a compound, the bulk modulus is remarkably reduced by hydrogenation compared to the isotropic tensile load, so that elastic instability is facilitated. This situation is caused by the negative increase of the pressure-fluctuation contribution in the elastic constant. The relaxation of B-atom positions by hydrogenation gives the fluctuation contribution. The fluctuation effect is essential in the elastic instability, although the energy change is small.
Multi-Well Deconvolution Algorithm for the Diagnostic, Analysis of Transient Pressure With Interference From Permanent Down-hole Gauges (PDG)
Authors: Zheng Shi-Yi , Wang Fei 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Permanent Down-hole Gauge (PDG) has been widely installed in the oilfield around the world in recent years. One of the challenges in analyzing long-term, real-time, dynamic data such as transient pressure from PDG is the diagnostic and analysis of data with interference from other wells during the production. This type of data is very common in practice, while the published technique such as deconvolution algorithm failed in handling this problem.
Based on traditional interference test theory, muti-well deconvolution algorithm has been developed to address the problem in handling transient pressure with interference. A computer programme has been coded; a number of synthetic cases were studied, which proved that the developed algorithm works well for the problem stated above.
This paper presents the study results of applying the developed multi-well deconvolution technique in the diagnostic, processing and analysis of the numerically simulated transient pressure with interference. It was demonstrated that the interference effect can be identified, the published deconvolution algorithm failed in handling such data set, while the developed multi-well deconvolution algorithm worked well.
The paper shows that only after this data processing procedure, further analysis of the transient pressure data using methods such as decline curve analysis etc. is possible.
Fire Risk Reduction after Halon, by Using Emerging Technologies
Authors: Waterfall K. W. , Catchpole D. V. , Hamlin C. C. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
The challenges posed by the Montreal Protocol and its subsequent amendments towards the reduction in usage of ozone depleting Halons have stimulated the fire protection industry to rethink its approach to fire protection management. This has promoted research and development of new techniques with low environmental risks and a more specific approach to reduction of fire risks.
In order to assist the Oil & Gas Industry in selecting the optimum means of protection for its activities the Exploration & Production (E&P) Forum of the industry has focused attention on risk reduction measures through its Fire Hazard Management Sub-Committee to produce guidance documentation and strategies. These cover the current position of regulatory trends and the technology applications. The contents of this paper disseminate the update guidance given by E&P Forum in its publications to phase out Halons and select alternative technologies, both for onshore and offshore facilities and developments.
The paper addresses the advantages and constraints of halon like gases, water mist systems, inert gas flooding, incipient fire detection and emerging technologies. This identifies the opportunities for effective fire protective design, incorporating current research into fire water applications and large tank fire protection and the consequent application of a low capital investment in fire protective systems and guidance to where inherent safety in design may be applied.
Stress Management and Accident Prevention
Authors: Benmebarek Samir 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
This study covers a Behavior-Based Approach to analyze accident causation factors, as stress related deviations from optimal human performance. Stress is addressed and singled out as being the "mother factor" behind the failure of human performance in the work environment.
A database of accident reports and statistics from an Offshore Oil Production Operating site, were taken as a live reference for the analysis. The scope and variety of activities involved, provided a valid cross section representing the workforce usually employed in this area.
Being usually performed in isolated, and sometimes severe environments, these activities offer an ideal reference to analyze stress related deviations.
A critical review and analysis of accident investigation reports, identified "stress" as being "the" root factor behind all accidents, other than catastrophic failure of equipment.
A novel definition of "stress" in terms of Personal Perceptual Factors, and their intimate combination with Environment Factors was drawn out and presented. The subsequent effects of this combination on the business objectives are highlighted, not only in terms of apparent accounted losses, when accidents do happen, but more importantly in terms of latent weaknesses in the System, that ultimately hamper the overall efficiency.
A methodology of approach for tackling and controlling the stress factor is proposed, and the necessity to include "Stress Management" as a major element of Health, Safety and Environment Policies, is recommended and substantiated as one of the best investments an Oil Company could make.