bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Common Measures and Analytic Techniques Provide Flawed Assessments of Pain: Modeled Data, and Hip Replacement Study
Authors: SMYTHE HUGH A. , BOGOCH EARL R. 
Published: November 2008

ObjectiveTo examine commonly used measures and analytic techniques of pain outcomes, using (1) a synthetic model, and (2) a cohort of patients who underwent total hip replacement.Methods(1) A synthetic data set was constructed with 110 visual analog scale (VAS) values, 10 for each integer from zero to 10. Random noise was added to simulate measurement variations. Drift through time and a therapeutic trial were simulated. (2) Eighty-six patients were studied before and a mean of 17 months after total hip replacement. Assessments included a VAS pain scale, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Harris Hip Score, and SF-36 scores.ResultsThe clinical study mirrored the model. Correlation coefficients among treatment differences measured by the pain subscales of 4 instruments varied from 0.53 to 0.22. Floor effects obscured benefit. “Percentage improvement” created a directional bias, and had a hyperbolic distribution that invalidated means, variances, and related statistics. The best outcomes were undervalued when postoperative pain measures approached zero. Standardized means enabled pooling of data from the different instruments and facilitated measurement of the variations due to treatment, methods, and subjects, and other factors.ConclusionOutcome measures and analytic techniques are often flawed because of floor and ceiling effects, non-normal distributions, and other problems. Outcomes expressed as “percentage improvement” are inappropriate; changes should be reported in the observed units. Revisions of standard outcome measures to relate pain with activity can better document outcomes, especially favorable results.
Limited Utility of Rapamycin in Severe, Refractory Wegener’s Granulomatosis
Authors: KOENING CURRY L. , HERNÁNDEZ-RODRÍGUEZ JOSÉ , MOLLOY EAMONN S. , CLARK TIFFANY M. , HOFFMAN GARY S. 
Published: November 2008

ObjectiveWe report our experience using rapamycin in patients with Wegener’s granulomatosis (WG) who failed to achieve remission with conventional treatment.MethodsEight patients received rapamycin for severe, refractory WG. Clinical outcomes were reviewed retrospectively.ResultsFour patients treated with rapamycin sustained remissions of at least 6 months’ duration while receiving prednisone ≤ 10 mg/day; 2 relapsed during followup. Five patients discontinued rapamycin due to continued disease activity, cancer, or adverse events.ConclusionToxicities due to rapamycin were numerous; consistent proof of efficacy in this pilot experience with WG was not seen.
Bayesian Networks
Authors: Buede Dennis , Mahoney Suzanne M. , Tatman Joseph A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis contribution describes Bayesian networks (BNs), their applications including their potential application to homeland security problems, and BNs research being done and needing to be done. The graphical elements of a BNs provide a convenient model structuring tool for enhancing communication when working with experts or decision makers. These models can be built from data or with expert opinion or some combination. The computational elements of a BNs permit computations that were unthinkable in 1985. A survey of current research topics is provided along with research funding organizations worldwide. Critical needs that BNs can address for homeland security are described with illustrations and suggestions. Examples of problem categories for which BNs would be very valuable are warning for a terrorist attack, assessment of risks and vulnerabilities, and tracking and assessing people and organizations. Future research directions important for making BNs especially useful for application to homeland security topics include structuring, computation, and packaging.
Using Risk Analysis to Inform Intelligence Analysis
Authors: Willis Henry H. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe study and application of risk analysis provides a set of tools with a strong methodological foundation. This article describes how risk analysis can be integrated into the intelligence cycle for producing terrorism threat assessments and warnings. Intelligence professionals can use the risk analyst's toolbox to sharpen conclusions that are made in intelligence products by providing support for identification of scenarios of greatest concern. Risk analysis can also be used to focus future collection efforts on information that appears to be most relevant to refining existing estimates of terrorism risks. However, risk analysis must be conducted to meet challenges of information availability, matching resolution of results to the problem, reflecting risk as the social construct that it is, and not ignoring the possibility of surprise.
Social and Psychological Aspects
Authors: Moghaddam Fathali M. , Lee Naomi 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA staircase metaphor is used to examine the social and psychological processes underlying terrorist attacks, and the consequences of such attacks on victims. The focus of the discussion is terrorism emanating from Islamic societies, because this constitutes the greatest global threat in the foreseeable future. The ground floor is occupied by about 1.2 billion Muslims, most of whom do not move up the staircase despite the high level of dissatisfaction with despotic regimes. But some individuals move up the staircase, primarily searching for ways to change their perceived situation. As individuals move up the staircase, they become more radicalized, eventually becoming engaged with moralities supportive of terrorism, and on the final floor become psychologically equipped to carry out terrible acts. Deradicalization programs need to be specially designed to impact individuals depending on the particular floor they have reached on the staircase to terrorism. The social psychological consequences of terrorism for society are discussed.
Defeating Surprise Through Threat Anticipation and Possibility Management
Authors: McGill William L. , Ayyub Bilal M. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
This article discusses the menacing problem of surprise in the context of critical infrastructure protection and proposes several strategies for defeating the potential for and effects of surprise. It is suggested that adversaries achieve surprise by exploiting ignorance and lack of preparedness, and that defeating surprise requires new approaches to thinking about terrorism risk. In particular, this article advocates two complementary approaches for defeating surprise: threat anticipation aimed at increasing awareness of plausible threat scenarios and possibility management aimed at improving preparedness to deal with loss irrespective of its cause.
High Consequence Events: Nuclear Explosions
Authors: Shipbaugh Calvin , Frankel Michael J. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe risk posed by a potential terrorist nuclear event is determined by a combination of threat, vulnerability, and consequences, all of which are subject to uncertainties. Effects of nuclear weapon described in standard references give detailed outcomes for specific thresholds and targets, and provide insight into the consequences of such events. Numerous studies have analyzed particular scenarios and contributed estimates useful for understanding the scope of the problem.This article considers the risk of a low yield—1 to 20 kt nuclear explosion scenario in an urban setting. It considers the nature of the threat, the vulnerability of our urban circumstance, and the likely consequences of the spectrum of nuclear effects. It also discusses the uncertainties in such estimates, especially for low yield devices, and makes recommendation for their reduction. Reduction of uncertainties is seen as a component of a risk management response to reduce the probability of a successful attack in the foreseeable future, and to reduce the consequences of a potential event.
Less‐Lethal Payloads for Robotic and Automated Response Systems
Authors: Everett Hobart Ray , Kogut Greg , Drymon Larry , Sights Brandon , Grant Kelly 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis article reviews the various problems encountered in controlling less‐lethal weapon payloads on unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and provides an overview of ongoing efforts to address those challenges. Examples of near‐term field‐ready candidates (automated and robotic) include thenetworked remotely operated weapon system (NROWS)and themobile detection assessment response system (MDARS). A brief treatment of future capabilities is presented at the end.
The Nation's Transportation System as a Security Challenge
Authors: Meyer Michael D. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
By its very nature, the transportation system is vulnerable to disruption that can result in significant economic costs. This article examines several characteristics of a transportation system, which present challenges from a security perspective. These characteristics include the extent of the system and thus its vulnerability to attack; the network characteristics of travel paths, critical links and choke points, and the time lag associated with infusion of biological agents inserted into passenger flows that result in a widespread diffusion throughout the system; transportation facilities acting as ports of entry to international passenger and freight flows; the important linkages between transportation use and other societal goals, such as economic development, environmental quality, and public health; the long time to recover from major disruptions due to the infrastructure focus of network design; the dependency on command and control systems to manage system operations; and the institutional complexity associated with all of the different agencies and groups involved with decision making and system management. The Atlanta metropolitan area is used as an example to illustrate these characteristics of the transportation system. The article concludes that the transportation system is too vulnerable to hope for 100% security; however, through rigorous vulnerability and risk assessment efforts, the most important parts of this system can be protected. The challenge to transportation and security officials is to develop a collaborative process for developing and using a security‐conscious approach toward transportation planning and decision making.
Biosurveillance Tradecraft
Authors: Wilson James M. , Walters Ronald A. , Kiebler Craig , Davies‐Cole John 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis article focuses on an overview of the emerging analytic discipline of biosurveillance. Here we discuss basic organizational principles, biological event evolution, targeting of biological event features, data sources, social networking implications in validating information, and parallels to existing meteorological warning systems.
North Carolina Biosurveillance System
Authors: Waller Anna E. , Ising Amy I. , Deyneka Lana 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The North Carolina Disease Event Tracking and Epidemiologic Collection Tool (NC DETECT) was established to serve the needs of North Carolina in better positioning itself against natural and intentional events of public health significance. The system, built upon health care customer needs, has matured and is integral to the daily activity of the North Carolina Division of Public Health, as well as local and regional public health and hospital officials. As NC DETECT has grown, the principles have remained constant: the creation of a secure, user‐centered, robust, flexible system that can provide comprehensive, timely information to public health decision‐makers throughout North Carolina.
Practical Systems for Biosurveillance: The Military Perspective and Essence
Authors: Pavlin Julie A. , Cox Kenneth L. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The Department of Defense (DoD) developed the Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community‐based Epidemics (ESSENCE) as an attempt to use already collected electronic outpatient data in a way that could detect abnormal patterns in acute infectious disease incidence. ESSENCE was created through partnerships with academia and other government organizations, and allowed near real‐time tracking of disease trends both temporally and spatially. Since its inception, ESSENCE has been expanded to include local civilian health data, advanced detection algorithms, and patient identifiers for appropriate public health officials to assist with disease investigation. ESSENCE is now an essential component of military installation protection and a key part of the US national public health surveillance system.
Development of Radiation Countermeasures
Authors: Pellmar Terry C. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Medical countermeasures are required to address the emerging radiological and nuclear threats. Radiation injury can result from exposure to external, penetrating radiation or internalized radionuclides. Countermeasures for internal contamination focus on decorporation and protecting the primary site of activity. No countermeasures are currently approved for the acute radiation syndrome that results from external exposures, but significant efforts are ongoing to develop new agents to counter the cascade of damage from ionizing radiation. Antioxidants and enzyme mimics are directed toward prevention of free radical damage to macromolecules. Other agents target the affected cell‐signaling pathways: preventing apoptosis, triggering cell cycle arrest, or modulating the inflammatory response. To counter the loss of progenitor cells, particularly in the bone marrow and the gut, drugs such as the cytokines and other immunomodulators are developed to promote proliferation of new cells. If radiation injury proceeds to organ failure and infection, supportive care and antibiotics provide significant therapeutic value. In addition to the radiation dose, several factors impact the severity of the injury. Among these are radiation quality (e.g. neutron–gamma mixed fields) and dose rate, combined injuries, and partial‐body exposures. In future efforts, it will be important to consider these factors, which can modulate the radiation response and possibly affect the efficacy of the treatments. Although an ideal countermeasure that is inexpensive, stable with a long shelf‐life, easily administered, nontoxic, and efficacious is yet to be attained, new options continue to arise. Many promising drugs are in the pipeline.
Protecting Water Infrastructure in the United States—Setting Priorities, Conducting Research, and Sharing Results
Authors: Herrmann Jonathan G. , Nickel Kathleen A. , McCall Amelia D. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Water is an essential ingredient of life on planet Earth. Less than 1% of the world's water is available for human use, 97% is salt water, and the other 2% is frozen. Ensuring that drinking water is safe and clean is a primary mission of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Water infrastructure vulnerability can make water and wastewater systems targets for intentional threats and attacks. Addressing these threats and attacks has been an important focus by EPA since September 11, 2001. The destruction of the World Trade Center and a portion of the Pentagon, and the anthrax letters that followed, reinforced the need to protect critical infrastructure, including the nation's water and wastewater systems. This review presents, in general terms, the potential threats to water infrastructure. Emphasis is placed on the research contributing to the water sector's preparedness for, response to, and recovery from intentional threats or attacks on drinking water infrastructure.
Health Risk Assessment for Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Attacks*
Authors: Raber Ellen , Kirvel Robert D. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractTo evaluate potential health effects from a radiological, chemical, or biological agent following intentional contamination—whether to water, air, or environmental surfaces—some type of health risk assessment is necessary. Risk assessment parameters are defined in the context of “risk informed” decision‐making. A risk‐based approach means that cleanup goals should be based on a defined, “acceptable,” or “tolerable” level of risk to health. For weapons of mass destruction, regulations and guidelines for what constitutes an acceptable human dose are clearest for radiological agents, less clear for chemical agents, and least codified by far for biological agents. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed an updated Protective Action Guides to help authorities make radiation‐protection decisions during the phases of an emergency. No uniform set of cleanup standards for radionuclides exists at present, but the Department of Homeland Security has posted proposed guidelines in the Federal Register to address response operations. The consensus for item clearance criteria (a voluntary standard) is currently 1 mrem/year (or 10 μSv/year) total effective dose equivalent above background. EPA standards for concentrations of various radioactive isotopes in groundwater and drinking water are reviewed along with primary drinking water standards. For chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals, several authorities have published quantified, health‐based guidelines that can be used as “accpetably safe” clearance goals, and these values are reviewed. For example, both the EPA and the military use maximum contaminant levels as enforceable guidelines for chemical agents in drinking water. Although nearly all biological warfare agents are intended for aerosol application, many have a strong potential as waterborne threats and could inflict heavy casualities if ingested. Scientific investigations have led to recommended guidelines in drinking water for only some of the biological warfare agents that have been identified as priority microbes or microbes of medical importance in water. Most researchers agree that there is currently insufficient information to develop; an infectious dose and to quantify a “safe” amount of residual biological agent in a decontaminated facility or outdoor environment. There is even less information regarding safe levels for water resources. Education should not be underestimated when considering what risk the public is willing to accept. Individual states have drinking water relations based on their stakeholders, and such information must be considered when trying to determine guidelines applicable to an unnatural even. Major gaps, critical needs, and future directions associated with evaluating risks to human health following a terrorist attack are summarized.
Surveillance Methods and Technologies for Water and Wastewater Systems
Authors: States Stanley 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

A useful tool for protecting against intentional and accidental incidents of contamination of drinking water and
wastewater networks
is the continuous monitoring of water quality in the treatment and distribution/collection systems. This tool has received considerable attention following the terrorist attacks of 2001. There are five analytical approaches being taken to on‐line monitoring. However, much of the technology is still rudimentary. This article describes the five approaches, the monitoring equipment that is currently available, and some of the technology that is under development.
Input–Output Modeling for Interdependent Infrastructure Sectors
Authors: Santos Joost R. , Haimes Yacov Y. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
This article discusses practical applications of input–output analysis to describe and model interdependencies across infrastructure and economic sectors of a region. The increasing degrees of interdependencies coupled with the uncertain and emerging nature disasters motivate the need for advancing the knowledge and modeling capabilities in this domain. The inoperability input–output model (IIM) is introduced in this article and demonstrated using three selected applications: (i) a high‐altitude electromagnetic pulse attack scenario, (ii) reactions to an increased threat level in Homeland Security Advisory System, and (iii) impacts of a disrupted transportation asset on a regional economy.
Characterizing Infrastructure Failure Interdependencies to Inform Systemic Risk
Authors: McDaniels Timothy , Chang Stephanie , Reed Dorothy A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis article develops a conceptual and analytical framework with empirical applications to characterizeinfrastructure failure interdependencies(IFIs). It uses major electrical power outages as the context for understanding how extreme events (within or external to the power system) lead to failures of other infrastructure systems, given a major electrical power outage. The article takes an empirical approach by examining the patterns of IFIs that occurred in two events: the August 2003 northeastern North American blackout and the 1998 Quebec ice storm. Section 2 discusses concepts for characterizing IFIs conditional on an extreme event and draws parallels to other models. Then the categories of the framework to characterize IFIs and their consequences are discussed. Section 3 documents and compares the IFIs from the two major outages. Section 4 provides discussion and conclusions regarding future extensions of this work and its applications.
Geospatial Data Support for Infrastructure Interdependencies Analysis
Authors: Adduci Anthony F. , Bailey Scott D. , Fisher Ronald E. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Infrastructure interdependency analysis involves the synthesis of numerous datasets to arrive at an understanding of the pertinent connections within a complex, interrelated system. Geospatial data is beneficial for analyzing infrastructure interdependencies because it can be used to evaluate and visualize the myriad of component relationships that constitute critical infrastructures and key resources. However, various limitations in geospatial and nonspatial data have restricted the full utilization of Geographic information system and other visualization technologies in such analyses. The data requirements for analyzing interdependencies include ready access to a wide variety of critical infrastructure/key resource data that are geospatially validated and linked with nonspatial data to provide rich attributes that can be queried and visualized. Analysts have struggled long to find complete and accurate geospatial and nonspatial data. Their struggle is complicated further by the use of multiple data sources that differ in levels of completeness and accuracy. Analysis of interdependencies requires a high level of data validation and completeness, which can be difficult to discern from the currently available geospatial datasets. This technical article identifies key geospatial data pitfalls including accuracy and completeness, and offers solutions for improving and enhancing existing geospatial data for interdependency analysis.
New Approaches toIRISRecognition: One‐Dimensional Algorithms
Authors: Du Yingzi , Ives Robert W. , Etter Delores M. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractCurrently, most iris recognition systems require a cooperative subject with frontal high quality iris image to obtain a descent recognition result. However, for a noncooperative subject who may be facing away from the camera, the obtained iris image may be blurry, deformable, or highly occluded. As a result, only a portion of the iris information may be extracted (a partial iris). Partial iris pattern analysis would be an important step for noncooperative subject iris recognition. Little research has been performed in this area. Traditional iris recognition systems typically use an iris signature that requires circular rotation for pattern matching purposes. The new approach generates one‐dimensional iris signatures that are orientation, scale, contrast, rotation, and illumination invariant. The system will work with less of the iris than commercial systems, and thus can enable partial iris recognition. In addition, this iris recognition system is more tolerant of noise. This method is simple to implement, and the computational complexity is relatively low.