Pruned Continuous Haar Transform of 2D Polygonal Patterns with Application to VLSI Layouts

We introduce an algorithm for the efficient computation of the continuous Haar transform of 2D patterns that can be described by polygons. These patterns are ubiquitous in VLSI processes where they are used to describe design and mask layouts. There, speed is of paramount importance due to the magnitude of the problems to be solved and hence very fast algorithms are needed. We show that by techniques borrowed from computational geometry we are not only able to compute the continuous Haar transform directly, but also to do it quickly. This is achieved by massively pruning the transform tree and thus dramatically decreasing the computational load when the number of vertices is small, as is the case for VLSI layouts. We call this new algorithm the pruned continuous Haar transform. We implement this algorithm and show that for patterns found in VLSI layouts the proposed algorithm was in the worst case as fast as its discrete counterpart and up to 12 times faster.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figures, 1 algorith

Teaching with the Framework: a Cephalonian Approach

Purpose This paper aims to provide academic instruction librarians with a model for integrating concepts from the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Framework into “one-shot” library instruction sessions without losing the practical experience of searching the library resources. Design/methodology/approach The authors adapted the Cephalonian method as the structure of first-year library instruction sessions for an English composition class. The sessions were re-designed to emphasize the core concepts of information literacy while incorporating active learning activities and discussion. Findings The authors found the Cephalonian method to be a useful structure for incorporating aspects of the ACRL Framework into the first-year library instruction program. The call-and-response format fosters conversations and leads seamlessly into hands-on activities. When used as part of “flipped” instruction, the Cephalonian method allows instructors to engage students who have completed the online portion and those who have not. Practical implications This paper offers librarians practical ideas for incorporating the information literacy concepts outlined in the ACRL Framework into one-shot instruction sessions. Originality/value With the recent adoption of the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education by ACRL, there is a need for practical examples of how to incorporate the frames into existing library instruction programs

Computing exact Fourier series coefficients of IC rectilinear polygons from low-resolution fast Fourier coefficients

We present a novel, accurate and fast algorithm to obtain Fourier series coecients from an IC layer whose description consists of rectilinear polygons on a plane, and how to implement it using o-the-shelf hardware components. Based on properties of Fourier calculus, we derive a relationship between the Discrete Fourier Transforms of the sampled mask transmission function and its continuous Fourier series coecients. The relationship leads to a straightforward algorithm for computing the continuous Fourier series coecients where one samples the mask transmission function, compute its discrete Fourier transform and applies a frequency-dependent multiplicative factor. The algorithm is guaranteed to yield the exact continuous Fourier series coecients for any sampling representing the mask function exactly. Computationally, this leads to signicant saving by allowing to choose the maximal such pixel size and reducing the fast Fourier transform size by as much, without compromising accuracy. In addition, the continuous Fourier series is free from aliasing and follows closely the physical model of Fourier optics. We show that in some cases this can make a signicant dierence, especially in modern very low pitch technology nodes

Pruned Continuous Haar Transform of 2D Polygonal Patterns with Application to VLSI Layouts

We introduce an algorithm for the efficient computation of the continuous Haar transform of 2D patterns that can be described by polygons. These patterns are ubiquitous in VLSI processes where they are used to describe design and mask layouts. There speed is of paramount importance due to the magnitude of the problems to be solved and hence very fast algorithms are needed. We show that by techniques borrowed from computational geometry we are not only able to compute the continuous Haar transform directly, but also to do it quickly. This is achieved by massively pruning the transform tree and thus dramatically decreasing the computational load when the number of vertices is small, as is the case for VLSI layouts. We call this new algorithm the pruned continuous Haar transform. We implement this algorithm and show that for patterns found in VLSI layouts the proposed algorithm was in the worst case as fast as its discrete counterpart and up to 12 times faster

The relationship between ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) genotype and motor unit physiology: preliminary studies

BACKGROUND: Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is important for neuronal and muscle development, and genetic variation in the CNTF gene has been associated with muscle strength. The effect of CNTF on nerve development suggests that CNTF genotype may be associated with force production via its influence on motor unit size and firing patterns. The purpose of this study is to examine whether CNTF genotype differentially affects motor unit activation in the vastus medialis with increasing isometric force during knee extension. RESULTS: Sixty-nine healthy subjects were genotyped for the presence of the G and A (null) alleles in the CNTF gene (n = 57 G/G, 12 G/A). They were tested using a dynamometer during submaximal isometric knee extension contractions that were from 10–50% of their maximal strength. During the contractions, the vastus medialis was studied using surface and intramuscular electromyography with spiked triggered averaging to assess surface-detected motor unit potential (SMUP) area and mean firing rates (mFR) from identified motor units. CNTF genotyping was performed using standard PCR techniques from DNA obtained from leucocytes of whole blood samples. The CNTF G/A genotype was associated with smaller SMUP area motor units and lower mFR at higher force levels, and fewer but larger units at lower force levels than G/G homozygotes. The two groups used motor units with different size and activation characteristics with increasing force generation. While G/G subjects tended to utilize larger motor units with increasing force, G/A subjects showed relatively less increase in size by using relatively larger units at lower force levels. At higher force levels, G/A subjects were able to generate more force per motor unit size suggesting more efficient motor unit function with increasing muscle force. CONCLUSION: Differential motor unit responses were observed between CNTF genotypes at force levels utilized in daily activities

Star formation history, double degenerates and type Ia supernovae in the thin disc

We investigate the relation between the star formation history and the evolution of the double-degenerate (DD) population in the thin disc of the Galaxy, which we assume to have formed 10 Gyr before the present. We introduce the use of star-formation contribution functions as a device for evaluating the birth rates, total number and merger rates of DDs. These contribution functions help to demonstrate the relation between star-formation history and the current DD population and, in particular, show how the numbers of different types of DD are sensitive to different epochs of star formation. We have compared the impact of different star-formation models on the rates and numbers of DDs and on the rates of type Ia (SNIa) and core-collapse supernovae (ccSN). In addition to a quasi-exponential decline model, we considered an instantaneous (or initial starburst) model, a constant-rate model, and an enhanced-rate model. All were normalised to produce the present observed star density in the local thin disc. The evolution of the rates and numbers of both DDs and SNIa are different in all four models, but are most markedly different in the instantaneous star-formation model, which produces a much higher rate than the other three models in the past, primarily as a consequence of the normalisation. Predictions of the current SNIa rate range from ~2 to 5\times10^{-4} yr^{-1} in the four models, and are slightly below the observed rate because we only consider the DD merger channel. The predicted ccSN rate ranges from 1.5 to 3 century^{-1}, and is consistent with observations.Comment: 11 pages, 16 figures, accepted for publication in MNRA

Assessing printability of a very-large-scale integration design

Printability of a very-large-scale integration design is assessed by: during a training phase, generating a training set of very-large-scale integration design shapes representative of a population of very-large-scale integration design shapes, obtaining a set of mathematical representations of respective shapes in the training set, identifying at least two classes of physical events causally linked to the printability for the very-large-scale integration design shapes, each of the classes being associated to a respective level of printability, labeling each mathematical representation of the set according to one of the identified classes, based on a lithography model, and selecting a probabilistic model function maximizing a probability of a class, given the set of mathematical representations; and during a testing phase, providing a very-large-scale integration design shape to be tested, testing the provided very-large-scale integration design shape, and labeling the provided very-large-scale integration design shape according to the identified class

Functional and gene network analyses of transcriptional signatures characterizing pre-weaned bovine mammary parenchyma or fat pad uncovered novel inter-tissue signaling networks during development

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The neonatal bovine mammary fat pad (<b>MFP</b>) surrounding the mammary parenchyma (<b>PAR</b>) is thought to exert proliferative effects on the PAR through secretion of local modulators of growth induced by systemic hormones. We used bioinformatics to characterize transcriptomics differences between PAR and MFP from ~65 d old Holstein heifers. Data were mined to uncover potential crosstalk through the analyses of signaling molecules preferentially expressed in one tissue relative to the other.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Over 9,000 differentially expressed genes (<b>DEG</b>; False discovery rate ≤ 0.05) were found of which 1,478 had a ≥1.5-fold difference between PAR and MFP. Within the DEG highly-expressed in PAR vs. MFP (n = 736) we noted significant enrichment of functions related to cell cycle, structural organization, signaling, and DNA/RNA metabolism. Only actin cytoskeletal signaling was significant among canonical pathways. DEG more highly-expressed in MFP vs. PAR (n = 742) belong to lipid metabolism, signaling, cell movement, and immune-related functions. Canonical pathways associated with metabolism and signaling, particularly immune- and metabolism-related were significantly-enriched. Network analysis uncovered a central role of <it>MYC</it>, <it>TP53</it>, and <it>CTNNB1 </it>in controlling expression of DEG highly-expressed in PAR vs. MFP. Similar analysis suggested a central role for <it>PPARG</it>, <it>KLF2</it>, <it>EGR2</it>, and <it>EPAS1 </it>in regulating expression of more highly-expressed DEG in MFP vs. PAR. Gene network analyses revealed putative inter-tissue crosstalk between cytokines and growth factors preferentially expressed in one tissue (e.g., <it>ANGPTL1</it>, <it>SPP1</it>, <it>IL1B </it>in PAR vs. MFP; <it>ADIPOQ</it>, <it>IL13</it>, <it>FGF2</it>, <it>LEP </it>in MFP vs. PAR) with DEG preferentially expressed in the other tissue, particularly transcription factors or pathways (e.g., <it>MYC</it>, <it>TP53</it>, and actin cytoskeletal signaling in PAR vs. MFP; <it>PPARG </it>and LXR/RXR Signaling in MFP vs. PAR).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Functional analyses underscored a reciprocal influence in determining the biological features of MFP and PAR during neonatal development. This was exemplified by the potential effect that the signaling molecules (cytokines, growth factors) released preferentially (i.e., more highly-expressed) by PAR or MFP could have on molecular functions or signaling pathways enriched in the MFP or PAR. These bidirectional interactions might be required to coordinate mammary tissue development under normal circumstances or in response to nutrition.</p