Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stitch-aware routing for multiple e-beam lithography

Multiple e-beam lithography (MEBL) is one of the most promising next generation lithography (NGL) technologies for high volume manufacturing, which improves the most critical issue of conventional single e-beam lithography, throughput, by simultaneously using thousands or millions of e-beams. For parallel writing in MEBL, a layout is split into stripes and patterns are cut by stripe boundaries, which are defined as stitching lines. Critical patterns cut by stitching lines could suffer from severe pattern distortion or even yield loss. Therefore, considering the positions of stitching lines and avoiding stitching line-induced bad patterns are required during layout design. In this paper, we propose the first work of stitch-aware routing framework for MEBL based on a two-pass bottom-up multilevel router. We first identify three types of stitching line-induced bad patterns which should not exist in an MEBL-friendly routing solution. Then, stitch-aware routing algorithms are respectively developed for global routing, layer/track assignment and detailed routing. Experimental results show that our stitch-aware routing framework can effectively reduce stitching line-induced bad patterns and thus may not only improve the manufacturability but also facilitate the development of MEBL.
Human and nonhuman primate meninges harbor lymphatic vessels that can be visualized noninvasively by MRI

Here, we report the existence of meningeal lymphatic vessels in human and nonhuman primates (common marmoset monkeys) and the feasibility of noninvasively imaging and mapping them in vivo with high-resolution, clinical MRI. On T2-FLAIR and T1-weighted black-blood imaging, lymphatic vessels enhance with gadobutrol, a gadolinium-based contrast agent with high propensity to extravasate across a permeable capillary endothelial barrier, but not with gadofosveset, a blood-pool contrast agent. The topography of these vessels, running alongside dural venous sinuses, recapitulates the meningeal lymphatic system of rodents. In primates, meningeal lymphatics display a typical panel of lymphatic endothelial markers by immunohistochemistry. This discovery holds promise for better understanding the normal physiology of lymphatic drainage from the central nervous system and potential aberrations in neurological diseases.
Effects of precipitation on the amount and quality of raw sewage entering a sewage treatment plant in Wodzisław Śląski

Abstract The study presents the effects of precipitation on the amount and quality of raw sewage entering a sewage treatment plant in Wodzisław Śląski. It covers a six-year period between January 2010 and December 2015. The research period was divided into seven classes of precipitation intensity. The classes were characterized for their basic descriptive statistics of the raw sewage entering the investigated sewage treatment plant (STP). Data obtained from the collected material and derived from an analysis indicated a considerable influence of precipitation on the amount of sewage entering the investigated facility. Mean amount of sewage entering the STP was by 10.5% (884.9 m3·d-1) greater in B class and by 69.6% (6,153.9 m3·d-1) greater in G class than during dry weather. Individual classes of precipitation intensity were compared for their mean values of raw sewage contamination. Precipitation intensity was found to significantly affect concentrations of the investigated parameters of raw sewage contamination. Basic parameters of sewage contamination (BOD5, CODCr, total suspended solids) were determined and their basic descriptive statistics, such as median, mean, minimum and maximum value, standard deviation and coefficient of variation were calculated.
Strong correlation of maximal squat strength with sprint performance and vertical jump height in elite soccer players

Background: A high level of strength is inherent in elite soccer play, but the relation between maximal strength and sprint and jumping performance has not been studied thoroughly. Objective: To determine whether maximal strength correlates with sprint and vertical jump height in elite male soccer players. Methods: Seventeen international male soccer players (mean (SD) age 25.8 (2.9) years, height 177.3 (4.1) cm, weight 76.5 (7.6) kg, and maximal oxygen uptake 65.7 (4.3) ml/kg/min) were tested for maximal strength in half squats and sprinting ability (0–30 m and 10 m shuttle run sprint) and vertical jumping height. Result: There was a strong correlation between maximal strength in half squats and sprint performance and jumping height. Conclusions: Maximal strength in half squats determines sprint performance and jumping height in high level soccer players. High squat strength did not imply reduced maximal oxygen consumption. Elite soccer players should focus on maximal strength training, with emphasis on maximal mobilisation of concentric movements, which may improve their sprinting and jumping performance.
Evaluation of ESA CCI prototype land cover map at 20m

In September 2017, the ESA CCI Land Cover Team released a prototype land cover (LC) map at 20 m resolution over Africa for the year 2016. This is the first LC map produced at such a high resolution covering an entire continent for the year 2016. To help improve the quality of this product, we have assessed its overall accuracy and identified regions where the map should be improved. We have compared the product against two independent datasets developed within the Copernicus Global Land Services (CGLS): a reference land cover dataset at a 10 m resolution, which has been used as training data to produce the LC map at 100 m over Africa for the year 2015 (http://land.copernicus.eu/global/products/lc); and an independent validation dataset at a 10 m resolution, which has been developed by CGLS for independent assessment of land cover maps at resolutions finer than 100 m. According to our estimates, overall accuracy of the African CCI LC at 20 m is approximately 65%. We have highlighted regions where the spatial distribution of such classes as shrubs, crops and trees should be improved before the map at 20 m could be used as input for research questions, e.g. conservation of biodiversity, crop monitoring and climate modelling.
Estrogen Receptor-Dependent Proteasomal Degradation of the Glucocorticoid Receptor Is Coupled to an Increase in Mdm2 Protein Expression

ABSTRACT Glucocorticoids and estrogens regulate a number of vital physiological processes. We developed a model breast cancer cell line, MCF-7 M, to examine potential mechanisms by which the ligand-bound estrogen receptor (ER) regulates glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-mediated transcription. MCF-7 cells, which endogenously express ERα, were stably transfected with mouse mammary tumor virus promoter-luciferase (MMTV-LUC) reporter and GR expression constructs. Our results demonstrate that treatment with estrogen agonists (17β-estradiol [E2], diethylstilbestrol, genistein), but not antagonists (tamoxifen or raloxifene), for 48 h inhibits GR-mediated MMTV-LUC transcription and chromatin remodeling. Furthermore, estrogen agonists inhibit glucocorticoid induction of p21 mRNA and protein levels, suggesting that the repressive effect applies to other GR-regulated genes and proteins in MCF-7 cells. Importantly, GR transcriptional activity is compromised because treatment with estrogen agonists down regulates GR protein levels. The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide and the proteasome inhibitor MG132 block E2-mediated decrease in GR protein levels, suggesting that estrogen agonists down regulate the GR via the proteasomal degradation pathway. In support of this, we demonstrate that E2-mediated GR degradation is coupled to an increase in p53 and its key regulator protein Mdm2 (murine double minute 2), an E3 ubiquitin ligase shown to target the GR for degradation. Using the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we demonstrate an E2-dependent recruitment of ERα to the Mdm2 promoter, suggesting a role of ER in the regulation of Mdm2 protein expression and hence the enhanced GR degradation in the presence of estrogen agonists. Our study shows that cross talk between the GR and ER involves multiple signaling pathways, indicative of the mechanistic diversity within steroid receptor-regulated transcription.
Differentiation of Endogenous Progenitors in an Animal Model of Post-Traumatic Syringomyelia

Study Design. An in vivo study to examine the differentiation of endogenous neural progenitor cells in an adult rat model of post-traumatic syringomyelia. Objective. To quantitatively evaluate the phenotypic fate of endogenous neural progenitor cells in post-traumatic syringomyelia. Summary of Background Data. Although neural progenitors have been identified in the central nervous system, their differentiation in experimental post-traumatic syringomyelia and possible role in the pathophysiology of this condition have not been investigated. Methods. Bromodeoxyuridine was used to label proliferating cells in a time-dependent rat model of post-traumatic syringomyelia. Eight neural markers were quantitatively analyzed to phenotype the cellular fate of these cells by double labeling immunohistochemistry. Results. Following syrinx induction, cell proliferation rate increased to 25–115 times that of cells in the intact and sham-operated controls with a peak at day 14 post-injury. In the earliest time points post-syrinx induction, ED1-expressing inflammatory cells formed a significant proportion of the proliferating population. Proliferating neural progenitor cells predominantly differentiated into NG2-expressing immature oligodendrocytes at all stages post-syrinx induction, except the final time point of 56 days. At this time, there was a peak in the number of newly generated astrocytes identified to have developed from labeled proliferating precursor cells. Conclusions. Endogenous neural progenitors proliferate markedly following induction of post-traumatic syringomyelia which consists of two stages, initial cyst formation and progressive cyst enlargement. During the former stage, macrophages proliferate in situ and contribute to the inflammatory process. The predominant cell type formed from progeny of the induced neural progenitors was characterized to be immature oliggodendrocytes. However, during the latter stage of cyst development, there was an increase in astrocytic progeny which may represent an environment more conductive to glial scar formation acting to limit further cyst enlargement.
Students' Acceptance of Tablet PCs and Implications for Educational Institutions

This research develops and empirically tests a factor model for understanding college students’ acceptance of Tablet PC (TPC) as a means to forecast, explain, and improve their usage pattern in education. The analysis involved more than 230 students from a regional Midwestern institution. Overall, our model exhibited a good fit with the data and provided satisfactory explanatory power for students’ acceptance of TPC in an educational setting. Analysis of the results suggests a number of implications to educational institutions. Most notably are the need for programs aimed at influencing students’ attitudes and perceptions towards TPC, creating an environment of a positive image surrounding the use of TPC on campus, and facilitating the use of TPC.
Profiles of Growth Hormone (GH)-regulated Genes Reveal Time-dependent Responses and Identify a Mechanism for Regulation of Activating Transcription Factor 3 By GH*

In examination of mechanisms regulating metabolic responses to growth hormone (GH), microarray analysis identified 561 probe sets showing time-dependent patterns of expression in GH-treated 3T3-F442A adipocytes. Biological functions significantly over-represented among GH-regulated genes include regulators of transcription at early times, and lipid biosynthesis, cholesterol biosynthesis, and mediators of immune responses at later times (48 h). One novel GH-induced gene encodes activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3). Atf3 mRNA expression and promoter activity were stimulated by GH. Genes for ATF3 and growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible gene 45 gamma (GADD45γ) showed similar time-dependent patterns of responses to GH, suggesting similar regulatory mechanisms. A conserved sequence in the promoters of the Atf3 and Gadd45γ genes contains a CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) site previously observed in the Gadd45γ promoter, suggesting a novel corresponding C/EBP site in the Atf3 promoter. C/EBPβ was found to bind to the predicted Atf3 C/EBP site, and C/EBPβ enhanced the activation of the wild-type Atf3 promoter. Mutation of the predicted Atf3 C/EBP site disrupted Atf3 promoter activation not only by C/EBPβ but also by GH. These findings suggest that GH regulates transcription of Atf3 through a mechanism utilizing factors, such as C/EBPβ, which bind to a novel C/EBP site.
Multi-armed bandit based policies for cognitive radio's decision making issues

We suggest in this paper that many problems related to Cognitive Radio's (CR) decision making inside CR equipments can be formalized as Multi-Armed Bandit problems and that solving such problems by using Upper Confidence Bound (UCB) algorithms can lead to high-performance CR devices. An application of these algorithms to an academic Cognitive Radio problem is reported.
Robust Image Corner Detection Through Curvature Scale Space

This paper describes a novel method for image corner detection based on the curvature scale-space (CSS) representation. The first step is to extract edges from the original image using a Canny detector (1986). The corner points of an image are defined as points where image edges have their maxima of absolute curvature. The corner points are detected at a high scale of the CSS and tracked through multiple lower scales to improve localization. This method is very robust to noise, and we believe that it performs better than the existing corner detectors An improvement to Canny edge detector's response to 45/spl deg/ and 135/spl deg/ edges is also proposed. Furthermore, the CSS detector can provide additional point features (curvature zero-crossings of image edge contours) in addition to the traditional corners.
Evaluating imbalances of adverse events during biosimilar development

ABSTRACT Biosimilars are designed to be highly similar to approved or licensed (reference) biologics and are evaluated based on the totality of evidence from extensive analytical, nonclinical and clinical studies. As part of the stepwise approach recommended by regulatory agencies, the first step in the clinical evaluation of biosimilarity is to conduct a pharmacokinetics similarity study in which the potential biosimilar is compared with the reference product. In the context of biosimilar development, a pharmacokinetics similarity study is not necessarily designed for a comparative assessment of safety. Development of PF-05280014, a potential biosimilar to trastuzumab, illustrates how a numerical imbalance in an adverse event in a small pharmacokinetics study can raise questions on safety that may require additional clinical trials.
Windowed Decoding of Spatially Coupled Codes

Spatially coupled codes have been of interest recently owing to their superior performance over memoryless binary-input channels. The performance is good both asymptotically, since the belief propagation thresholds approach the Shannon limit, as well as for finite lengths, since degree-2 variable nodes that result in high error floors can be completely avoided. However, to realize the promised good performance, one needs large blocklengths. This in turn implies a large latency and decoding complexity. For the memoryless binary erasure channel, we consider the decoding of spatially coupled codes through a windowed decoder that aims to retain many of the attractive features of belief propagation, while trying to reduce complexity further. We characterize the performance of this scheme by defining thresholds on channel erasure rates that guarantee a target erasure rate. We give analytical lower bounds on these thresholds and show that the performance approaches that of belief propagation exponentially fast in the window size. We give numerical results including the thresholds computed using density evolution and the erasure rate curves for finite-length spatially coupled codes.
Gene microarray identification of redox and mitochondrial elements that control resistance or sensitivity to apoptosis.

Multigenic programs controlling susceptibility to apoptosis in response to ionizing radiation have not yet been defined. Here, using DNA microarrays, we show gene expression patterns in an apoptosis-sensitive and apoptosis-resistant murine B cell lymphoma model system both before and after irradiation. From the 11,000 genes interrogated by the arrays, two major patterns emerged. First, before radiation exposure the radioresistant LYar cells expressed significantly greater levels of message for several genes involved in regulating intracellular redox potential. Compared with LYas cells, LYar cells express 20- to 50-fold more mRNA for the tetraspanin CD53 and for fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase. Expression of both of these genes can lead to the increase of total cellular glutathione, which is the principle intracellular antioxidant and has been shown to inhibit many forms of apoptosis. A second pattern emerged after radiation, when the apoptosis-sensitive LYas cells induced rapid expression of a unique cluster of genes characterized by their involvement in mitochondrial electron transport. Some of these genes have been previously recognized as proapoptotic; however others, such as uncoupling protein 2, were not previously known to be apoptotic regulatory proteins. From these observations we propose that a multigenic program for sensitivity to apoptosis involves induction of transcripts for genes participating in mitochondrial uncoupling and loss of membrane potential. This program triggers mitochondrial release of apoptogenic factors and induces the "caspase cascade. " Conversely, cells resistant to apoptosis down-regulate these biochemical pathways, while activating pathways for establishment and maintenance of high intracellular redox potential by means of elevated glutathione.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Their Management in Patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

C ardiovascular events are the most frequent cause of death in patients with end-stage renal disease on dialysis. The percentage contribution of cardiovascular death to the overall mortality of the dialysis population is not significantly different between chronic hemodialysis (HD) and chronic peritoneal dialysis, and fluctuates around 55% in the United States (1). An equal cardiovascular mortality in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialys is (CAPD) as in hemodialysis patients is somewhat surprising in view of the theoretical advantages of this technique concerning hemodynamic stability. These advantages include the absence of an arteriovenous fistula, which, together with renal anemia, is one of the main causes of hypercirculation in hemodialysis patients. Other advantages of CAPD are: the lack of intra or interdialytic changes in cardiac filling, or major fluctuations in blood pressure, the constant acid-base balance, constant serum values of the most important electrolytes, and the slow, continuous removal of uremic waste products. We may assume, however, that, in recognition of these hemodynamic advantages of CAPD over intermittent hemodialysis, pa tients have been preferentially selected for peritoneal dialysis because of their pre-existing cardiovascular disease. This study focuses on the impact ofCAPD on some cardiovascular risk factors. There is a scarcity of data on the cardiovascular risk factor status of the patients entering a long-term CAPD program.
Determinants of antenatal care, institutional delivery and postnatal care services utilization in Nigeria

Introduction Utilization of antenatal care, institutional delivery and postnatal care services in Nigeria are poor even by african average. Methods We analysed the 2013 Nigeria DHS to determine factors associated with utilization of these health MCH indicators by employing both bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions. Results Overall, 54% of women had at least four ANC visits, 37% delivered in health facility and 29% of new born had postnatal care within two of births. Factors that consistently predict the utilization of the three MCH services are maternal and husband's level education, place of residence, wealth level and parity. Antenatal care strongly predicts both health facility delivery (OR = 2.16, 95%CI: 1.99-2.34) and postnatal care utilization (OR = 4.67, 95%CI: 3.95-5.54); while health facility delivery equally predicting postnatal care (OR = 2.84, 95%CI: 2.20-2.80). Conclusion Improving utilization of these three MCH indicators will require targeting women in the rural areas and those with low level of education as well as creating demand for health facility delivery. Improving ANC use by making it available and accessible will have a multiplier effect of improving facility delivery which will lead to improved postnatal care utilization.
A genome‐wide quantitative trait loci scan of neurocognitive performances in families with schizophrenia

Patients with schizophrenia frequently display neurocognitive dysfunction, and genetic studies suggest it to be an endophenotype for schizophrenia. Genetic studies of such traits may thus help elucidate the biological pathways underlying genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia. This study aimed to identify loci influencing neurocognitive performance in schizophrenia. The sample comprised of 1207 affected individuals and 1035 unaffected individuals of Han Chinese ethnicity from 557 sib‐pair families co‐affected with DSM‐IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition) schizophrenia. Subjects completed a face‐to‐face semi‐structured interview, the continuous performance test (CPT) and the Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST), and were genotyped with 386 microsatellite markers across the genome. A series of autosomal genome‐wide multipoint nonparametric quantitative trait loci (QTL) linkage analysis were performed in affected individuals only. Determination of genome‐wide empirical significance was performed using 1000 simulated genome scans. One linkage peak attaining genome‐wide significance was identified: 12q24.32 for undegraded CPT hit rate [nonparametric linkage z (NPL‐Z) scores = 3.32, genome‐wide empirical P = 0.03]. This result was higher than the peak linkage signal obtained in the previous genome‐wide scan using a dichotomous diagnosis of schizophrenia. The identification of 12q24.32 as a QTL has not been consistently implicated in previous linkage studies on schizophrenia, which suggests that the analysis of endophenotypes provides additional information from what is seen in analyses that rely on diagnoses. This region with linkage to a particular neurocognitive feature may inform functional hypotheses for further genetic studies for schizophrenia.
Clinical spectrum of postviral fatigue syndrome.

Many different neurological and psychiatric syndromes follow viral infections, but their clinical pictures and pathogeneses are poorly understood. The syndromes include acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (post-infectious encephalomyelitis), the Guillain-Barre syndrome (post-infectious neuritis) and Reye's syndrome. Recently, attention has been focused on another common postviral neurological syndrome, i.e. the postviral fatigue syndrome (PVFS)--termed myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and a host of other designations. PVFS occurs both sporadically and in epidemics, with cases being reported from all over Europe, the United States, Australasia and South Africa. It is difficult to make the diagnosis and this has meant, in the past, that it is not until an epidemic has occurred that random cases which presented in the preceding years are realised to represent the same condition. With renewed interest in the syndrome and greater attention from physicians, however, diagnosis of sporadic cases is now becoming more common.