bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trajectory anonymity in publishing personal mobility data
Authors: Bonchi Francesco , Lakshmanan Laks V.S. , Wang Hui (Wendy) 
Published: September 2011

Recent years have witnessed pervasive use of location-aware devices such as GSM mobile phones, GPS-enabled PDAs, location sensors, and active RFID tags. The use of these devices generates a huge collection of spatio-temporal data, variously called moving object data, trajectory data, or moblity data. These data can be used for various data analysis purposes such as city traffic control, mobility management, urban planning, and location-based service advertisements. Clearly, the spatio-temporal data so collected may help an attacker to discover personal and sensitive information like user habits, social customs, religious and sexual preferences of individuals. Consequently, it raises serious concerns about privacy. Simply replacing users' real identifiers (name, SSN, etc.) with pseudonyms is insufficient to guarantee anonymity. The problem is that due to the existence of quasi-identifiers, i.e., spatio-temporal data points that can be linked to external information to re-identify individuals, the attacker may be able to trace the anonymous spatio-temporal data back to individuals.
In this survey, we discuss recent advancement on anonymity preserving data publishing of moving object databases in an off-line fashion. We first introduce several anonymity models, then we describe in detail some of the proposed techniques to enforce trajectory anonymity, discussing their merits and limitations. We conclude by identifying challenging open problems that need attention.
An automated and simple method for brain MR image extraction
Authors: Zhang Haiyan , Liu Jiafeng , Zhu Zixin , Li Haiyun 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
The extraction of brain tissue from magnetic resonance head images, is an important image processing step for the analyses of neuroimage data. The authors have developed an automated and simple brain extraction method using an improved geometric active contour model.

Methods
The method uses an improved geometric active contour model which can not only solve the boundary leakage problem but also is less sensitive to intensity inhomogeneity. The method defines the initial function as a binary level set function to improve computational efficiency. The method is applied to both our data and Internet brain MR data provided by the Internet Brain Segmentation Repository.

Results
The results obtained from our method are compared with manual segmentation results using multiple indices. In addition, the method is compared to two popular methods, Brain extraction tool and Model-based Level Set.

Conclusions
The proposed method can provide automated and accurate brain extraction result with high efficiency.
Effect of Parallel Gradations on Crushed Rock-Concrete Interface Behaviors
Authors: Kang Xing , Cambio Domenica , Ge Louis 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
The response of a soil-structure system subjected to monotonic or cyclic loading is significantly influenced by the mechanical behavior of its interface. In this paper, the friction characteristics of crushed rock-concrete interface and the role of the crushed rock deformability were examined through a series of monotonic and cyclic direct shear tests under the framework of parallel gradation technique. Two parallel gradation curves of the crushed rocks were used. All the tests were carried out in dry condition and with two initial void ratios representing both loose and dense states. Two concrete interfaces of different roughness were used in the interface direct shear tests. The static test results show that parallel gradation technique can be used to characterize the residual shear strength but not the volume change. Moreover, under cyclic loading, it can neither yield the same volume change, nor the same shear strength. The critical state of the soil interfaces was also studied, which shed some light on the mechanism of pile skin friction mobilization and modeling of soil-concrete interface behaviors.
Longitudinal Study of Depressive Symptoms and Progression of Insulin Resistance in Youth at Risk for Adult Obesity
Authors: Shomaker Lauren B. , Tanofsky-Kraff Marian , Stern Elizabeth A. , Miller Rachel , Zocca Jaclyn M. , Field Sara E. , Yanovski Susan Z. , Hubbard Van S. , Yanovski Jack A. 
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine whether having childhood depressive symptoms is a risk factor that prospectively predicts impairment in glucose homeostasis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A non–treatment-seeking sample of 115 children (aged 5–13 years), oversampled for being at risk for adult obesity, was assessed at baseline and again ~6 years later. Children self-reported depressive symptoms using the Children’s Depression Inventory at baseline. Insulin resistance was assessed at baseline and follow-up with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR).

RESULTS
Children’s depressive symptoms were a significant predictor of follow-up HOMA-IR, fasting insulin, and fasting glucose in models accounting for baseline HOMA-IR, insulin, or glucose values; sex; race; baseline age; baseline BMI; change in BMI at follow-up; family history of type 2 diabetes; and time in the study (P &lt; 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS
In this study, depressive symptomatology at baseline predicted the progression of insulin resistance during child and adolescent development independent of changes in BMI. Research is needed to determine whether early intervention to decrease elevated depressive symptoms in youth ameliorates later development of insulin resistance and lessens the risk of type 2 diabetes.
A Blend of Phellodendron and Crape Myrtle Improves Glucose Tolerance in Exercise-Trained Men
Authors: Canale Robert E. , Farney Tyler M. , McCarthy Cameron G. , Bloomer Richard J. 
Published: September 2011

Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of a nutritional supplement containing a proprietary blend of Phellodendron and Crape Myrtle on serum glucose and insulin in response to a modified oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Methods Using a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design, 10 exercise-trained, non-diabetic men reported to the lab in a 10 hour fasted state, on two different mornings separated by 1-2 weeks, and were subjected to an OGTT by ingesting a 75 gram dextrose solution. Fifteen minutes prior to the OGTT subjects ingested either a dietary supplement containing a blend of Phellodendron and Crape Myrtle (SUPP) or a placebo (PLA). Blood samples were collected before ingestion of the SUPP or PLA and at 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 minutes postingestion of the dextrose load. Samples were analyzed for serum glucose and insulin. Results In relation to serum glucose, a condition effect was noted ( P = 0.01), with values lower for SUPP compared to PLA. In relation to serum insulin, a trend for a condition effect was noted ( P = 0.06), with values lower for SUPP compared to PLA. Conclusion These findings indicate that acute ingestion of a dietary supplement containing a blend of Phellodendron and Crape Myrtle can lower the serum glucose response to a modified OGTT, while resulting in a non-significant attenuation in insulin response. These data are specific to a small sample of exercise-trained, non-diabetic men.
Rock warming and drying under simulated intertidal conditions, part II: weathering and biological influences on evaporative cooling and near‐surface micro‐climatic conditions as an example of biogeomorphic ecosystem engineering
Authors: Coombes Martin A. , Naylor L. A. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTThe way in which rocks and engineering materials heat‐up and dry‐out in the intertidal zone is of relevance to both weathering and ecology. These behaviours can be measured in the laboratory under controlled conditions designed to replicate those occurring in the field. Previous studies have demonstrated differences in thermal behaviours between rock types and through time as a result of soiling in terrestrial environments, but the influence of weathering and colonization on rock behaviours in the intertidal zone has not been previously assessed.We measured the warming and drying of blocks of rock (limestone and granite) and marine concrete during ‘low‐tide’ events simulated in the laboratory, before and after a period of exposure (eight months) on rock platforms in Cornwall, UK. As well as differences between the material types, temperatures of control (unexposed) and field‐exposed blocks differed in the order of 1 to 2 °C. Drying behaviours were also different after field exposure. Differences during the first few hours of exposure to air and heat were attributed to discolouration and albedo effects. Over longer periods of time, changes in the availability of near‐surface pore water as a result of micro‐scale bioerosion of limestone and the development of bio‐chemical crusts on marine concrete [observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM)] are suggested as mechanisms enhancing and reducing, respectively, the efficiency of evaporative cooling. The retention of moisture by epilithic biofilms may also influence thermal and drying behaviours of granite.These observations represent one of the first examples of cross‐scalar biogeomorphic linkages in the intertidal zone. The significance of the results for the subsequent efficiency of weathering, and near‐surface micro‐climatic conditions experienced by colonizing organisms is discussed. The involvement of microorganisms in the creation of more (or less) ecologically stressful conditions through the alteration of substratum geomorphic properties and behaviours is suggested as an example of ‘biogeomorphic ecosystem engineering’. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence of Amino acid mutation in hepatitis C virus core region among Japanese volunteer blood donors
Authors: Furui Yasumi , Hoshi Yuji , Murata Kazumoto , Ito Kiyoaki , Suzuki Kou , Uchida Shigeharu , Satake Masahiro , Mizokami Masashi , Tadokoro Kenji 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIt is not known whether there is a trend of increasing or decreasing incidence of new hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in Japan. From the treatment point of view, it is important to verify HCV genotypes and the prevalence of treatment‐resistant clones of HCV. At the Japanese Red Cross blood centers, all blood samples obtained from blood donation have been screened using serological methods and the minipool nucleic acid amplification testing. One hundred and fourteen donors have been identified over the past 10 years to be HCV RNA‐only positive without detectable anti‐HCV and were considered to be in the acute phase of HCV infection. There was a trend of decreasing incidence of such new infections among the blood donors. HCV RNA‐only‐positive samples were examined further for genotyping and HCV RNA quantitation. Genotype 2 (2a plus 2b) was predominant (78.2%) among them followed by genotype 1b (21.2%). Direct sequencing was carried out to detect the possible treatment‐resistant mutant clones 70Q and 91M, clones with amino acid substitutions at positions 70 and 91 of the HCV core protein, respectively. 70Q and 91M were found regularly in donors with genotype 1b, but not in those with other genotypes. No particular endemic areas for the mutant clones were identified. There was no significant difference in the mean viral titer between the 70Q mutant type and the non‐70Q wild‐type. Even in newly infected people, the mutant clone 70Q was detected frequently. J. Med. Virol. 83:1924–1929, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Religious poetry from the Quranic milieu: Umayya b. Abī l-Ṣalt on the fate of the Thamūd
Authors: Sinai Nicolai 
Published: September 2011

AbstractUnlike most ancient Arabic poetry, the poems attributed to Umayya b. Abī l-Ṣalt treat subjects that are also prominent in the Quran, such as creation, eschatology, and episodes from Biblical history. The authenticity of this corpus has, however, been the subject of some controversy. After a critical survey of previous scholarship, this article examines one particular passage from the Umayya corpus dealing with the destruction of the ancient tribe of Thamūd, which, it is argued, is likely to be pre-Quranic. The article then proceeds to highlight the crucial differences, both in content and in literary format, that exist between Umayya's retelling of the Thamūd narrative and its earliest Quranic version, and concludes with a number of general remarks on the Quran's religious milieu as reflected in Umayya's literary output.
Evaluation of cytotoxicity and up‐regulation of gelatinases in human fibroblast cells by four root canal sealers
Authors: Silva E. J. N. L. , Accorsi‐Mendonça T , Almeida J. F. A. , Ferraz C. C. R. , Gomes B. P. F. A. , Zaia A. A. 
Published: September 2011

Silva EJNL, Accorsi‐Mendonça T, Almeida JFA, Ferraz CCR, Gomes BPFA, Zaia AA. Evaluation of cytotoxicity and up‐regulation of gelatinases in human fibroblast cells by four root canal sealers. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 49–56, 2012.AbstractAim  To investigate the effects of root canal sealers on the cytotoxicity and gelatinolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in human fibroblasts.Methodology  Human fibroblasts (MRC5, 3 × 105 cells per well) were incubated directly or indirectly with AH Plus, Endomethasone N, Pulp Canal Sealer EWT or Sealapex for 30 min, 1, 4 or 24 h (time‐points). The cytotoxicity of all root canal sealers was determined by counting viable cells using the trypan blue exclusion assay. Supernatants of cell cultures incubated with root sealers directly or indirectly were collected after each time‐point to determine the levels of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 gelatinolytic activity by gelatin zymography. Data were analysed using anova and the Tukey’s tests.Results  Cells secreted MMP‐2 after periods of 4 and 24 h; however, there were no significant differences between the sealers. Secretion of gelatinases was elevated by root canal sealers in direct contact with the cell monolayer when compared to indirect contact (P < 0.05). At the time‐points tested, no gelatinolytic activity could be detected in the control group without the sealers. The cytotoxicity results revealed that all sealers were cytotoxic in both contact forms. Sealapex had the lowest cytotoxicity and AH Plus the most cytotoxicity.Conclusions  All root canal sealers induced the expression of MMP‐2 in MRC5 fibroblasts. AH Plus had the highest cytotoxicity amongst the tested sealers, but all were associated with cytotoxic effects.
Comparison of clinical outcome of single‐incision laparoscopic surgery using a simplified access system with conventional laparoscopic surgery for malignant colorectal disease
Authors: Lu C.‐C. , Lin S.‐E. , Chung K.‐C. , Rau K.‐M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim  Instrument crowding is encountered in single‐incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS). Our aim was to compare the results of SILS with those of conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) for malignant colorectal disease.Methods  The records of 27 patients who received SILS for the treatment of malignant disease using a home‐made multiple‐port system were compared with those of 68 patients who received CLS performed in a standard manner using four to five trocar sites.Results  There were no significant differences in age, gender, disease stage, tumour location or tumour size between the SILS and CLS groups. The most common surgery was high anterior resection in both groups (SILS, 63.0%vs CLS, 58.8%). There were no significant differences between the groups in types of surgery performed, length of bowel resected, resection margin, blood loss, duration of surgery or postoperative complications. Postoperative pain scores were significantly higher in the SILS group than in the CLS group (3.07 ± 1.14 vs 2.41 ± 0.63, respectively, P < 0.001).Conclusions  SILS is as effective as CLS, and is not associated with increased duration of surgery, blood loss or complications.
Has Inflation Persistence Changed under EMU?
Authors: Tillmann Peter 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis paper analyzes the persistence of inflation in the euro area and, in particular, whether the persistence properties have changed since the start of European Monetary Union(EMU). For that purpose, we compare pre- and post-EMU inflation persistence, use rolling-window estimates of persistence, and apply tests specifically designed to detect break dates near the end of the sample period. In contrast to previous research, we find that inflation persistence has fallen significantly since the start of EMU. Persistence of consumer price inflation, which is central to the European Central Bank’s policy mandate, has fallen more than the persistence of deflator inflation. The drop in inflation persistence is consistent with the results from a simulated small New Keynesian model with a shift toward a more aggressive monetary policy stance.
Predicting the emetic liability of novel chemical entities: a comparative study
Authors: du Sert Nathalie Percie , Holmes Anthony M , Wallis Rob , Andrews Paul LR 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Emesis is a multi‐system reflex, which is usually investigated using in vivo models. The aim of the study is to compare the response induced by emetic compounds across species and investigate whether dogs, ferrets and rats are all similarly predictive of humans.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH A systematic review was carried out and relevant publications were identified from PubMed. The search was restricted to four species (human, dog, ferret, rat) and ten compounds representative of various mechanisms of emesis induction (apomorphine, cisplatin, cholecystokinin octapeptide, copper sulphate, cyclophosphamide, ipecacuanha, lithium chloride, morphine, nicotine, rolipram).KEY RESULTS 1046 publications were reviewed, and 311 were included, the main reason for exclusion was the lack of quantitative data. Emetic or pica data were extracted as incidence, intensity or latency. All three animal species identified emetic liability but interspecies differences for dose sensitivity were detected.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATION These results suggest that emetic liability can be reliably identified in a common laboratory species such as the rat. However, to evaluate the characteristics of the emetic response, no animal species is a universal predictor of emetic liability and the choice of species should be an informed decision based on the type of compound investigated. Limitations relating to the conduct and reporting of emesis studies were identified, the main ones being the lack of comparable outcome measures between human and animal data, and the limited availability of human data in the public domain.
Endothelial Dysfunction in Carotid Elongation
Authors: Baracchini Claudio , Farina Filippo , Tonello Simone , Citton Valentina , Meneghetti Giorgio , Ballotta Enzo , Manara Renzo 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEInternal carotid artery (ICA) elongation (coiling and kinking) has been suggested as a risk factor for carotid dissection. Since vasomotion is known to be impaired in spontaneous cervical vessel dissection, we investigated whether endothelial‐dependent vasodilation in subjects with carotid coiling and kinking is compromised.METHODSWe undertook a case‐control study using high‐resolution ultrasound and measured flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery in 80 subjects with carotid elongation and in 80 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HC). The hemodynamic impact of carotid elongation was taken into consideration subdividing mild/moderate kinking from severe kinking according to a peak systolic blood flow velocity >150 cm/s.RESULTSFMD did not differ among subjects with coiling (14.51 ± 7.86%), mild/moderate kinking (14.38 ± 9.58%) and HC (15.53 ± 8.48%), while subjects with a severe kinking had a significantly lower FMD (8.38 ± 3.26).CONCLUSIONSAmong subjects with carotid elongation, those with severe kinking have an impaired endothelial‐dependent vasodilation and might be prone to carotid dissection.
Fruit availability, frugivore satiation and seed removal in 2 primate‐dispersed tree species
Authors: RATIARISON Sandra , FORGET Pierre‐Michel 
Published: September 2011

AbstractDuring a mast‐fruiting event we investigated spatial variability in fruit availability, consumption, and seed removal at two sympatric tree species, Manilkara bidentata and M. huberi (Sapotaceae) at Nouragues Natural Reserve, French Guiana. We addressed the question of how Manilkara density and fruits at the community level might be major causes of variability in feeding assemblages between tree species. We thus explored how the frugivore assemblages differed between forest patches with contrasting relative Manilkara density and fruiting context. During the daytime, Alouatta seniculus was more often observed in M. huberi crowns at Petit Plateau (PP) with the greatest density of Manilkara spp. and the lowest fruit diversity and availability, whereas Cebus apella and Saguinus midas were more often observed in M. bidentata crowns at both Grand Plateau (GP), with a lowest density of M. bidentata and overall greater fruit supply, and PP. Overall, nearly 53% and 15% of the M. bidentata seed crop at GP and PP, respectively, and about 47% of the M. huberi seed crop were removed, otherwise either spit out or defecated beneath trees, or dropped in fruits. Small‐bodied primates concentrated fallen seeds beneath parent trees while large‐bodied primate species removed and dispersed more seeds away from parents. However, among the latter, satiated A. seniculus wasted seeds under conspecific trees at PP. Variations in feeding assemblages, seed removal rates and fates possibly reflected interactions with extra‐generic fruit species at the community level, according to feeding choice, habitat preferences and ranging patterns of primate species.
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Vincristine‐Induced Gastric Hypomotility and the Prokinetic Effect of Mosapride in Dogs
Authors: Tsukamoto A. , Ohno K. , Tsukagoshi T. , Maeda S. , Nakashima K. , Fukushima K. , Fujino Y. , Takeuchi A. , Tsujimoto H. 
Published: September 2011

BackgroundVincristine induces gastrointestinal motility disorders in humans. Adverse gastrointestinal events are commonly observed in dogs receiving vincristine.ObjectivesTo evaluate gastric motility after vincristine administration in dogs and the prophylactic effect of a prokinetic agent, mosapride.AnimalsFive healthy Beagle dogs.MethodsFive dogs received vincristine IV at a dosage of 0.75 mg/m2. The motility index (MI) of the antral contraction was ultrasonographically evaluated 30 minutes postfeeding before administration of vincristine and for 6 days after vincristine treatment. After a 6‐week washout period, the dogs received vincristine with mosapride (2 mg/kg PO, q24h for 6 days), and the MI was re‐evaluated. Adverse gastrointestinal events were evaluated according to the Veterinary Co‐operative Group Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (VCOG‐CTCAE).ResultsAfter vincristine administration, a significant decrease (P < .05) in MI was observed on days 3 (6.64 ± 0.30) and 4 (8.02 ± 0.94), compared with pretreatment levels (10.00 ± 0.62). Gastrointestinal adverse events were observed in 4 dogs (grade 2 decreased appetite: 3 dogs; grade 1 vomiting: 2 dogs; and grade 1 diarrhea and grade 2 hematochezia: 1 dog). When mosapride citrate was administered with vincristine and for the next 5 days, no decrease in MI was observed. Furthermore, adverse gastrointestinal events occurred less frequently (grade 1 vomiting and grade 2 hematochezia in 1 dog each).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceVincristine (0.75 mg/m2) induces gastric hypomotility in dogs. Preventive administration of mosapride citrate (2.0 mg/kg PO, q24h) improves hypomotility and may decrease the adverse gastrointestinal effects of vincristine.