Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Salient geometric features for partial shape matching and similarity

This article introduces a method for partial matching of surfaces represented by triangular meshes. Our method matches surface regions that are numerically and topologically dissimilar, but approximately similar regions. We introduce novel local surface descriptors which efficiently represent the geometry of local regions of the surface. The descriptors are defined independently of the underlying triangulation, and form a compatible representation that allows matching of surfaces with different triangulations. To cope with the combinatorial complexity of partial matching of large meshes, we introduce the abstraction of salient geometric features and present a method to construct them. A salient geometric feature is a compound high-level feature of nontrivial local shapes. We show that a relatively small number of such salient geometric features characterizes the surface well for various similarity applications. Matching salient geometric features is based on indexing rotation-invariant features and a voting scheme accelerated by geometric hashing. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method with a number of applications, such as computing self-similarity, alignments, and subparts similarity.
Absence from work and return to work in people with back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background A considerable proportion of work absence is attributed to back pain, however prospective studies in working populations with back pain are variable in setting and design, and a quantitative summary of current evidence is lacking. Objective To investigate the extent to which differences in setting, country, sampling procedures and methods for data collection are responsible for variation in estimates of work absence and return to work. Methods Systematic searches of seven bibliographic databases. Inclusion criteria were: adults in paid employment, with back pain, work absence or return to work during follow-up had been reported. Random effects meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis was carried out to provide summary estimates of work absence and return to work rates. Results 45 studies were identified for inclusion in the review; 34 were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled estimate for the occurrence of work absence in workers with back pain was 15.5% (95% CI 9.8% to 23.6%, n=17 studies, I2 98.1%) in studies with follow-up periods of ≤6 months. The pooled estimate for the proportion of people with back pain returning to work was 68.2% (95% CI 54.8% to 79.1%, n=13, I2 99.2%), 85.6% (95% CI 78.2% to 90.7%, n=13, I2 98.7%) and 93.3% (95% CI 84.0% to 94.7%, n=10, I2 99%), at 1 month, 1–6 months and ≥6 months, respectively. Differences in setting, risk of participation bias and method of assessing work absence explained some of the heterogeneity. Conclusions Pooled estimates suggest high return to work rates, with wide variation in estimates of return to work only partly explained by a priori defined study-level variables. The estimated 32% not back at work at 1 month are at a crucial point for intervention to prevent long term work absence.
Early language delay : a study of the evolving language environments of preschool children

Primary language impairment (PLI) affects approximately one in 20 young children, who may have difficulties with language in later life. The importance of parent-child interaction (PCI) for language development has been well established. Many early speech and language therapy interventions have focused on modifying characteristics of PCI to enhance opportunities for language learning. However, the success of such programmes is mixed. Furthermore, there is a dearth of literature examining the developmental nature of the relationship between parent and child language with children who have PLI. Using a case study methodology, the present study aimed to understand the dynamics of the relationship between PCI and the trajectories of vocabulary growth of children with PLI. Four case studies were developed using data from preschool children and their families. Following baseline assessments, data were collected at four time points across 9-10 months. Vocabulary development was examined using MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories. Children wore a LENA (Language ENvironment Analysis) recorder at home, which collected naturalistic all-day audio, used to sample PCI for transcription and analysis. The LENA audio was coded to examine how talk varied across everyday activities. In addition, mother-child dyads were video-recorded looking at a picture-book to examine parent teaching behaviours. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with parents to get their perspectives on having a child with PLI. The findings demonstrated cross-case differences in the trajectories of children’s vocabulary growth, which were consistent with differences in maternal talk. Across cases, mothers were generally found to dominate interactions. There was no clear pattern in maternal responsiveness that suggested change over time. However, there was a trend for increased responsiveness during picture-book sharing compared to the naturalistic PCI samples. Mother-child play was infrequent during the LENA recordings. These findings challenge previous research that observed PCI in single, researcher-defined settings such as toy play and its representativeness for understanding PCI more broadly. Further research is discussed, including evaluation of PCI interventions in naturalistic settings to assess integration of strategies. The interviews with parents identified factors to improve engagement and satisfaction with interventions. Understanding individual differences in response to interventions is essential for improving the effectiveness of support for children.
Governance as theory: five propositions

Science in the Department of Government, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G1 1XQ, UK, email: G.stokerK strathclyde.ac. uk His main research interests are in local government, urban politics, and cross-national policy transfer. Between 1992 and 1997 he was Director of the ESRC Local Governance Research Programme. He has authored or edited over a dozen books. His two most recent publications are: Rethinking Local Democracy, 1996 (edited with D. King) and The Privatisation of Urban Services in Europe, 1997 (edited with D. Lorrain). Governance as theory: five propositions
Signatures of Reproductive Isolation in Patterns of Single Nucleotide Diversity Across Inbred Strains of Mice

Reproductive isolation is often caused by the disruption of genic interactions that evolve in geographically separate populations. Identifying the genomic regions and genes involved in these interactions, known as “Dobzhansky-Muller incompatibilities,” can be challenging but is facilitated by the wealth of genetic markers now available in model systems. In recent years, the complete genome sequence and thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from laboratory mice, which are largely genetic hybrids between Mus musculus and M. domesticus, have become available. Here, we use these resources to locate genomic regions that may underlie reproductive isolation between these two species. Using genotypes from 332 SNPs that differ between wild-derived strains of M. musculus and M. domesticus, we identified several physically unlinked SNP pairs that show exceptional gametic disequilibrium across the lab strains. Conspecific alleles were associated in a disproportionate number of these cases, consistent with the action of natural selection against hybrid gene combinations. As predicted by the Dobzhansky-Muller model, this bias was differentially attributable to locus pairs for which one hybrid genotype was missing. We assembled a list of potential Dobzhansky-Muller incompatibilities from locus pairs that showed extreme associations (only three gametic types) among conspecific alleles. Two SNPs in this list map near known hybrid sterility loci on chromosome 17 and the X chromosome, allowing us to nominate partners for disrupted interactions involving these genomic regions for the first time. Together, these results indicate that patterns produced by speciation between M. musculus and M. domesticus are visible in the genomes of lab strains of mice, underscoring the potential of these genetic model organisms for addressing general questions in evolutionary biology.
Edinburgh Research Explorer Understanding the mechanisms of aromatase inhibitor resistance

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have a central role in the treatment of breast cancer; however, resistance is a major obstacle to optimal management. Evidence from endocrine, molecular and pathological measurements in clinical material taken before and after therapy with AIs and data from clinical trials in which AIs have been given as treatment either alone or in combination with other targeted agents suggest diverse causes for resistance. These include inherent tumour insensitivity to oestrogen, ineff ective inhibition of aromatase, sources of oestrogenic hormones independent of aromatase, activation of signalling by non-endocrine pathways, enhanced cell survival and selection of hormone-insensitive cellular clones during treatment.
Olympic and international level sports coaches’ experiences of stressors, appraisals, and coping

Abstract The aim of this study was to use the cognitive-motivational-relational theory (CMRT) of stress and emotions as a lens to explore psychological stress with Olympic and international level sports coaches. In particular, the study aimed to explore situational properties of stressors and coaches’ appraisals to address voids in the published literature. Guided by my constructionist epistemological position that contains traces of post-positivism and my relativist view of reality, I conducted semi-structured interviews with six women and nine men. I applied abductive logic during latent thematic analyses to organise and analyse the data. The findings suggest that the coaches experienced many stressors that related to 10 themes (e.g. athlete concerns, performance) and that these stressors were underpinned by seven situational properties (e.g. ambiguity, imminence, novelty). The coaches reported challenge and threat appraisals and, to a lesser extent, benefit and harm/loss appraisals. The ways of coping that were discussed with the coaches related to seven families of coping (e.g. dyadic coping, support seeking) that each play a different role in adaptive processes. Collectively, the findings shed new light on the explanatory potential of situational properties and appraisals and go some way towards understanding coaches’ diverse experiences. The CMRT was a useful framework for understanding high level coaches’ stress transactions and, thus, could be used in future research with this unique population. Coaches, practitioners, and researchers should attend to the ways that coaches appraise and cope with stressors to facilitate their adaptation to the potentially stressful nature of coaching at the highest levels.
Knowledge discovery from database Using an integration of clustering and classification

Clustering and classification are two important techniques of data mining. Classification is a supervised learning problem of assigning an object to one of several pre-defined categories based upon the attributes of the object. While, clustering is an unsupervised learning problem that group objects based upon distance or similarity. Each group is known as a cluster. In this paper we make use of a large database ‘Fisher’s Iris Dataset’ containing 5 attributes and 150 instances to perform an integration of clustering and classification techniques of data mining. We compared results of simple classification technique (using J48 classifier) with the results of integration of clustering and classification technique, based upon various parameters using WEKA (Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis), a Data Mining tool. The results of the experiment show that integration of clustering and classification gives promising results with utmost accuracy rate and robustness even when the data set is containing missing values.
APPLICATIONS OF THE DOSE‐RESPONSE FOR MUSCULAR STRENGTH DEVELOPMENT: AREVIEW OF META‐ANALYTIC EFFICACY AND RELIABILITY FOR DESIGNING TRAINING PRESCRIPTION

There has been a proliferation in recent scholarly discussion regarding the scientific validity of single vs. multiple sets of resistance training (dose) to optimize muscular strength development (response). Recent meta-analytical research indicates that there exist distinct muscular adaptations, and dose-response relationships, that correspond to certain populations. It seems that training status influences the requisite doses as well as the potential magnitude of response. Specifically, for individuals seeking to experience muscular strength development beyond that of general health, an increase in resistance-training dosage must accompany increases in training experience. The purpose of this document is to analyze and apply the findings of 2 meta-analytical investigations that identified dose-response relationships for 3 populations: previously untrained, recreationally trained, and athlete; and thereby reveal distinct, quantified, dose-response trends for each population segment. Two metaanalytical investigations, consisting of 177 studies and 1,803 effect sizes (ES) were examined to extract the dose-response continuums for intensity, frequency, volume of training, and the resultant strength increases, specific to each population. ES data demonstrate unique dose-response relationships per population. For untrained individuals, maximal strength gains are elicited at a mean training intensity of 60% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM), 3 days per week, and with a mean training volume of 4 sets per muscle group. Recreationally trained nonathletes exhibit maximal strength gains with a mean training intensity of 80% of 1RM, 2 days per week, and a mean volume of 4 sets. For athlete populations, maximal strength gains are elicited at a mean training intensity of 85% of 1RM, 2 days per week, and with a mean training volume of 8 sets per muscle group. These meta-analyses demonstrate that the effort-to-benefit ratio is different for untrained, recreationally trained, and athlete populations; thus, emphasizing the necessity of appropriate exercise prescription to optimize training effect. Exercise professionals may apply these dose-response trends to prescribe appropriate, goal-oriented training programs.
Analog tunable matching network using integrated thin-film BST capacitors

This paper presents an electronically tunable impedance transformer and matching network for RF applications, utilizing thin-film barium strontium titanate (BST) tunable capacitors in an integrated-passive network on sapphire. The impedance transformer can be electronically varied from a 4:1 to 2:1 transformation in a 50 ohm environment. A slight modification of this circuit is shown to provide a match for a highly-reactive integrated antenna allowing the antenna to be used with improved efficiency from 420MHz to 500MHz. ACPR measurements are presented on the latter network showing ACPR1 of >50 dBc at 27 dBm drive power.
Knowledge and social networks: New dimensions of economic interaction between firms

The paper explores the form and content of economic interaction of firms based on various concepts of agglomeration and social networks. It uses a case study of the machinery sector in the region of Styria as empirical background. Starting with types of clustering – the model of pure agglomeration, the industrial-complex model and the social-network model - the paper argues that certain geographical agglomerations allow different types of networks and different patterns of behaviour. Thus different forms of learning, knowledge sharing and knowledge creation. Some “stylized facts” in support of this perspective are derived from an analysis of a regional network. This network comprises individualistic open systems consisting of several areas which overlap. Physical linkages between these networks are weak, but intersections based on cooperative R&D and R&D infrastructure, qualification and informal exchanges are evident. From a regional perspective it can be seen to dominate. Despite evident sectoral concentrations direct links to the prevailing science base appear more significant as binding factors than long term supplier networks. These relationships are interpreted in terms of their need for proximity, their durability and above all their direction of knowledge dependency.
What gestures reveal about the nature of metaphor

Studying gestures in language use offers the opportunity to uncover fundamental properties of metaphor which so far have received little interest – if at all. This is a shift towards studying metaphor as it is used, and it has important theoretical consequences because it reveals that metaphoricity is dynamic; it indicates that the speaker establishes or creates metaphoricity online through a general cognitive process, which is in principle modality independent. These facets of metaphor were uncovered through linguistic microanalyses of multi-modal segments of talk or discourse. Online cognitive processes (and their interactive logic) were reconstructed, drawing upon linguistic methods, gesture studies, and interaction analysis. Co-participants in an interaction have multiple (multi-modal) types of resources at their disposal to construct meaningful utterances and to create mutual understanding. These different methods address different aspects of this process of establishing, elaborating and creating metaphoric meaning. After a brief introductory discussion of some of the established characteristics of metaphor, this chapter presents micro-analyses of three verbogestural utterances which show that metaphors are modality independent products of a general cognitive process, and that they are dynamic in several respects: metaphoricity is not restricted to single clearly bounded entities – be they linguistic expressions, gestures or concepts. In contrast, metaphoricity may be active and maintained over stretches of discourse and it may be subject to successive foregrounding over units of talk and discourse. It will be concluded that activation of metaphoricity critically depends upon the dynamic flow of the speaker’s focal attention.
Citrus bergamia essential oil: from basic research to clinical application

Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau, also known as “Bergamot,” is a plant belonging to the Rutaceae family, defined as a hybrid of bitter orange and lemon. It is an endemic plant of the Calabria region (Italy). Bergamot fruit is primarily used for the extraction of its essential oil (bergamot essential oil: BEO), employed in perfume, cosmetics, food, and confections. The aim of this review was to collect recent data from the literature on C. bergamia essential oil and, through a critical analysis, focus on safety and the beneficial effects on human health. Clinical studies on the therapeutic applications of BEO exclusively focus on the field of aromatherapy, suggesting that its use can be useful for reducing anxiety and stress.
Expression of the POU-Domain Transcription Factors SCIP/Oct-6 and Brn-2 Is Associated with Schwann Cell but Not Oligodendrocyte Remyelination of the CNS

The class III POU-domain transcription factor SCIP/Oct-6 is expressed by promyelinating Schwann cells and, in tissue culture, by oligodendrocyte progenitors (OPs), but is down-regulated in both cells types as they differentiate. Although the expression of SCIP/Oct-6 has been examined in peripheral nerve remyelination, its expression in CNS remyelination has not been addressed. Using a toxin model of demyelination, in which the demyelinated axons are remyelinated in an age-dependent manner by both oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells, we have compared the expression of SCIP/Oct-6 mRNA with that of an OP marker (PDGF-alphaR), a marker of myelinating oligodendrocytes (PLP), and markers of myelinating Schwann cells (P(0) and Krox-20) by in situ hybridization. We have found that the expression of SCIP/Oct-6 mRNA precedes that of P(0) and Krox-20 mRNA expression, but bears little correlation with the expression profiles of either PDGF-alphaR or PLP mRNA. Moreover, there is a spatial correlation between the expression SCIP/Oct-6 mRNA and that of P(0) but not of PDGF-alphaR. These results indicate that SCIP/Oct-6 expression following CNS demyelination is associated with Schwann cell and not oligodendrocyte remyelination. We have also shown that another POU-domain transcription factor, Brn-2, is expressed during CNS remyelination, but that like SCIP/Oct-6, it too has an expression profile indicating that it is associated with the Schwann cell component of remyelination. In addition, we show that Brn-2 expression in Schwann cells is not restricted to CNS remyelination but is also expressed in a similar manner to SCIP/Oct-6 during Schwann cell myelination of neonatal peripheral nerves and regenerating transected adult nerve and in cultured Schwann cells following induction of elevated cAMP levels.
A paycheck half-empty or half-full? Framing, fairness and progressive taxation

Taxation policy is driven by many factors, including public opinion, but little research has examined the strength and stability of the public’s taxation preferences. This paper demonstrates one way in which preferences for progressiveness depend on the framing of the question asked. Participants indicated how they would share a fixed tax burden between two individuals who earned different amounts of money, either by adjusting the amount of tax paid by the two individuals, or by adjusting the amount of post-tax income retained. The units in which tax was described — amount of money or percentage tax rate — were manipulated orthogonally. There was a strong metric effect: Participants favored progressiveness more when tax was described as a percentage rather than amount. However, there was also a clear interaction: for amounts, participants favored progressiveness significantly more when considering post-tax money retained rather than tax paid; for percentages, no such effect was found.
Silencing of voltage-gated potassium channel KV9.3 inhibits proliferation in human colon and lung carcinoma cells

Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels are known to be involved in cancer development and cancer cell proliferation. KV9.3, an electronically silent subunit, forms heterotetramers with KV2.1 in excitable cells and modulates its electrophysiological properties. However, the role of KV9.3 alone in non-excitable cancer cells has not been studied. Here, we evaluated the effect of silencing KV9.3 on cancer cell proliferation in HCT15 colon carcinoma cells and A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. We confirmed the expression of KV9.3 mRNA in HCT15 and A549 cells and showed that silencing KV9.3 using small interfering RNA caused G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and alterations in cell cycle regulatory proteins in both HCT15 and A549 cells without affecting apoptosis. Also, stable knockdown of KV9.3 expression using short-hairpin RNA inhibited tumor growth in SCID mouse xenograft model. Using a bioinformatics approach, we identified Sp1 binding sites in the promoter region of the gene encoding KV9.3. We further found that Sp1 bound to this region and showed that the Sp1 inhibitor, mithramycin A, induced a concentration-dependent decrease in KV9.3 expression. Taken together, these data suggest that knockdown of KV9.3 inhibits proliferation in colon carcinoma and lung adenocarcinoma cell lines and may be regulated by Sp1.