bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Physical Activity and Public Health Course for Researchers
Authors: Evenson Kelly R. , Dorn Joan M. , Camplain Ricky , Pate Russell R. , Brown David R.
Published: October 2014

Background:

From 1995–2013, an 8-day Physical Activity and Public Health Course for Researchers has been offered yearly in the United States.

Methods:

In 2013, an evaluation quantified time that fellows spent in different course offerings, surveyed fellows on course impact, documented grant funding, and identified fellow participation on leading physical activity-related journals.

Results:

The number of fellows that attended the course ranged from 20 per year to 35 per year. Fellows who participated in the web survey (n = 322) agreed that the course: met their expectations (99%), had a positive impact on the physical activity research or practice work they did (98%), and helped increase their professional networking in the field (93%). Following the course, 73% of fellows had further contact with course faculty and 71% had further contact with other fellows. From the National Institutes of Health, 117 grants were awarded to 82 fellows (21% of eligible fellows). Out of 14 journals reviewed, 11 had at least 1 fellow on their staff as editor, associate editor, or editorial board member.

Conclusion:

The Physical Activity and Public Health Course for Researchers helps address a training need by providing instruction and building capacity in the US and abroad for conducting research on physical activity and public health.
Histone deacetylase inhibition rescues structural and functional brain deficits in a mouse model of Kabuki syndrome
Authors: Bjornsson Hans T. , Benjamin Joel S. , Zhang Li , Weissman Jacqueline , Gerber Elizabeth E. , Chen Yi-Chun , Vaurio Rebecca G. , Potter Michelle C. , Hansen Kasper D. , Dietz Harry C.
Published: October 2014

A neurogenesis defect in a mouse model of Kabuki syndrome can be ameliorated postnatally using histone deacetylase inhibitors.
Too Much of a Good Thing
Authors: Dela Cruz Charles S.
Published: October 2014

Mutations in an inflammasome protein lead to systemic autoinflammation.
Neuroprotective Drug Gives a Nod to NAD
Authors: Musiek Erik
Published: October 2014

A neuroprotective compound prevents nerve cell death by increasing production of the metabolite NAD
+
.
Intestinal Dysbiosis Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Hevia Arancha , Milani Christian , López Patricia , Cuervo Adriana , Arboleya Silvia , Duranti Sabrina , Turroni Francesca , González Sonia , Suárez Ana , Gueimonde Miguel , Ventura Marco , Sánchez Borja , Margolles Abelardo
Published: October 2014

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the prototypical systemic autoimmune disease in humans and is characterized by the presence of hyperactive immune cells and aberrant antibody responses to nuclear and cytoplasmic antigens, including characteristic anti–double-stranded DNA antibodies. We performed a cross-sectional study in order to determine if an SLE-associated gut dysbiosis exists in patients without active disease. A group of 20 SLE patients in remission, for which there was strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, was recruited, and we used an optimized Ion Torrent 16S rRNA gene-based analysis protocol to decipher the fecal microbial profiles of these patients and compare them with those of 20 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. We found diversity to be comparable based on Shannon’s index. However, we saw a significantly lowerFirmicutes/Bacteroidetesratio in SLE individuals (median ratio, 1.97) than in healthy subjects (median ratio, 4.86;P< 0.002). A lowerFirmicutes/Bacteroidetesratio in SLE individuals was corroborated by quantitative PCR analysis. Notably, a decrease of someFirmicutesfamilies was also detected. This dysbiosis is reflected, based onin silicofunctional inference, in an overrepresentation of oxidative phosphorylation and glycan utilization pathways in SLE patient microbiota.

IMPORTANCEGrowing evidence suggests that the gut microbiota might impact symptoms and progression of some autoimmune diseases. However, how and why this microbial community influences SLE remains to be elucidated. This is the first report describing an SLE-associated intestinal dysbiosis, and it contributes to the understanding of the interplay between the intestinal microbiota and the host in autoimmune disorders.
Mycobacterial Membrane Vesicles Administered Systemically in Mice Induce a Protective Immune Response to Surface Compartments of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Prados-Rosales Rafael , Carreño Leandro J. , Batista-Gonzalez Ana , Baena Andres , Venkataswamy Manjunatha M. , Xu Jiayong , Yu Xiaobo , Wallstrom Garrick , Magee D. Mitchell , LaBaer Joshua , Achkar Jacqueline M. , Jacobs William R. , Chan John , Porcelli Steven A. , Casadevall Arturo
Published: October 2014

Pathogenic and nonpathogenic species of bacteria and fungi release membrane vesicles (MV), containing proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids, into the extracellular milieu. Previously, we demonstrated that several mycobacterial species, including bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) andMycobacterium tuberculosis, release MV containing lipids and proteins that subvert host immune response in a Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)-dependent manner (R. Prados-Rosales et al., J. Clin. Invest. 121:1471–1483, 2011, doi:10.1172/JCI44261). In this work, we analyzed the vaccine potential of MV in a mouse model and compared the effects of immunization with MV to those of standard BCG vaccination. Immunization with MV from BCG orM. tuberculosiselicited a mixed humoral and cellular response directed to both membrane and cell wall components, such as lipoproteins. However, only vaccination withM. tuberculosisMV was able to protect as well as live BCG immunization.M. tuberculosisMV boosted BCG vaccine efficacy. In summary, MV are highly immunogenic without adjuvants and elicit immune responses comparable to those achieved with BCG in protection againstM. tuberculosis.

IMPORTANCEThis work offers a new vaccine approach against tuberculosis using mycobacterial MV. Mycobacterium MV are a naturally released product combining immunogenic antigens in the context of a lipid structure. The fact that MV do not need adjuvants and elicit protection comparable to that elicited by the BCG vaccine encourages vaccine approaches that combine protein antigens and lipids. Consequently, mycobacterium MV establish a new type of vaccine formulation.
From hypomagnesaemia to Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: an adverse effect of a proton pump inhibitor
Authors: Eyal Allon , Sueissa Alain , Braun Eyal , Naffaa Mohammad Ebrahim
Published: October 2014

We describe the case of a 53-year-old man who presented with abdominal pain, diarrhoea and hypomagnesaemia. The hypomagnesaemia proved to be due to gastrointestinal loss as urinary fractional excretion was very low, suggesting non-renal loss. Common causes were discarded and the hypomagnesaemia was attributed to chronic use of the proton pump inhibitor, omeprazole. As such, omeprazole was discontinued and an H2 blocker was given. Several days later the patient presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. CT scan demonstrated marked enlargement of the duodenum and proximal jejunum, and abnormal thickening and enhancement of the bowel wall. Urgent oesophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed coffee-ground and bloody contents in the distal oesophagus and stomach, and numerous ulcers along the duodenum and jejunum. A positron emission tomography-CT scan using GA 68-DOTANOC demonstrated increased uptake in the gastroduodenum junction, suggesting a neuroendocrine tumour. Pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed and tumour cells stained positive for gastrin, confirming the tentative diagnosis of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Potential involvement ofCampylobacter curvusandHaemophilus parainfluenzaein preterm birth
Authors: Mendz George Louis , Petersen Rodney , Quinlivan Julie A , Kaakoush Nadeem O
Published: October 2014

A woman presented with prelabour premature preterm rupture of membranes and delivered extremely preterm at 26 weeks by caesarean section. Histopathology of the placenta indicated moderately severe histological chorioamnionitis with dense infiltration of the chorionic plate by neutrophils. Two sets of low and high vaginal swabs were taken from the mother. A set sent for microbiological analysis at the hospital yielded negative results. The second set was analysed employing culture-independent high-throughput sequencing methods and revealed significant infections withCampylobacter curvusandHaemophilus parainfluenzae.This is the first report ofC. curvusinfection in the female genital tract that has been identified in a woman who delivered preterm. The case supports the need to review the standard culture methods employed for microbial analyses in hospitals.
Challenges in the implantation of a Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis and a glaucoma drainage device in a nanophthalmic eye
Authors: Senthil Sirisha , Turaga Kiranmaye , Kumar Ravi , Sangwan Virender S
Published: October 2014

A 67-year-old man presented with hand motions vision, a decompensated vascularised cornea and a flat anterior chamber in the right eye 5 years following cataract and glaucoma surgery. He lost the left eye several years ago following a similar intervention. The intraocular pressure (IOP) was 19 mm Hg on four antiglaucoma medications and the axial length was 19 mm. In view of the high risk for graft failure, a Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis (Kpro) was planned for visual rehabilitation, and a glaucoma drainage device (GDD) for IOP control. Although a combined GDD with Kpro was indicated, we performed sequential surgeries to avoid vision threatening hypotony-related complications. He underwent parsplana vitrectomy, prophylactic lamellar sclerectomies and Kpro at the first stage, followed by a paediatric Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation 3 months later. Despite precautions, postoperative uveal effusion occurred but could be managed conservatively. His IOP was controlled; visual acuity improved to 20/50 and remained stable at 2 years.
Prescriber preference for a particular tumour necrosis factor antagonist drug and treatment discontinuation: population-based cohort
Authors: Fisher Anat , Bassett Ken , Wright James M , Brookhart M Alan , Freeman Hugh J , Dormuth Colin R
Published: October 2014

Objective

To assess the effect of physician preference for a particular tumour necrosis factor α (TNF) antagonist on the risk of treatment discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis.

Design

Population-based cohort study.

Setting

British Columbia administrative health data (inpatients, outpatients and pharmacy).

Participants

2742 British Columbia residents who initiated a first course of a TNF antagonist between 2001 and December 2008, had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, and were treated by 1 of 58 medium-volume to high-volume prescribers.

Independent variable

A level of physician preference for the drug (higher or lower) was assigned based on preceding prescribing records of the care-providing physician. Higher preference was defined as at least 60% of TNF antagonist courses initiated in the preceding year. Sensitivity analysis was conducted with different thresholds for higher preference.

Main outcome measure

Drug discontinuation was defined as a drug-free interval of 180 days or switching to another TNF antagonist, anakinra, rituximab or abatacept. The risk of discontinuation was compared between different levels of physician preference using survival analysis.

Results

Higher preference for the prescribed TNF antagonist was associated with improved persistence with the drug (4.28 years (95% CI 3.70 to 4.90) vs 3.27 (2.84 to 3.84), with log rank test p value of 0.017). The adjusted HR for discontinuation was significantly lower in courses of drugs with higher preference (0.85 (0.76 to 0.96)). The results were robust in a sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions

Higher physician preference was associated with decreased risk of discontinuing TNF antagonists in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This finding suggests that physicians who strongly prefer a specific treatment help their patients to stay on treatment for a longer duration. Similar research on other treatments is warranted.
Hormesis and public health: can glutathione depletion and mitochondrial dysfunction due to very low-dose chronic exposure to persistent organic pollutants be mitigated?
Authors: Lee Duk-Hee , Jacobs David R
Published: October 2014

Background

Exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is linked to many chronic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Among several possible mechanisms are gradual glutathione depletion and mitochondrial dysfunction after chronic exposure to very low doses of POP mixtures. However, it is biologically noteworthy that glutathione status and mitochondrial function is subject to hormesis, defined broadly as mild stress-induced stimulation of cellular protective mechanisms, including increased synthesis of glutathione and promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis. Although high levels of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS) can cause cellular damage, certain levels of ROS function as signalling molecules to induce hormetic effects. Thus, similar to many other stressors generating ROS, glutathione status and mitochondrial function can be improved at higher POP doses. However, higher POP levels are dangerous despite their hormetic effects due to other adverse phenomena. Also, the persistent nature of POPs can make hormetic effects less effective in humans as hormesis may be the most active with transient stressors. Hormesis-inducing stressors should be placed into three categories for public health purposes: (1) disadvantageous: chemicals like POPs and radiation, that could harm humans by endocrine disruption, action of chemical mixtures and susceptible populations; (2) neutral: cold, heat, and gravity; and (3) advantageous: moderate exercise, phytochemical intake, and calorie restriction. Noting that regulation of POPs, while critical, has provided insufficient protection because POPs persist in human bodies and the food chain, advantageous stressors should be used by the public to mitigate glutathione depletion and mitochondrial dysfunction due to POPs.
Landau's problem in the noncommutative quantum mechanics and linearized gravitational waves: DeWitt's approach
Authors: Jafari Abolfazl
Published: October 2014

We present a systematic study of the noncommutative interaction of gravitational waves with matter at the quantum mechanical level in the long wavelength and small velocity limit. In particular, the noncommutative quantum dynamics of the Landau's problem is employed to measure the transmission amplitudes in terms of the Riemann's tensor elements by a gravitational wave in linearized approximation. It turns out that the Hamiltonian of the charged particles derived based on DeWitt's approach is valid by the deformed electromagnetic fields.
Anomalous quartic WWγγ and ZZγγ couplings in γp collision at the LHC
Authors: Senol A.
Published: October 2014

We analyze the anomalous quartic gauge boson couplings WWγγ and ZZγγ, described by dimension-six effective quartic Lagrangian at the LHC. The sensitivities to anomalous quartic gauge couplings [Formula: see text] by examining the two different photon-induced processes pp → pγp → pWγqX and pp → pγp → pZZqX with W and Z's decaying leptonically are investigated. We show that γp mode of photon-induced reactions at the LHC are able to probe these couplings to the order of 10-6–10-7GeV-2at 95% confidence level (C.L.) with [Formula: see text] and for proton–proton luminosities in the range of 30–200 fb-1.
Phenomenology analysis of duration inflation for tachyon field in loop quantum cosmology
Authors: Xiao Kui , He Xiao-Kai , Huang Fei , Zhu Jian-Yang
Published: October 2014

Assuming that the e-folding number is just determined by the change of the scale factor, the tachyonic inflation theory in loop quantum cosmology (LQC) has been discussed. Considering the tachyon field with exponential potential and inverse quadratic potential, we find that the evolutionary pictures of super inflation are affected by the potentials and the initial conditions. However it cannot provide enough e-folding number, no matter which condition is chosen. Therefore a slow-rolling inflation is necessary. The e-folding number for slow-rolling inflation depends on the values of the parameter α of the exponential potential and the initial conditions. To get enough e-folding number, α should be small. Based on the slow-rolling inflation happens immediately when the super inflation ends, and the scale factor continuously grows during the whole inflation stage, we consider an e-folding number provided by the whole inflationary stage, and we find that it is easier to get enough e-folding number when the scale factor increases during all the inflation phase.
Influence of Nonviscous Damping on Seismic Inelastic Displacements
Authors: Chai Y. H. , Kowalsky Mervyn J.
Published: October 2014

Viscous damping, which assumes a resisting force proportional to the instantaneous velocity, results in energy dissipation that increases linearly with frequency. Such energy dissipation, however, is not strongly supported by experiments. The energy dissipative characteristics of damping can be improved by nonviscous hereditary model, where the damping force is treated as dependent on the response history. A weighting function with built-in exponential decay can be used to represent the fading memory of damping where the recent history is given a greater influence over its distant past. This paper investigates the seismic response of structures using exponentially decaying nonviscous damping and compares the response with that of classical viscous damping. Preliminary results show an increase in inelastic displacements in the exponential damping model for both normal and near-fault ground motions. As part of the study, system characteristics of the exponential damping model are investigated.
Global attractivity of positive periodic solution for a predator–prey model with modified Leslie–Gower Holling-type II schemes and a deviating argument
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhu Yanling
Published: October 2014

In this paper, by utilizing the comparison theorem and constructing a suitable Lyapunov functional the predator–prey model with modified Leslie–Gower Holling-type II schemes and a deviating argument is studied. Some sufficient conditions are obtained for uniform persistence and global attractivity of positive periodic solutions for this model. Furthermore, an example shows that the obtained criteria are easily verifiable.
Fabrication of ordered mesoporous carbon film supporting vanadium oxides for electrochemical supercapacitor
Authors: Zhao Chunxia , Li Junshen , Cao Jinqiao , Chen Wen
Published: October 2014

Ordered mesoporous carbon film supporting vanadium oxide nanoparticles has been synthesized via ultrasound-assistant impregnation method with ordered mesoporous carbon C-FDU15 film as the host and V2O5sol as the guest precursor. The hybrids exhibit type IV sorption isotherms with H2 hysteresis loop, indicating the well-retained characteristics of ordered mesoporous structure. The capacitance of the materials is enhanced with V2O5loading. Particularly, the hybrids with 32.26 wt.% V2O5loading yield an important capacitance of 128 F/g in 1 mol/L KNO3electrolyte under a potential range from -0.6 V to 0.6 V. The improved specific capacitance of the hybrids is proposed to be the combination of the double-layer capacitance of ordered porous structure and the pseudocapacitance derived from V2O5.
Integration of Multisensorial Stimuli and Multimodal Interaction in a Hybrid 3DTV System
Authors: Luque Francisco Pedro , Galloso Iris , Feijoo Claudio , Martín Carlos Alberto , Cisneros Guillermo
Published: October 2014

This article proposes the integration of multisensorial stimuli and multimodal interaction components into a sports multimedia asset under two dimensions:
immersion
and
interaction
. The first dimension comprises a binaural audio system and a set of sensory effects synchronized with the audiovisual content, whereas the second explores interaction through the insertion of interactive 3D objects into the main screen and on-demand presentation of additional information in a second touchscreen. We present an end-to-end solution integrating these components into a hybrid (internet-broadcast) television system using current 3DTV standards. Results from an experimental study analyzing the perceived quality of these stimuli and their influence on the Quality of Experience are presented.
A Turing tale
Authors: Daylight Edgar G.
Published: October 2014

Assessing the accuracy of popular descriptions of Alan Turing's influences and legacy.
Anomaly Detection from Incomplete Data
Authors: Liu Siyuan , Chen Lei , Ni Lionel M.
Published: October 2014

Anomaly detection (a.k.a., outlier or burst detection) is a well-motivated problem and a major data mining and knowledge discovery task. In this article, we study the problem of population anomaly detection, one of the key issues related to event monitoring and population management within a city. Through studying detected population anomalies, we can trace and analyze these anomalies, which could help to model city traffic design and event impact analysis and prediction. Although a significant and interesting issue, it is very hard to detect population anomalies and retrieve anomaly trajectories, especially given that it is difficult to get actual and sufficient population data. To address the difficulties of a lack of real population data, we take advantage of mobile phone networks, which offer enormous spatial and temporal communication data on persons. More importantly, we claim that we can utilize these mobile phone data to infer and approximate population data. Thus, we can study the population anomaly detection problem by taking advantages of unique features hidden in mobile phone data. In this article, we present a system to conduct Population Anomaly Detection (PAD). First, we propose an effective clustering method,
correlation-based clustering
, to cluster the incomplete location information from mobile phone data (i.e., from mobile call volume distribution to population density distribution). Then, we design an adaptive parameter-free detection method,
R-scan
, to capture the distributed dynamic anomalies. Finally, we devise an efficient algorithm,
BT-miner
, to retrieve
anomaly trajectories
. The experimental results from real-life mobile phone data confirm the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithms. Finally, the proposed methods are realized as a pilot system in a city in China.
Attribute-Augmented Semantic Hierarchy
Authors: Zhang Hanwang , Zha Zheng-Jun , Yang Yang , Yan Shuicheng , Gao Yue , Chua Tat-Seng
Published: October 2014

This article presents a novel attribute-augmented semantic hierarchy (A
2
SH) and demonstrates its effectiveness in bridging both the semantic and intention gaps in content-based image retrieval (CBIR). A
2
SH organizes semantic concepts into multiple semantic levels and augments each concept with a set of related attributes. The attributes are used to describe the multiple facets of the concept and act as the intermediate bridge connecting the concept and low-level visual content. An hierarchical semantic similarity function is learned to characterize the semantic similarities among images for retrieval. To better capture user search intent, a hybrid feedback mechanism is developed, which collects hybrid feedback on attributes and images. This feedback is then used to refine the search results based on A
2
SH. We use A
2
SH as a basis to develop a unified content-based image retrieval system. We conduct extensive experiments on a large-scale dataset of over one million Web images. Experimental results show that the proposed A
2
SH can characterize the semantic affinities among images accurately and can shape user search intent quickly, leading to more accurate search results as compared to state-of-the-art CBIR solutions.
Multiple-Scent Enhanced Multimedia Synchronization
Authors: Murray Niall , Lee Brian , Qiao Yuansong , Muntean Gabriel-Miro
Published: October 2014

This study looked at users' perception of interstream synchronization between audiovisual media and two olfactory streams. The ability to detect skews and the perception and impact of skews on user Quality of Experience (QoE) is analyzed. The olfactory streams are presented with the same skews (i.e., delay) and with variable skews (i.e., jitter and mix of scents). This article reports the limits beyond which desynchronization reduces user-perceived quality levels. Also, a minimum gap between the presentations of consecutive scents is identified, necessary to ensuring enhanced user-perceived quality. There is no evidence (not considering scent type) that overlapping or mixing of scents increases user QoE levels for olfaction-enhanced multimedia.
Can I Recognize My Body's Weight? The Influence of Shape and Texture on the Perception of Self
Authors: Piryankova Ivelina V. , Stefanucci Jeanine K. , Romero Javier , De La Rosa Stephan , Black Michael J. , Mohler Betty J.
Published: October 2014

The goal of this research was to investigate women's sensitivity to changes in their perceived weight by altering the body mass index (BMI) of the participants' personalized avatars displayed on a large-screen immersive display. We created the personalized avatars with a full-body 3D scanner that records the participants' body geometry and texture. We altered the weight of the personalized avatars to produce changes in BMI while keeping height, arm length, and inseam fixed and exploited the correlation between body geometry and anthropometric measurements encapsulated in a statistical body shape model created from thousands of body scans. In a 2 × 2 psychophysical experiment, we investigated the relative importance of visual cues, namely shape (own shape vs. an average female body shape with equivalent height and BMI to the participant) and texture (own photo-realistic texture or checkerboard pattern texture) on the ability to accurately perceive own current body weight (by asking the participant, “Is it the same weight as you?”). Our results indicate that shape (where height and BMI are fixed) had little effect on the perception of body weight. Interestingly, the participants perceived their body weight veridically when they saw their own photo-realistic texture. As compared to avatars with photo-realistic texture, the avatars with checkerboard texture needed to be significantly thinner in order to represent the participants' current weight. This suggests that in general the avatars with checkerboard texture appeared bigger. The range that the participants accepted as their own current weight was approximately a 0.83% to − 6.05% BMI change tolerance range around their perceived weight. Both the shape and the texture had an effect on the reported similarity of the body parts and the whole avatar to the participant's body. This work has implications for new measures for patients with body image disorders, as well as researchers interested in creating personalized avatars for games, training applications, or virtual reality.
Multimodal Hand and Foot Gesture Interaction for Handheld Devices
Authors: Lv Zhihan , Halawani Alaa , Feng Shengzhong , Li Haibo , Réhman Shafiq Ur
Published: October 2014

We present a hand-and-foot-based multimodal interaction approach for handheld devices. Our method combines input modalities (i.e., hand and foot) and provides a coordinated output to both modalities along with audio and video. Human foot gesture is detected and tracked using contour-based template detection (CTD) and Tracking-Learning-Detection (TLD) algorithm. 3D foot pose is estimated from passive homography matrix of the camera. 3D stereoscopic and vibrotactile are used to enhance the immersive feeling. We developed a multimodal football game based on the multimodal approach as a proof-of-concept. We confirm our systems user satisfaction through a user study.
Discovering Geo-Informative Attributes for Location Recognition and Exploration
Authors: Fang Quan , Sang Jitao , Xu Changsheng
Published: October 2014

This article considers the problem of automatically discovering geo-informative attributes for location recognition and exploration. The attributes are expected to be both discriminative and representative, which correspond to certain distinctive visual patterns and associate with semantic interpretations. For our solution, we analyze the attribute at the region level. Each segmented region in the training set is assigned a binary latent variable indicating its discriminative capability. A latent learning framework is proposed for discriminative region detection and geo-informative attribute discovery. Moreover, we use user-generated content to obtain the semantic interpretation for the discovered visual attributes. Discriminative and search-based attribute annotation methods are developed for geo-informative attribute interpretation. The proposed approach is evaluated on one challenging dataset including GoogleStreetView and Flickr photos. Experimental results show that (1) geo-informative attributes are discriminative and useful for location recognition; (2) the discovered semantic interpretation is meaningful and can be exploited for further location exploration.
Finding a research job, and teaching CS in high school
Authors: Langford John , Guzdial Mark
Published: October 2014

The
Communications
Web site, http://cacm.acm.org, features more than a dozen bloggers in the BLOG@CACM community. In each issue of
Communications
, we'll publish selected posts or excerpts.

twitter

Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/blogCACM

http://cacm.acm.org/blogs/blog-cacm

John Langford considers how to stand out when seeking a research position, while Mark Guzdial suggests what teachers need to know to teach computer science at the high school level.
Still seeking the optical transistor
Authors: Monroe Don
Published: October 2014

Optical information handling is a critical staple for communications and the Internet, but using light for computer-scale computation remains a distant dream.
Why is it taking so long to secure internet routing?
Authors: Goldberg Sharon
Published: October 2014

Routing security incidents can still slip past deployed security defenses.
Security collapse in the HTTPS market
Authors: Arnbak Axel , Asghari Hadi , Van Eeten Michel , Van Eijk Nico
Published: October 2014

Assessing legal and technical solutions to secure HTTPS.
The Bitcoin ecosystem
Authors: Cusumano Michael A.
Published: October 2014

Speculating on how the Bitcoin economy might evolve.
Risks and myths of cloud computing and cloud storage
Authors: Neumann Peter G.
Published: October 2014

Considering existing and new types of risks inherent in cloud services.
Disrupting and transforming the university
Authors: Lucas Henry
Published: October 2014

Higher education institutions must modify their business models in response to technology-driven influences.
Errata for
Authors: Carbunar Bogdan , Potharaju Rahul , Pearce Michael , Vasudevan Venugopal , Needham Michael
Published: October 2014

Some errors were introduced while preparing the final source files for the original article published in August 2013 in the 9,4 issue of TOMM. The errata are summarized here below together with attached revised pages showing the corrected elements indicated in red. The full CVoR (Corrected Version of Record) can be accessed in the ACM Digital Library,
DOI=http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/2501643.2501652

—Page 8: New Figure 6(a)

—Page 16: New Figures 8(a), 8(b), and 9(a)

—Page 17: New Figure 10(b)

—Page 18: New Figures 11 and 12; corrected text reference

—Page 19: Final sentence deleted
User Quality of Experience of Mulsemedia Applications
Authors: Yuan Zhenhui , Chen Shengyang , Ghinea Gheorghita , Muntean Gabriel-Miro
Published: October 2014

User Quality of Experience (QoE) is of fundamental importance in multimedia applications and has been extensively studied for decades. However, user QoE in the context of the emerging multiple-sensorial media (mulsemedia) services, which involve different media components than the traditional multimedia applications, have not been comprehensively studied. This article presents the results of subjective tests which have investigated user perception of mulsemedia content. In particular, the impact of intensity of certain mulsemedia components including haptic and airflow on user-perceived experience are studied. Results demonstrate that by making use of mulsemedia the overall user enjoyment levels increased by up to 77%.
AAV-Mediated Gene Therapy for Research and Therapeutic Purposes
Authors: Samulski R. Jude , Muzyczka Nicholas
Published: October 2014

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a small, nonenveloped virus that was adapted 30 years ago for use as a gene transfer vehicle. It is capable of transducing a wide range of species and tissues in vivo with no evidence of toxicity, and it generates relatively mild innate and adaptive immune responses. We review the basic biology of AAV, the history of progress in AAV vector technology, and some of the clinical and research applications where AAV has shown success.
The Placenta as a Barrier to Viral Infections
Authors: Delorme-Axford Elizabeth , Sadovsky Yoel , Coyne Carolyn B.
Published: October 2014

Throughout pregnancy, the placenta acts as a physical and immunological barrier against the hematogenous transmission of viruses from mother to fetus. Despite this, very little is known regarding the specific mechanisms by which the placenta shields the developing fetus from viral infections or about the strategies utilized by select viruses to bypass and/or weaken the placental barrier. In this review, we summarize studies regarding virus-host interactions at the placental interface and explore key areas for future investigation. We focus our review on placental trophoblasts, which form the barrier between maternal and fetal circulations and thus govern the cross talk between the maternal and fetal microenvironments.
Viruses and the Microbiota
Authors: Robinson Christopher M. , Pfeiffer Julie K.
Published: October 2014

Every surface of the human body is colonized by a diverse microbial community called the microbiota, yet the impact of this community on viruses is unclear. Recent research has advanced our understanding of how microbiota influence viral infection. Microbiota inhibit infection by some viruses and promote infection by others. These effects can occur through direct and/or indirect effects on the host and/or the virus. This review examines the known effects and mechanisms by which microbiota influence mammalian virus infections. Furthermore, we suggest strategies for future research on how microbiota impact viruses. Overall, microbiota may influence a wide array of viruses through diverse mechanisms, making the study of virus-microbiota interactions a fertile area for future investigation.
Control of 4H-SiC (0001) Thermal Oxidation Process for Reduction of Interface State Density
Authors: Kita Koji , Kikuchi Richard Heihachiro , Hirai Hirohisa , Fujino Yuki
Published: October 2014

We fabricated SiO2/4H-SiC (0001) MOS capacitors with nearly-ideal capacitance-voltage characteristics, simply by the control of thermal oxidation conditions which were selected based on thermodynamic and kinetic considerations of SiC oxidation. The interface with low interface defect state density <1011 cm-2eV-1 for the energy range 0.1 – 0.4 eV below the conduction band of SiC was obtained by thermal oxidation at 1300oC in a ramp-heating furnace with a short rise/fall time, followed by low temperature O2 anneal at 800oC.
High-Temperature Reverse-Bias Stressing of Thin Gate Oxides in Power Transistors
Authors: Suliman Samia Ahmed , Awadelkarim Osama Osman , Hao Jifa , Rioux Mark
Published: October 2014

High-temperature reverse-bias (HTRB) and Fowler-Nordheim (FN) stresses were applied to assess the reliability of n-channel U-shaped trench-gated metal-oxide-Si field-effect transistors (N-UMOSFETs) of ~0.5 microns trench width and ~1 micron channel length. The HTRB causes degradations in the threshold voltage and drain leakage of the N-UMOSFET. The degradation is observed when the HTRB is applied in a humid ambient and is attributed to the generation, by the stress, of hydrogen protons (H+s) in the gate oxide. It is concluded that HTRB gives rise to negative-bias temperature instability (NBTI) in a parasitic P-channel MOSFET structure occurring in the trench base of the N-UMOSFET. The NBTI is promoted by the degraded condition of the gate oxide at the trench base as observed by charge pumping and SEM following FN stress of the N-UMOSFET.
(Invited) In Depth Study of Ge Impact on Advanced SiGe PMOS Transistors
Authors: Soussou Assawer , Cassé Mikael , Reimbold Gilles , Leroux Charles , Andrieu François , Rideau Denis , Delaye Vincent , Juhel Marc , Berthelon Remy , Ghibaudo Gerard , Tavernier Clément
Published: October 2014

By using the most advanced devices, simulations and electrical characterizations as well as physicochemical tools, this paper revisit the role of SiGe layers in the improvement of performances of pMOS transistors. It is shown that an additional interfacial dipole effect due to Ge diffusion in the gate stack interfacial oxide needs to be added to the change of band structures in order to explain the dependence of threshold voltage on SiGe composition. The mobility gain brought by these alloys is then investigated. The relative role of Ge concentration, strain, interface states and strain relaxation is then discussed in detail.
Ambient-Pressure XPS Study of GeO2/Ge(100) and SiO2/Si(100) at Controlled Relative Humidity
Authors: Arima Kenta , Kawai Yoshie , Minoura Yuya , Saito Yusuke , Mori Daichi , Oka Hiroshi , Kawai Kentaro , Hosoi Takuji , Liu Zhi , Watanabe Heiji , Morita Mizuho
Published: October 2014

Ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used to unveil the water uptake of a thin GeO2 film on Ge(100) as well as its effect on the electronic properties of the oxide film. We also compare these results with those for a SiO2/Si(100) sample. We detect significant positive charging of the GeO2 film once it is exposed to water vapor even at a low relative humidity (RH) of approximately 10-4%. We also show that the amount of adsorbed water is much larger on GeO2 than on SiO2 at RH above 10-4%, probably due to the permeability of GeO2. Two possible mechanisms are proposed to explain such water-induced positive charging of the GeO2 film.
Characteristics of Inkjet-Printed Separators in Graphene-Based Supercapacitors
Authors: Yang Yong Suk , You In-Kyu , Hong Sung-Hoon , Yun Ho-Gyeong
Published: October 2014

In this study, we prepared the separators of supercapacitors on cellulous films and papers by using an inkjet printing technology. Several different ink materials such as carbon nanotubes and metal oxides were introduced and the influence of the base materials used as separator was also investigated. The interface topologies and electric properties of the so formed supercapacitors were investigated by a scanning electron microscope and the measuring system of charge-discharge cycles, respectively.
Fabrication and Characteristic of Wrinkled Stiff Thin Films on Elastomeric Substrates by Surface Treatments
Authors: Lim Sang Chul , Koo Jae Bon , Park Chan Woo , Oh Ji Young , Jung Soon-Won , Na Bock Soon , Lee Sang Seok , Chu Hye Yong
Published: October 2014

The PDMS system of choice for the presented process is Sylgard 184(DOW corning) which is usually applied in a 10:1 ratio (w/w) of siloxane and curing agent and requires a thermal curing step. These were treated on one side with oxygen plasma for 5, 10, 15 min to create a nanoscale silica skin, thus presenting identical surface chemistry in all experiments. The mechanics analysis has been verified to be quantitatively or qualitatively accurate by experimental comparisons. The wrinkled SiOx/PDMS system is stretchable and provides a wavy mold for stretchable electrodes. The constant electrical resistance during mechanical stretching shows the stretchability of this system. The metal thin film/contoured substrate is stretchable and has been demonstrated as stretchable electrical conductors.
Differential impact of selective GH deficiency and endogenous GH excess on insulin-mediated actions in muscle and liver of male mice
Authors: Cordoba-Chacon Jose , Gahete Manuel D. , McGuinness Owen P. , Kineman Rhonda D.
Published: October 2014

A reciprocal relationship between insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance has been reported in some mouse models and humans with isolated changes in growth hormone (GH) production and signaling. To determine if this could be explained in part by tissue-specific changes in insulin sensitivity, hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps were performed in mice with adult-onset, isolated GH deficiency and in mice with elevated endogenous GH levels due to somatotrope-specific loss of IGF-I and insulin receptors. Our results demonstrate that circulating GH levels are negatively correlated with insulin-mediated glucose uptake in muscle but positively correlated with insulin-mediated suppression of hepatic glucose production. A positive relationship was also observed between GH levels and endpoints of hepatic lipid metabolism known to be regulated by insulin. These results suggest hepatic insulin resistance could represent an early metabolic defect in GH deficiency.
Regulation and Function of Adult Neurogenesis: From Genes to Cognition
Authors: Aimone James B. , Li Yan , Lee Star W. , Clemenson Gregory D. , Deng Wei , Gage Fred H.
Published: October 2014

Adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus is a notable process due not only to its uniqueness and potential impact on cognition but also to its localized vertical integration of different scales of neuroscience, ranging from molecular and cellular biology to behavior. This review summarizes the recent research regarding the process of adult neurogenesis from these different perspectives, with particular emphasis on the differentiation and development of new neurons, the regulation of the process by extrinsic and intrinsic factors, and their ultimate function in the hippocampus circuit. Arising from a local neural stem cell population, new neurons progress through several stages of maturation, ultimately integrating into the adult dentate gyrus network. The increased appreciation of the full neurogenesis process, from genes and cells to behavior and cognition, makes neurogenesis both a unique case study for how scales in neuroscience can link together and suggests neurogenesis as a potential target for therapeutic intervention for a number of disorders.
Neuronal SUMOylation: Mechanisms, Physiology, and Roles in Neuronal Dysfunction
Authors: Henley Jeremy M. , Craig Tim J. , Wilkinson Kevin A.
Published: October 2014

Protein SUMOylation is a critically important posttranslational protein modification that participates in nearly all aspects of cellular physiology. In the nearly 20 years since its discovery, SUMOylation has emerged as a major regulator of nuclear function, and more recently, it has become clear that SUMOylation has key roles in the regulation of protein trafficking and function outside of the nucleus. In neurons, SUMOylation participates in cellular processes ranging from neuronal differentiation and control of synapse formation to regulation of synaptic transmission and cell survival. It is a highly dynamic and usually transient modification that enhances or hinders interactions between proteins, and its consequences are extremely diverse. Hundreds of different proteins are SUMO substrates, and dysfunction of protein SUMOylation is implicated in a many different diseases. Here we briefly outline core aspects of the SUMO system and provide a detailed overview of the current understanding of the roles of SUMOylation in healthy and diseased neurons.
Bone Development and Mineral Homeostasis in the Fetus and Neonate: Roles of the Calciotropic and Phosphotropic Hormones
Authors: Kovacs Christopher S.
Published: October 2014

Mineral and bone metabolism are regulated differently in utero compared with the adult. The fetal kidneys, intestines, and skeleton are not dominant sources of mineral supply for the fetus. Instead, the placenta meets the fetal need for mineral by actively transporting calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium from the maternal circulation. These minerals are maintained in the fetal circulation at higher concentrations than in the mother and normal adult, and such high levels appear necessary for the developing skeleton to accrete a normal amount of mineral by term. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitriol circulate at low concentrations in the fetal circulation. Fetal bone development and the regulation of serum minerals are critically dependent on PTH and PTH-related protein, but not vitamin D/calcitriol, fibroblast growth factor-23, calcitonin, or the sex steroids. After birth, the serum calcium falls and phosphorus rises before gradually reaching adult values over the subsequent 24–48 h. The intestines are the main source of mineral for the neonate, while the kidneys reabsorb mineral, and bone turnover contributes mineral to the circulation. This switch in the regulation of mineral homeostasis is triggered by loss of the placenta and a postnatal fall in serum calcium, and is followed in sequence by a rise in PTH and then an increase in calcitriol. Intestinal calcium absorption is initially a passive process facilitated by lactose, but later becomes active and calcitriol-dependent. However, calcitriol's role can be bypassed by increasing the calcium content of the diet, or by parenteral administration of calcium.
Early Developmental Conditioning of Later Health and Disease: Physiology or Pathophysiology?
Authors: Hanson M. A. , Gluckman P. D.
Published: October 2014

Extensive experimental animal studies and epidemiological observations have shown that environmental influences during early development affect the risk of later pathophysiological processes associated with chronic, especially noncommunicable, disease (NCD). This field is recognized as the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD). We discuss the extent to which DOHaD represents the result of the physiological processes of developmental plasticity, which may have potential adverse consequences in terms of NCD risk later, or whether it is the manifestation of pathophysiological processes acting in early life but only becoming apparent as disease later. We argue that the evidence suggests the former, through the operation of conditioning processes induced across the normal range of developmental environments, and we summarize current knowledge of the physiological processes involved. The adaptive pathway to later risk accords with current concepts in evolutionary developmental biology, especially those concerning parental effects. Outside the normal range, effects on development can result in nonadaptive processes, and we review their underlying mechanisms and consequences. New concepts concerning the underlying epigenetic and other mechanisms involved in both disruptive and nondisruptive pathways to disease are reviewed, including the evidence for transgenerational passage of risk from both maternal and paternal lines. These concepts have wider implications for understanding the causes and possible prevention of NCDs such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, for broader social policy and for the increasing attention paid in public health to the lifecourse approach to NCD prevention.