Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distance metrics and clustering algorithms for detection and classification of process sensitive patterns

Detection of process sensitive patterns known as hotspots is critical to maximising yield in integrated circuit layouts. Design rule checking is a common tool in the industry for fast hotspot detection, but it is becoming impractical as we approach smaller technology nodes, due to an exponentially growing rule book which must be manually maintained.A pattern matching based system for hotspot detection is explored in this dissertation which has the advantage of being automatically generated while still performing detection with a runtime comparable to design rule checking. Instead of scanning a design layout for certain combinations of distances found in a library of rules, we use a pattern matching tool to find occurrences in the layout of patterns which match or closely resemble known bad configurations.In order for such a system to detect hotspots effectively, we require a comprehensive catalogue of hotspot patterns for the pattern matcher to use. Of course, it is not feasible to simply store all known hotspots patterns in the catalogue, as the memory requirements and pattern matching runtimes would be enormous. Instead, the catalogue must contain a smaller number of hotspot classes, where each class represents a set of geometrically similar patterns which embody the same type of hotspot. The pattern matching tool is able to find matches to a hotspot class by matching to a particular representative pattern of the class, and allowing for small geometric deviations from this representative.To build such a catalogue, a large diverse set of hotspot clips must be analysed and reduced to a small number of hotspot classes. To perform this reduction meaningfully, a deep understanding of what it means for two hotspots to be the same type' of hotspot is required. We perform an in-depth analysis of the process sensitivity of patterns. From this we design a distance metric which quantifies the extent to which the process sensitivities of two hotspots are caused by similar geometry of surrounding features.Equipped with this distance metric, clustering algorithms are used to group a dataset of clips into a small number of clusters containing similar hotspots. Because the number of clips to analyse must be very large in order to build a comprehensive catalogue, it is important to make this process as computationally efficient as possible. To this end, the distance metric and the clustering algorithm are designed and tailored for maximum efficiency.To test our hotspot detection system, we build a catalogue of hotspot classes based on a dataset of clips extracted from a device layout. A pattern matching tool then uses our catalogue to detect hotspots, and the results are presented.
Morphometric Shape Analysis with Measurement Covariance Estimates

We propose a shape analysis system based upon the description of landmarks with measurement covariance, which extends statistical linear modelling processes to ‘pseudo landmarks’ for scientific studies. We discuss the properties of our approach and how measurement covariances can be considered characteristic of the local shape. Our formulation includes corrections for parameter bias, induced by the degrees of freedom within the linear model. The method has been implemented and tested on measurements from fly wing, hand and face data. We use these data to explore possible advantages and disadvantages over the use of standard Procrustes/PCA analysis. In the process we show how appropriate weighting provides more efficient use of the available landmark data 1 .
Empirical Risk Minimization of Graphical Model Parameters Given Approximate Inference, Decoding, and Model Structure

Graphical models are often used \inappropriately," with approximations in the topology, inference, and prediction. Yet it is still common to train their parameters to approximately maximize training likelihood. We argue that instead, one should seek the parameters that minimize the empirical risk of the entire imperfect system. We show how to locally optimize this risk using back-propagation and stochastic metadescent. Over a range of synthetic-data problems, compared to the usual practice of choosing approximate MAP parameters, our approach signicantly reduces loss on test data, sometimes by an order of magnitude.
Hsp70 Prevents Activation of Stress Kinases

Harmful conditions including heat shock, oxidative stress, UV, and so forth cause programmed cell death, whose triggering requires activation of the Jun N-terminal kinase, JNK. High levels of Hsp72, a heat-inducible member of Hsp70 family, protect cells against a variety of stresses by a mechanism that is unclear at present. Here we report that elevated levels of Hsp72 inhibit a signal transduction pathway leading to programmed cell death by preventing stress-induced activation of JNK. Stress-induced activation of another stress-kinase, p38 (HOG1), is also blocked when the level of Hsp72 is increased. Similarly, addition of a purified recombinant Hsp72 to a crude cell lysate reduced p38 kinase activation, while depletion of the whole family of Hsp70 proteins with a monoclonal antibody enhanced such activation. In addition, we have found that accumulation of abnormal proteins in cells upon incubation with amino acid analogs causes activation of JNK and p38 kinases, which can be prevented by overproduction of Hsp72. Taken together, these data suggest that, in regulation of JNK and p38 kinases, Hsp70 serves as a “sensor” of the build-up of abnormal proteins after heat shock and other stresses. The inhibitory effect of an increased level of Hsp70 on JNK appears to be a major contributor to acquired thermotolerance in mammalian cells.
Anticancer Effects of the Marine Sponge Lipastrotethya sp. Extract on Wild-Type and p53 Knockout HCT116 Cells

Interest in marine bioresources is increasing in the drug development sector. In particular, marine sponges produce a wide range of unique metabolites that enable them to survive in challenging environments, which makes them attractive sources of candidate pharmaceuticals. In previous study, we investigated over 40 marine specimens collected in Micronesia and provided by the Korean Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, for their antiproliferative effects on various cancer cell lines, and Lipastrotethya sp. extract (LSSE) was found to have a marked antiproliferative effect. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism responsible for its anticancer effect on wild-type p53 (WT) or p53 knockout (KO) HCT116 cells. LSSE inhibited cell viability and induced apoptotic cell death more so in HCT116 p53 KO cells than the WT. HCT116 WT cells treated with LSSE underwent apoptosis associated with the induction of p53 and its target genes. On the other hand, in HCT116 p53 KO cells, LSSE reduced mTOR and Bcl-2 and increased Beclin-1 and LC3-II protein levels, suggesting autophagy induction. These results indicate that the mechanisms responsible for the anticancer effect of LSSE depend on p53 status.
Book Reviews: Linguistic Evolution through Language Acquisition: Formal and Computational Models edited by Ted Briscoe; Implementing Typed Feature Structure Grammars by Ann Copestake

This book is really two books, which do not communicate with each other once one gets past the editor’s introduction in chapter 1. The chapters by Worden, Batali, Kirby, and Hurford (see Table 1), whom I shall refer to collectively as WBKH, use computer simulation to demonstrate that agents with no innate syntactic structure can interact to create and preserve both the lexicon and syntax of languages over many generations. On the other hand, the chapters by Niyogi, Turkel, and Briscoe (collectively, NTB) all base their simulations on an innate Universal Grammar—the general form of grammar is built into the agents, and the lexicon is given little or no importance. I shall briefly outline the other two chapters, by Oliphant and by Steels and Kaplan, in the context of the WBHK work below. All the authors assume that the agents under study have a great deal of “innate” language-related structure. The “linguistic evolution” studied here is not the evolu-
JG6, a novel marine-derived oligosaccharide, suppresses breast cancer metastasis via binding to cofilin

Cofilin, an actin-binding protein which disassembles actin filaments, plays an important role in invasion and metastasis. Here, we discover that JG6, an oligomannurarate sulfate, binds to cofilin, suppresses the migration of human breast cancer cells and cancer metastasis in breast cancer xenograft model. Mechanistically, JG6 occupies actin-binding sites of cofilin, thereby disrupting cofilin modulated actin turnover. Our results highlight the significance of cofilin in cancer and suggest JG6, a cofilin inhibitor, to treat metastatic cancer.
Few useful considerations for maintaining software components and component-based systems

Component-Based Systems (CBS) maintenance may require several activities different than normal applications, such as upgrading the functionality of black-box components (for which code may not be available), replacement of older version components with the new ones for better and improved functionality, tracing the problem of compatibility between the new components with system, and so on. The focus of this paper is on investigating several issues and concerns about maintainability of component-based systems. It also explores the acceptance of maintainability characteristics and sub-characteristics as defined in ISO9126 quality model for CBS. The paper proposes two new sub-characteristics, namely trackability and portability, to be included under the maintenance activity.
Multi-parametric Programming Approach for Data Link of UAS Based on State Machine

With the huge development of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in both military and civilian applications, the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are required to adapt to complex environment and various missions. The adaptation technologies for UAS include adaptive modulation method, adaptive coding method, adaptive antenna diversity or power and adaptive parametric of data link. In this paper, we proposed a multi-parametric programming approach for data link of communication system in UAV based on state machine. We also present the state transition design for the state machine and describe the transition in detail according to different parameters of data link. In addition, the implementation of the state machine is presented.
63Cu NMR investigation of effect of small additions of Sn to Al–1.7 at.% Cu in promoting accelerated phase transformations on aging

Very recently 63Cu NMR has been shown to be extremely sensitive in detecting and differentiating between the precipitate phases that form in Al–Cu alloys during heat treatment. This technique is now used to quantify the effectiveness of small additions of Sn to the alloy Al–1.7 at. % Cu in promoting the rapid nucleation and growth of the θ′-phase precipitate. Two parallel series of 63Cu NMR spectra were recorded for Al–1.7 at. % Cu and Al–1.7 at. % Cu–0.01 at. % Sn: (i) aged at 130° C to observe the comparative rate of phase evolution and (ii) aged at 200° C to observe the rate of growth of θ′-phase and to compare with the Vickers hardness of the alloys aged at 200° C for similar periods. Evidence is presented that a metastable precursor phase to θ′ (labelled ) is formed in Al–Cu–Sn which transforms to θ′ on further aging.
Dual decompositions of 4-manifolds II: Linear invariants

This paper continues the study of decompositions of a smooth 4-manifold into two handlebodies with handles of index < 2. Part I (Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 354 (2002), 1373-1392) gave existence results in terms of spines and chain complexes over the fundamental group of the ambient manifold. Here we assume that one side of a decomposition has larger fundamental group, and use this to define algebraic-topological invariants. These reveal a basic asymmetry in these decompositions: subtle changes on one side can force algebraic-topologically detectable changes on the other. A solvable iteration of the basic invariant gives an "obstruction theory" using lower commutator quotients. By thinking of a 2-handlebody as essentially determined by the links used as attaching maps for its 2-handles, this theory can be thought of as giving "ambient" link invariants. The moves used are related to the grope cobordism of links developed by Conant-Teichner, and the Cochran-Orr-Teichner filtration of the link concordance groups. The invariants give algebraically sophisticated "finite type" invariants in the sense of Vassilaev.
Affective acoustic ecology: towards emotionally enhanced sound events

Sound events can carry multiple information, related to the sound source and to ambient environment. However, it is well-known that sound evokes emotions, a fact that is verified by works in the disciplines of Music Emotion Recognition and Music Information Retrieval that focused on the impact of music to emotions. In this work we introduce the concept of affective acoustic ecology that extends the above relation to the general concept of sound events. Towards this aim, we define sound event as a novel audio structure with multiple components. We further investigate the application of existing emotion models employed for music affective analysis to sonic, non-musical, content. The obtained results indicate that although such application is feasible, no significant trends and classification outcomes are observed that would allow the definition of an analytic relation between the technical characteristics of a sound event waveform and raised emotions.
Evaluation of Early Corneal Endothelial Cell Loss in Bimanual Microincision Cataract Surgery (MICS) in Comparison with Standard Phacoemulsification

Purpose To analyze early corneal endothelial cell loss due to microincision cataract surgery (MICS) in comparison with standard phacoemulsification through the temporal clear corneal incision. Methods The examined group consisted of a nonrandomized, consecutive prospective series of 20 eyes of 20 patients who underwent uneventful microincision cataract surgery. Twenty eyes of 20 patients who underwent standard phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens (IOL) implantation served as a reference group. Patients with corneal disorders, contact lens wear, previous intraocular surgery, and a history of ocular trauma were excluded from the study. Patients were examined preoperatively and 10 days postoperatively. The following items were evaluated in this study: corneal endothelial cell density, intraoperative phaco power, effective phaco time, as well as pre- and postoperative visual acuity. Corneal endothelial cell counts were done in the central part of the cornea using a non-contact Topcon SP 2000P specular microscope before and 10 days after the surgery. The measurements were performed in a semiautomated, masked manner. Statistical analysis was done using nonparametric tests (Wilcoxon signed-ranks test and Mann-Whitney U test). Results All patients in the study underwent uneventful surgery. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) examined 10 days postoperatively in the MICS group was 0.94±0.094, whereas in the standard phacoemulsification group it was 0.90±0.094. There was no significant difference between BCVA in the two groups (Mann Whitney U two-tailed test: p>0.05). In both groups there was a significant decrease in postoperative endothelial cell densities (ECDs) when compared to preoperative values. Mean postoperative ECDs were 2235±418 cells/mm2 in the MICS group and 2079±399 cells/mm2 in the standard phacoemulsification group; the difference was not statistically significant (Mann-Whitney U test: p>0.05). Patients in the MICS group lost an average of 9.5% of cells, whereas patients after standard phacoemulsification lost about 7.6% of cells. This difference was statistically insignificant. Conclusions Microincision cataract surgery induced corneal endothelial cell loss similar to a standard phacoemulsification and allowed excellent visual results in this series of patients. These results support the use of MICS technique for cataract surgery.
The sno gene, which encodes a component of the histone deacetylase complex, acts as a tumor suppressor in mice

The Ski and Sno oncoproteins are components of a macromolecular complex containing the co‐repressor N‐CoR/SMRT, mSin3 and histone deacetylase. This complex has been implicated in the transcriptional repression exerted by a number of repressors including nuclear hormone receptors and Mad. Further more, Ski and Sno negatively regulate transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signaling by recruiting this complex to Smads. Here we show that loss of one copy of sno increases susceptibility to tumorigenesis in mice. Mice lacking sno died at an early stage of embryogenesis, and sno was required for blastocyst formation. Heterozygous (sno+/−) mice developed spontaneous lymphomas at a low frequency and showed an increased level of tumor formation relative to wild‐type mice when challenged with a chemical carcinogen. sno+/− embryonic fibroblasts had an increased proliferative capacity and the introduction of activated Ki‐ras into these cells resulted in neoplastic transformation. The B cells, T cells and embryonic fibroblasts of sno+/− mice had a decreased sensitivity to apoptosis or cell cycle arrest. These findings demonstrate that sno acts as a tumor suppressor at least in some types of cells.
Labor Market Status of Older Males in the United States, 1880-1940

This article explores the labor market status of older males in the early twentieth century, focusing on how the extent of pressure toward retirement differed across occupations and how it changed over time. A comparison of the probability of retirement across occupations shows that men who had better occupations in terms of economic status and work conditions were less likely to retire than were those with poorer jobs. The difficulty faced by older workers in the labor market, as measured by the relative incidence of long-term unemployment, was relatively severe among craftsmen, operatives, and salesmen. In contrast, aged farmers, professionals, managers, and proprietors appear to have fared well in the labor market. The pattern of shifts in the occupational structure that occurred between 1880 and 1940 suggests that industrialization had brought a growth of the sectors in which the pressure toward departure from employment at old ages was relatively strong.
An Effective License-Plate Detection Method for Overexposure and Complex Vehicle Images

License plate detection plays an important role in license plate recognition (LPR) system. If license plate can be detected exactly, the character segmentation and recognition can be implemented more precisely and efficiently. In our observation, the illumination affects the result of detecting the license plate. The aim of this paper is to extract more than one license plate from an image and to obtain the license plates in the image which is taken under different conditions. The proposed method includes six processes as follows: transferring color to grayscale, image equalization, edge detection, checking black pixel ratio, plate verification and output license plates. The experimental results show that the proposed method can gain 94% accuracy in GetRatio and 83% accuracy in GetRight.
The Impact of Founders’ Professional Education Background on the Adoption of Open Science by For-Profit Biotechnology Firms

This paper investigates the effect of founder professional education background on the adoption of the open-science technology management strategy by a sample of 512 young biotechnology firms. One major finding of the paper is that after controlling for founder prior work experience and other organizational and environmental factors, biotechnology firms with proportionally more Ph.D.-holding entrepreneurs on the founding team have higher probability to adopt open science. A second note-worthy finding is that founder professional education background can mitigate the constraint of organizational environment on strategy. While a crowded technological niche provides a more challenging environment for firms to implement open science due to higher scooping risks, the deterring effect of such a high-risk environment is smaller among firms founded by proportionally more Ph.D.-holding entrepreneurs. I also found that the link between entrepreneurial professional education background and open science is stronger in a less favorable institutional environment for open science. The finding is consistent with and complements the growing body of work emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurial background in developing knowledge about new venture strategy and structure. It suggests that demographic changes in educational background of entrepreneurs in an organizational field may bring exogenous shocks to and shift the strategic trend in an organizational field. The implications for management innovations in an organizational field are discussed.
Care for AIDS orphans in Uganda: findings from focus group discussions.

The care of AIDS orphans in several regions of Uganda has recently been studied. The study also investigated how the various societies in Uganda have coped with the orphan problem since the onset of the AIDS epidemic. Changes in past and present coping mechanisms are discussed, with recommendations made for the future. Data were collected during 1992 from 241 men and 218 women in focus groups in Uganda's Hoima, Kabale, Mbarara, Masaka, Iganga, and Mbale districts. The participating men and women were aged 19-92 years and 14-92 years, respectively. Orphan care by a surviving parent, care by relatives, and other assistance to orphans are discussed. Orphan care in Uganda has changed since the onset of the AIDS epidemic. The changes are due mainly to the large number of orphans which have overwhelmed the extended family structure. Nonetheless, relatives still care for orphans despite their own problems, albeit at great financial hardship to the caregivers. It is recommended that governmental and nongovernmental organizations increase their levels of assistance to households caring for orphans. The authors further note the higher mortality of orphans, how many people who care for orphans are either too old or too young to fulfill the responsibility which they have assumed, and stigmatization.
Methods Paper: Finding Leading Indicators for Disease Outbreaks: Filtering, Cross-correlation, and Caveats

Bioterrorism and emerging infectious diseases such as influenza have spurred research into rapid outbreak detection. One primary thrust of this research has been to identify data sources that provide early indication of a disease outbreak by being leading indicators relative to other established data sources. Researchers tend to rely on the sample cross-correlation function (CCF) to quantify the association between two data sources. There has been, however, little consideration by medical informatics researchers of the influence of methodological choices on the ability of the CCF to identify a lead-lag relationship between time series. We draw on experience from the econometric and environmental health communities, and we use simulation to demonstrate that the sample CCF is highly prone to bias. Specifically, long-scale phenomena tend to overwhelm the CCF, obscuring phenomena at shorter wave lengths. Researchers seeking lead-lag relationships in surveillance data must therefore stipulate the scale length of the features of interest (e.g., short-scale spikes versus long-scale seasonal fluctuations) and then filter the data appropriately--to diminish the influence of other features, which may mask the features of interest. Otherwise, conclusions drawn from the sample CCF of bi-variate time-series data will inevitably be ambiguous and often altogether misleading.