Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Template-based point cloud modeling for building model

We introduce a novel template-based modeling technique for 3D point clouds sampled from unknown buildings. The approach is based on a hierarchy algebraic template to fit noisy point clouds with sharp features. In the hierarchy template, the first-level, i.e., the lowest-level, contains three kinds of primitive geometries: plane, sphere, and cylinder. These primitive geometries are represented in algebra form. In the higher levels, some simple shapes are constructed by combining these primitive geometries, and the simple shapes can are further joined to form the final template model. In the fitting process, different to the general approaches which are intrinsic an iterative fitting process, we fit point clouds by directly solving a least-square linear system. This makes the approach efficient and robust in the point cloud modeling. Furthermore, some geometric constraints are taken into account in the fitting process for the purpose of increasing modeling accuracy. The experiment results show that the modeling accuracy is improved by integrating the geometric constraints in the fitting process, and the proposed template-based fitting is robust, in terms of withstanding noises and preserving sharp features, than the approaches based on implicit surfaces.
A new MRXS locus maps to the X chromosome pericentromeric region: a new syndrome or narrow definition of Sutherland-Haan genetic locus?

X linked mental retardation (XLMR) is classically divided into syndromal (MRXS) and non-specific (MRX) forms, depending on the presence or absence of specific distinguishing clinical, morphological, neurological, or metabolic anomalies. In the last XLMR update1 (http:/xlmr.interfree.it), genetic loci have been assigned for 117 of 202 XLMR by linkage studies, of which only 33 genes have been cloned. From these data, several forms of both syndromal (MRXS) and non-specific mental retardation (MRX) remain without a gene(s) associated disease.1 Moreover, several allelic disorders have been described for some individual cloned genes, reflecting the heterogeneous functional role of a single XLMR associated gene. For instance, molecular defects on the zinc finger/helicase XNP / ATR-X gene,2, 3 the proteolipid protein (PLP), 4 and neuronal cell adhesion molecule L15 (MIM 308840) have been associated with distinct clinical entities. Recently, the MECP2 gene (MIM 300005) responsible for Rett syndrome (MIM 312750) has been shown to account for about 2% of MRX.6 In recent years, cloning and molecular characterisation of XLMR syndromes have provided an increase in the number of these disorders, also as a result of the “lumping together” of allelic syndromes. From this viewpoint, the delineation of specific clinical characteristics accompanying a syndromal form of XLMR would allow the description of a sufficient number of subjects, leading to more accurate genetic counselling, and consequently the identification of the disease associated gene. We report here the clinical findings and linkage analysis of a family with five mentally retarded males. Examination showed the pedigree to be consistent with an X linked recessive mode of inheritance. Affected males were characterised by a mild form of MR associated with microcephaly and spastic diplegia. All obligate female carriers exhibited a totally skewed pattern of X chromosome inactivation (>90:10). X chromosome linkage analysis maps the gene …
Sexual function and relationship satisfaction: an investigation into men's attitudes and perceptions

Abstract The emerging model of male sexuality appears to be based on biomedical paradigms and a sexual imperative that emphasises sexual function, at the cost of sexual expression. Yet, it appears that these models fail to provide measures of normative sexual activity, or account for changes in sexual function that are a normal part of maturing relationships. The aims of the present study were to ascertain what men considered important factors in relationships and the extent to which sexual function is perceived as fundamental to relationship satisfaction. This exploratory investigation into men's attitudes and perceptions covered a wide range of issues identified from academic, medical and popular literature. Utilising a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from a survey (postal questionnaire) of a national non-clinical UK sample of 185 men aged between 30 and 60 years. Results suggest that while physical sexual function remains an important component in men's lives, in relationships sexual activity was less important than other factors.
Rotational transform for image and video compression

To improve video coding efficiency, the Rotational Transform (ROT) was proposed for adaptive switching between different transforms cores. The Karhunen Loeve Transform (KLT) is known to be optimal for given residual but requires much side information to be signaled to the decoder. The Discrete Cosine transform (DCT) is known to be close to optimal but for strongly directional components, it is sub-optimal. The main idea of ROT is that small modification of DCT coefficients can improve energy compaction. The ROT is implemented as a secondary transform applied after the primary DCT. The ROT matrix is sparse and thus enjoys relatively small computational complexity and memory usage increment. The encoder tries every rotational transform from the dictionary. Only one number, the ROT index, needs to be signaled to the decoder. Because the ROT is an orthogonal transform, encoder search is greatly simplified: distortion can be estimated in frequency domain and no inverse transformation is needed. This makes the ROT an efficient way to improve image/video compression. The ROT Coding gain for Intra slice is 2–3% in the HM 1.0 software implementation.
Regulatory Fit from Stereotype Threat: Enhancing Women's Leadership Aspirations

A series of studies investigates the impact of regulatory fit on women’s leadership aspirations. A regulatory fit occurs when an outcome is presented in gain frames under a promotion focus and in loss frames under a prevention focus. Combining research on regulatory focus and research on stereotype threat it is argued that regulatory fit may result from stereotype threat (loss frame) under a prevention focus and from the absence of stereotype threat (gain frame) under a promotion focus. In line with previous research it is proposed that regulatory fit a) enhances motivation (Studies 1 and 2) and b) creates a feeling right experience that increases the persuasiveness of external stimuli (Study 3). In all three experiments regulatory fit was operationalized as experiencing stereotype threat when under a prevention focus or, respectively, experiencing the absence of stereotype threat when under a promotion focus. Further, women’s aspirations to engage in a leadership role were assessed. In Studies 1 and 2 it was shown that women’s motivation to occupy a leadership role was enhanced in the regulatory fit conditions compared to women in the nonfit conditions. Study 3 demonstrated that a stimulus (i.e., role model) was more persuasive under regulatory fit. Women experiencing regulatory fit compared to women in the nonfit conditions were more persuaded by role models, showing more interest in a leadership role when confronted with a positive model and less interest when confronted with a negative model. These studies show that stereotype threat can elicit regulatory fit, which in turn affects women’s leadership aspirations. Future directions and limitations are discussed.
An intention-based model of transfer of training

Purpose - – The purpose of this paper is to explicate and test an intention-based model to explain transfer of training behavior. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) is utilized to examine the role of transfer intention in the transfer of training process. Design/methodology/approach - – A sample of 132 construction practitioners in Hong Kong was adopted. All measurement and structural models were assessed with structural equation modeling. Findings - – Results showed that the three antecedents positively affected transfer intention, while perceived behavioral control and transfer intention affected transfer behavior positively. Moreover, a post hoc analysis supported the mediating role of transfer intention in the relationship between the antecedents and transfer behavior. Practical implications - – Confirmation of the mediating role of intention has ascertained that it should be the core of a transfer of training model. To strengthen the transfer behavior, one has to find ways to increase the intention to transfer. Originality/value - – This paper examined an intention-based model of transfer of training based on the TPB. The latter has rarely been applied to the prediction of transfer behavior.
The Dynamic Role of GRP78/BiP in the Coordination of mRNA Translation with Protein Processing*

The role of GRP78/BiP in coordinating endoplasmic reticular (ER) protein processing with mRNA translation was examined in GH3 pituitary cells. ADP-ribosylation of GRP78 and eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF)-2α phosphorylation were assessed, respectively, as indices of chaperone inactivation and the inhibition of translational initiation. Inhibition of protein processing by ER stress (ionomycin and dithiothreitol) resulted in GRP78 deribosylation and eIF-2 phosphorylation. Suppression of translation relative to ER protein processing (cycloheximide) produced approximately 50% ADP-ribosylation of GRP78 within 90 min without eIF-2 phosphorylation. ADP-ribosylation was reversed in 90 min by cycloheximide removal in a manner accelerated by ER stressors. Cycloheximide sharply reduced eIF-2 phosphorylation in response to ER stressors for about 30 min; sensitivity returned as GRP78 became increasingly ADP-ribosylated. Reduced sensitivity of eIF-2 to phosphorylation appeared to derive from the accumulation of free, unmodified chaperone as proteins completed processing without replacements. Prolonged (24 h) incubations with cycloheximide resulted in the selective loss of the ADP-ribosylated form of GRP78 and increased sensitivity of eIF-2 phosphorylation in response to ER stressors. Brefeldin A decreased ADP-ribosylation of GRP78 in parallel with increased eIF-2 phosphorylation. The cytoplasmic stressor, arsenite, which inhibits translational initiation through eIF-2 phosphorylation without affecting the ER, also produced ADP-ribosylation of GRP78.
Why We Vote: How Schools and Communities Shape Our Civic Life

List of Figures ix List of Tables xi Acknowledgments xiii Chapter One: Introduction: Voting Alone 1 Part One: What You Do Now Depends on Where You Are Now 11 Chapter Two: Putting Madison and Tocqueville to the Test: The Dual Motivations Theory of Public Engagement 13 Chapter Three: Further Implications of the Dual Motivations Theory 50 Chapter Four: Social Networks 76 Part Two: What You Did Then Depends on Where You Were Then 93 Chapter Five: Social Environments and Adolescents' Public Engagement 95 Part Three: What You Do Now Depends on What You Did Then 129 Chapter Six: The Links between Adolescents' and Adults' Public Engagement 131 Part Four: What You Do Now Depends on Where You Were Then 145 Chapter Seven: Adolescents' Social Environments and Adults' Public Engagement: The Civic Motivation Model 147 Chapter Eight: Conclusion: Implications for Theory and Policy 180 Appendix A: Data Sources 201 Appendix B: Questions from the 1996 National Election Study Used in Table 2.1 and Figure 2.4 204 Appendix C: Full Results of Models Discussed in the Text 208 Notes 223 Bibliography 243 Index 261
Targeting Superficial or Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma with Topically Formulated Small Molecule Inhibitor of Smoothened

Purpose: Inappropriate activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway in skin is critical for the development of basal cell carcinomas (BCC). We have investigated the anti-BCC efficacy of topically-applied CUR61414, an inhibitor of the Hh signal transduction molecule Smoothened. Experimental Design: In preclinical studies, we used a depilatory model to evaluate the ability of topical formulations of CUR61414 to repress Hh responsive cells found at the base of hair follicles in normal skin. We also tested the in vivo effects of topical CUR61414 on murine BCCs developed in Ptch1 +/− K14-CreER2 p53 fl/fl mice. In a phase I clinical study, we evaluated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of a multidose regimen of CUR61414 (0.09%, 0.35%, 1.1%, and 3.1%) applied topically to human superficial or nodular BCCs for up to 28 days. Results: In mice, topical CUR61414 significantly inhibited skin Hh signaling, blocked the induction of hair follicle anagen, and shrank existing BCCs. However, we observed no clinical activity of this formulation in human superficial or nodular BCCs in a phase I clinical study. Conclusions: Our data highlight some of the challenges of translating preclinical experience into successful human results for a topical anticancer agent. Clin Cancer Res; 17(10); 3378–87. ©2011 AACR.
An Assessment of Japanese Carbon Tax Reform Using the E3MG Econometric Model

This paper analyses the potential economic and environmental effects of carbon taxation in Japan using the E3MG model, a global macroeconometric model constructed by the University of Cambridge and Cambridge Econometrics. The paper approaches the issues by considering first the impacts of the carbon tax in Japan introduced in 2012 and then the measures necessary to reduce Japan's emissions in line with its Copenhagen pledge of −25% compared to 1990 levels. The results from the model suggest that FY2012 Tax Reform has only a small impact on emission levels and no significant impact on GDP and employment. The potential costs of reducing emissions to meet the 25% reduction target for 2020 are quite modest, but noticeable. GDP falls by around 1.2% compared to the baseline and employment by 0.4% compared to the baseline. But this could be offset, with some potential economic benefits, if revenues are recycled efficiently. This paper considers two revenue recycling scenarios. The most positive outcome is if revenues are used both to reduce income tax rates and to increase investment in energy efficiency. This paper shows there could be double dividend effects, if Carbon Tax Reform is properly designed.
18F-FDG Uptake and Calcifications in the Thoracic Aorta on Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Examinations: Frequency and Stability on Serial Scans

Purpose Vascular 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) uptake has been suggested as a means of identifying metabolically active atheroma, whereas vascular calcification is accepted as an indicator of atherosclerosis. This investigation describes the frequency and stability of 18F-FDG uptake and vascular calcification in the thoracic aorta on serial 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) studies and correlates the findings with clinical data and risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Materials and Methods Serial 18F-FDG-PET/CT scans of 100 cancer patients who had at least 2 PET/CT studies were reviewed. Sites of aortic 18F-FDG uptake and calcifications were identified. Results were compared to assess the frequency and stability of the vascular findings and their correlation with clinical data. Results 18F-FDG aortic uptake was seen in 70% of the patients on the initial scan and changed on the second scan in 55% of the patients. Calcifications were often seen in patients with 18F-FDG uptake, but calcification and 18F-FDG uptake were present at the same site in only 2 cases. Both calcification and 18F-FDG uptake correlated with age. Patients with diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or a history of CVD had significantly more calcifications. No correlation was seen between 18F-FDG uptake and calcification stability and the interval between scans, age, risk factors, or history of CVD. Conclusions 18F-FDG vascular uptake was common on PET/CT and correlated with vascular calcifications, although the specific sites rarely overlapped. Calcifications were stable over time, but 18F-FDG uptake changed in more than half of the patients, supporting the postulate that inflammation in atheroma is a waxing and waning inflammatory process.
The Development of Young Children's Social-Cognitive Skills

Social-Cognitive Development. Individualistic Social-Cognitive Development. Interactionist Social-Cognitive Development. Conversational Contexts: The Site for Emerging Social-Cognitive Skills. A Framework for Investigating Social-Cognitive Skills. Illustrating the Framework: Overhearing and the Development of Social-Cognitive Skills. Overhearing as "Attention Focusing. " Overhearing as Conversation Monitoring. Investigating and Understanding Children's Social-Cognitive Skills: A Synopsis.
Evidence of a mate-finding cue in the hermaphrodite nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

When males of the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans come into association with their hermaphroditic counterparts they cease foraging behavior and begin to mate. Here we detail several assays used to demonstrate that a diffusible cue is correlated with this process. This cue is sexually dimorphic, given off only by the hermaphrodite and eliciting a response only in the male. Males are attracted to, reverse direction of movement frequently, and remain in regions of agar conditioned with hermaphrodites. From our studies we suggest a form of kinesis that works by attracting males to their mating partners from a distance and functions, once males arrive, in holding attracted males in close proximity. The hermaphrodite vulva is not required for the cue. Males from general sensory mutants osm-5 and osm-6 fail to respond to the cue, whereas male-specific mutants lov-1 and pkd-2 respond. Finally, that males from multiple isolates of C. elegans also respond similarly to this cue indicates that this cue is robust and has been maintained during recent evolution.
Emotion in the Social Practices of Mobile Phone Users

This thesis explores emotions that are mediated via the mobile phone and how these emotions are managed and used in the presentation of self. It addresses the question `How does emotion occur in the everyday use of mobile phones? ' The topic is explored using data collected in interviews with UK mobile phone users aged over 40. These respondents' expressions about, comments on and descriptions of their emotional connection with and through their mobile phones are used to explicate how the emotions mediated via mobile phones impact on their everyday emotional lives. I Prior sociological research on the affective aspects of mobile phone use and on emotion in particular has been limited. Furthermore, most research on the social practices of mobile phone users has been published during the last nine years with studies typically investigating much younger respondents than those in this present study. Drawing on literature on the sociology of emotion and on the social practices of mobile phone users, this study uses the theories of Goffman on dramaturgy, Hochschild on emotion management and Silverstone and Hirsch on domestication to frame the research design and analysis. The main findings of this study are that within this group of respondents the mobile phone has become a key component in the emotion management of their everyday lives, and that the emotion engendered by mobile phone use appears to have an effect on their sense of self. They use mobile phones extensively to manage the presentation of the self, as well as the emotional highs and lows of relationships and family commitments. It is also a repository of the emotional memories with which respondents interact. The older age of the respondents and the length of time they have used a mobile phone would appear to have some bearing on these findings and future studies on these aspects would further contribute to the body of research about emotion in the everyday use of mobile phones.
An Exploratory Study of the Impact of Malaysian Ethics Education on Ethical Sensitivity

This paper examines the effectiveness of ethics education provided by Malaysian universities. A total of 264 accounting students attending ethics courses in public and private universities responded to a pre and post questionnaire (treatment group) and another 57 students who did not complete an ethics course (control group) were included for comparative purposes. Statistical analysis reveals that business ethics courses are effective as students demonstrate higher level of ethical sensitivity upon completion of the course. In contrast, the control group students demonstrate lower levels of ethical sensitivity. Students in the “good” and “average” academic performance category, females, and Malay students, gained most from an ethics education. Students from public universities were also found to benefit more than their private university counterparts. The results contribute to the dearth of research in this area and present a case for introducing compulsory business ethics courses in all Malaysian universities offering accounting programs.
Prospective Memory Impairments in Schizophrenic Patients

Objective: Memory impairment is one of the most pervasive cognitive dysfunctions in schizophrenic patients. The aim of the current study was to conduct the most comprehensive assessment of how prospective memory (PM) is affected in schizophrenia in comparison with healthy controls. Methods: In this study, 30 first-episode schizophrenic patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders based on the diagnostic interview were recruited from eight regional psychiatric clinics in Iran. All participants were males (age 27-42). Moreover, 28 healthy controls were recruited from the same social-class as the patients. The Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ), PM tasks, and the Virtual Week Board Game were administered. Moreover, clinical symptoms were rated using the positive and negative symptoms scale. Results: The results showed that in all of the memory types, the group with dominant positive symptoms was superior to the group with dominant negative symptoms. In addition, the results showed that in all of the memory types, the control group had superiority to the schizophrenic group. The most considerable differences between groups were in time-based PM tasks, irregular event-based virtual week tasks, and retrospective tasks (PRMQ). Conclusion: The current study confirmed that schizophrenic patients have severe PM deficits.
FACTORS AFFECTING REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS IN THREE ENTOMOPHILOUS ORCHID SPECIES IN HUNGARY

The reproductive success of orchids is traditionally estimated by determining the fruit-set of individuals. Here, we investigated both the fruit and the seed production of three orchid species and the factors that may affect individual fruit-set, like pollination strategy, individual traits or the annual amount of precipitation. The species (Dactylorhiza sambucina (L.) Soó, Dactylorhiza majalis (Rchb.) P. F. Hunt & Summerhayes and Platanthera bifolia (L.) L. C. M. Richard) were studied in three consecutive years (2010–2012) in the Bükk Mountains, Hungary. All three species were proved to be non-autogamous by a bagging experiment. Data analyses showed significant differences between seed numbers but not between fruit-sets of species. There was no statistical difference in individual reproductive success between wet and dry years, however, the effect of the annual amount of precipitation is significant on the population level. Comparison of published fruit-set data revealed accordance with our results in P. bifolia, but not in D. sambucina and D. majalis. We assume that the surprisingly high fruit-set values of the two Dactylorhiza species may be due to the fact that the pollination crisis reported from Western European countries may not be an actual problem in the Bükk Mountains, Hungary.