Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
“Is Voice A Marker for Autism Spectrum Disorder? A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis”

Lay Abstract Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are reported to speak in distinctive ways. Distinctive vocal production should be better understood as it can affect social interactions and social development and could represent a noninvasive marker for ASD. We systematically review the existing scientific literature reporting quantitative acoustic analysis of vocal production in ASD and identify repeated and consistent findings of higher pitch mean and variability but not of other differences in acoustic features. We also identify a recent approach relying on multiple aspects of vocal production and machine learning algorithms to automatically identify ASD from voice only. This latter approach is very promising, but requires more systematic replication and comparison across languages and contexts. We outline three recommendations to further develop the field: open data, open methods, and theory-driven research. Scientific Abstract Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) tend to show distinctive, atypical acoustic patterns of speech. These behaviours affect social interactions and social development and could represent a non-invasive marker for ASD. We systematically reviewed the literature quantifying acoustic patterns in ASD. Search terms were: (prosody OR intonation OR inflection OR intensity OR pitch OR fundamental frequency OR speech rate OR voice quality OR acoustic) AND (autis* OR Asperger). Results were filtered to include only: empirical studies quantifying acoustic features of vocal production in ASD, with a sample size > 2, and the inclusion of a neurotypical comparison group and/or correlations between acoustic measures and severity of clinical features. We identified 34 articles, including 30 univariate studies and 15 multivariate machine-learning studies. We performed meta-analyses of the univariate studies, identifying significant differences in mean pitch and pitch range between individuals with ASD and comparison participants (Cohen's d of 0.4–0.5 and discriminatory accuracy of about 61–64%). The multivariate studies reported higher accuracies than the univariate studies (63–96%). However, the methods used and the acoustic features investigated were too diverse for performing meta-analysis. We conclude that multivariate studies of acoustic patterns are a promising but yet unsystematic avenue for establishing ASD markers. We outline three recommendations for future studies: open data, open methods, and theory-driven research.
Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) in systemic lupus erythematosus: relation to disease activity, organ damage and immunological findings

Background Insulin growth factor-1 (IGF1) activates cell proliferation pathways and inhibits apoptosis. IGF1 is involved in tumour growth and required for T-cell independent activation of B cells. Activated B cells and autoantibody production are a hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To investigate the possible role of IGF1 in SLE, we studied IGF1 across clinical characteristics, immunological biomarkers, disease activity and organ damage in SLE patients. Method In a cross-sectional study, we collected clinical characteristics, medication, disease activity (SLEDAI-2K) and organ damage (SDI) for 94 SLE patients. Autoantibodies and cytokines were measured by ELISA, and levels of IGF1 and IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) by chemiluminescence. Free IGF1 was estimated by the IGF1:IGFBP3 ratio. Healthy controls served as a comparator group. Results There was a significant age-related decline in IGF1, IGFBP3 and free IGF1 (IGF1:IGFBP3 ratio) that was similar in SLE patients and controls with very few outliers. Free IGF1 was inversely related to blood pressure (Rs −0.327, p < 0.01) and HbA1c (Rs −0.31, p < 0.01). Free IGF1 was higher in disease-modifying antirheumatic drug-treated patients (p < 0.01), but there was no significant association between the IGF1 axis and autoantibody profiles, cytokine levels or SLEDAI-2K or SDI categories. IGF1 correlated inversely with BAFF level and B, natural killer and CD8 + cell counts. Conclusion Free IGF1 levels in SLE patients declined appropriately with age. IGF1 levels were not associated with disease activity, severity or autoantibody levels in SLE. Free IGF1 had positive metabolic effects in SLE and may play an indirect role in dampening the cellular immune response by downregulating B- and T-cell activity.
A Top-Down Compiler for Sentential Decision Diagrams

The sentential decision diagram (SDD) has been recently proposed as a new tractable representation of Boolean functions that generalizes the influential ordered binary decision diagram (OBDD). Empirically, compiling CNFs into SDDs has yielded significant improvements in both time and space over compiling them into OBDDs, using a bottom-up compilation approach. In this work, we present a top-down CNF to SDD compiler that is based on techniques from the SAT literature. We compare the presented compiler empirically to the state-of-the-art, bottom-up SDD compiler, showing orders-of-magnitude improvements in compilation time.
Stage‐dependent transient storage of phosphorus in alluvial floodplains

Models for contaminant transport in streams commonly idealize transient storage as a well mixed but immobile system. These transient storage models capture rapid (near‐stream) hyporheic storage and transport, but do not account for large‐scale, stage‐dependent interaction with the alluvial aquifer. The objective of this research was to document transient storage of phosphorus (P) in coarse gravel alluvium potentially influenced by large‐scale, stage‐dependent preferential flow pathways (PFPs). Long‐term monitoring was performed at floodplain sites adjacent to the Barren Fork Creek and Honey Creek in northeastern Oklahoma. Based on results from subsurface electrical resistivity mapping which was correlated to hydraulic conductivity data, observation wells were installed both in higher hydraulic conductivity and lower hydraulic conductivity subsoils. Water levels in the wells were monitored over time, and water samples were obtained from the observation wells and the stream to document P concentrations at multiple times during high flow events. Contour plots indicating direction of flow were developed using water table elevation data. Contour plots of total P concentrations showed the alluvial aquifer acting as a transient storage zone, with P‐laden stream water heterogeneously entering the aquifer during the passage of a storm pulse, and subsequently re‐entering the stream during baseflow conditions. Some groundwater in the alluvial floodplains had total P concentrations that mirrored the streams' total P concentrations. A detailed analysis of P forms indicated that particulate P (i.e. P attached to particulates greater than 0·45 µm) was a significant portion of the P transport. This research suggests the need for more controlled studies on stage‐dependent transient storage in alluvial systems. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PI3K Signaling in B Cell and T Cell Biology

The drug Idelalisib is the first PI3K inhibitor to be approved by the FDA for clinical use. It is therefore timely to take stock of our current understanding of the role of PI3Ks in the immune system. The phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) control many key functions in immune cells (1). PI3Ks phosphorylate PtdIns(4,5)P2 to yield PtdIns(3,4,5)P3, which acts as a second messenger signaling molecule that controls the activation of Akt and other proteins with PH domains. Initially, PI3K inhibitors such as Wortmannin, LY294002, and Rapamycin were used to establish a central role for PI3K pathway in immune cells. More recent progress in understanding the role of this pathway in cells of the immune system has been made through the generation of wide range of gene-targeted mouse models as well as with the development of highly selective small molecule inhibitors, culminating in the FDA approval of the PI3Kδ inhibitor Idelalisib in 2014. Together, lab experiments, preclinical, and clinical trials have revealed how PI3Ks control B cell and T cell development, T helper cell differentiation, regulatory T cell (Treg) development and function, B cell and T cell trafficking, immunoglobulin class switching, and much more.
Effect of Ultrasound and Xylanase Treatment on the Physical-Mechanical Properties of Bleached Eucalyptus Kraft Pulp

The modification on the fiber structure of bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp is a very attractive alternative for improve- ments in the properties of paper production. The enzymatic treatment by xylanases and ultrassonic treatments modify the characteristics of the fibers, has been reported. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of ultrasonic waves as a facilitator of the action of enzymes (hemicellulase) by modifying the physicochemical nature of fiber eucalyptus Kraft pulp, in order to improve the physical and mechanical properties of the paper. But it was observed the that idea of ultrasound acts as facilitator for action of enzymes can’t be affirmed, since in most properties XA-1 and XA-2 were equal statistically. It may be noted that the junction of ultrasound and xylanase provided improves on tensile index, specific elastic modulus and tensile energy absorption and a decrease of tear index on the mechanical properties of handsheet and it increased the opacity when the ultrasound was applied before xylanase.
A rational-emotive stress management intervention for reducing job burnout and dysfunctional distress among special education teachers

Background: Job-related burnout and distress are adverse stress responses which affect individuals in their occupational environment. This study aimed at investigating the effect of a rational-emotive stress management program on job burnout and dysfunctional distress among special education teachers in Nigeria. Methods: A pretest–posttest randomized control group design was used. The participants in the study were 54 special education teachers. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires. Participants were allocated to either the treatment group (n = 28 [59.1%]) or the waitlist control group (n = 26 [48.1%]), respectively. A rational-emotive stress management manual was used to deliver the intervention. We statistically analyzed the data collected at three-time points with repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: At baseline, the job-related burnout symptoms and distress scores of participants were high. However, an intention-to-treat analysis showed that the rational-emotive stress management intervention program was efficacious in reducing the levels of job-related burnout symptoms and dysfunctional distress among participants assigned to the treatment group, compared to a waitlisted group at post-treatment and follow-up meetings. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the effectiveness of a rational-emotive stress management intervention in reducing the level of job-related burnout and distress in a sample of special education teachers in Nigeria. Occupational health counsellors and other clinicians with sufficient knowledge of rational-emotive behavior therapy framework are urged to employ this approach in assisting other employees in managing job burnout symptoms, and distress.
Correlation of serum visfatin level with chest pain scoring as an indication of myocardial ischemia in chronic kidney disease patients

Background Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Visfatin), an enzyme involved in the NAD+ salvage pathway, has been shown to help in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. It is a highly conserved, 52 kDa protein found in living species from bacteria to humans. It is an adipokine produced and secreted primarily by adipose tissue. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease patients showed increased cardiovascular mortality, and vascular events account for more than half of the deaths in this population. Myocardial ischemia is a consequence of coronary heart disease. Recent studies found that with increasing visfatin levels, CKD patients have a larger number of vessels with stenosis and a higher likelihood of coronary artery disease. Research design and methods The current prospective study includes 137 CKD patients and patients with chest pain (CP), as well as 20 patients as controls. Patient data included age, sex, comorbidities, smoking status, weight, height, and BMI, calculated using the equation: BMI = weight (kg)/height (m 2 ). Estimated glomerular filtration rate was calculated using the modified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equations; in addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to estimate serum visfatin levels, and CP was assessed through a modification of the master questionnaire. Results All patients had significantly (P < 0.05) higher serum visfatin levels compared with controls. Patients who had typical anginal CP had significantly (P < 0.05) higher serum visfatin levels compared with those who had atypical anginal or nonanginal CP, with nonsignificantly (P > 0.05) higher serum visfatin levels in patients with atypical anginal CP compared with those with nonanginal CP. Moreover, patients with stage 4 CKD had a significantly (P < 0.05) higher serum visfatin level compared with patients with stage 3 CKD. Conclusion It could be concluded that patients with CKD are at an actual risk of developing CP secondary to myocardial ischemic attack, presenting either as typical or as atypical anginal pain. Elevated serum visfatin levels may be the cornerstone for the relationship between CKD and coronary heart disease. Serum visfatin levels in range of 12.4-16.4 ng/ml could predict the possibility of developing an anginal attack in patients with atypical anginal CP, with high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis.
Prostaglandin E2 inhibits T cell activation‐induced apoptosis and Fas‐mediated cellular cytotoxicity by blockade of Fas‐ligand induction

Prostanoids exhibit both pro‐apoptotic and anti‐apoptotic functions depending on the maturation stage and tissue localization of target cells. Prostaglandin (PG) E2 has been shown to protect T lymphocytes from TCR‐mediated activation‐induced cell death, but the mechanism by which PGE2 inhibits apoptosis of T cells has not been established. We show that this protection involves the down‐regulation of Fas‐ligand (Fas‐L) mRNA levels in T cells. Modulation of cell surface Fas‐L expressin by physiological concentrations of PGE2 was shown to be both anti‐apoptotic as well as capable of inhibiting Fas‐L‐mediated cytotoxicity of Fas‐transfected P815 target cells. Thus, this study provides direct evidence of the likely biological means by which PGE2 down‐regulates T cell apoptosis.
Effectiveness of a Simplified Method for Isolation of Burkholderia pseudomallei from Soil

ABSTRACT Detection of environmental Burkholderia pseudomallei indicates a risk for melioidosis and is important for the development of a global risk map. We describe a simple method for detecting B. pseudomallei using direct culture of soil in enrichment broth. This gives a rate of positivity comparable to that obtained with a standard method but is cheaper and labor saving.
Association of Long-term Air Pollution With Ventricular Conduction and Repolarization Abnormalities

Background: Short-term exposure to air pollution may affect ventricular repolarization, but there is limited information on how long-term exposures might affect the surface ventricular electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities associated with cardiovascular events. We carried out a study to determine whether long-term air pollution exposure is associated with abnormalities of ventricular repolarization and conduction in adults without known cardiovascular disease. Methods: A total of 4783 participants free of clinical cardiovascular disease in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis underwent 12-lead ECG examinations, cardiac-computed tomography, and calcium scoring, as well as estimation of air pollution exposure using a finely resolved spatiotemporal model to determine long-term average individual exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and proximity to major roadways. We assessed ventricular electrical abnormalities including presence of QT prolongation (Rautaharju QTrr criteria) and intraventricular conduction delay (QRS duration >120 milliseconds). We used logistic regression to determine the adjusted relationship between air pollution exposures and ECG abnormalities. Results: A 10-&mgr;g/m3 increase in estimated residential PM2.5 was associated with an increased odds of prevalent QT prolongation (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.6 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2–2.2]) and intraventricular conduction delay (1.7 [1.0–2.6]), independent of coronary-artery calcium score. Living near major roadways was not associated with ventricular electrical abnormalities. No evidence of effect modification by traditional risk factors or study site was observed. Conclusions: This study demonstrates an association between long-term exposure to air pollution and ventricular repolarization and conduction abnormalities in adults without clinical cardiovascular disease, independent of subclinical coronary arterial calcification.
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal and Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition: From Cardiovascular Development to Disease

Cellular switching from an epithelial-to-mesenchymal phenotype, and conversely from a mesenchymal-to-epithelial phenotype, are important biological programs that are operative from conception to death in mammalian organisms. Indeed, the capacity of cells to switch between these states has been fundamental to the generation of complex body patterns throughout evolution. Phenotypic switching from an epithelial to mesenchymal cell, termed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), was a paradigm that evolved from numerous observations on early embryonic development, the foundations of which date back to the 1920s and the pioneering work of Johannes Holtfreter on embryo formation and differentiation.1,2 By the late 1960s, seminal chick embryo studies by Elizabeth Hay3 led to the first formal description that epithelial cells can undergo a dramatic phenotypic transformation and give rise to embryonic mesoderm.4 Subsequent studies have revealed that this process is reversible (mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition [MET]), and gradually the term ‘transition” has come to replace ‘transformation. ” Given that EMT/MET was initially identified and described by developmental biologists, it is perhaps not surprising that these processes are best understood during embryonic implantation and development. As explored in this review, it is now known that successive waves of cellular transition, from an epithelial to mesenchymal and then back to an epithelial state, are required for normal embryonic patterning and organ formation. In addition, numerous studies that span a broad spectrum of physiological and pathological conditions have expanded our knowledge of EMT/MET and now provide evidence for the important role played by these processes in various adult conditions including fibrosis, wound repair, inflammation, and malignancy. Indeed, our conceptual framework now also encompasses several variations and subcategories of cellular phenotypic switching, including endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). In this review, epithelial, endothelial, and mesenchymal phenotypic cellular switching will be explored in the cardiovascular system, spanning cardiovascular development through to adult …
Research on Radicalisation: Topics and Themes

The following text is a slightly expanded version of the author’s introduction to a panel titled ‘Next Wave of Research Topics and Themes’ held at the end of a Research Seminar on ‘Radicalisation: From Theory to Practice’. It was held on 13-14 April 2016 in Vienna, Austria, and organised by the European Radicalisation Awareness Network. RAN was set up in 2010 by the European Commission as an EU-wide umbrella network of practitioners engaged to prevent and counter radicalisation to violent extremism. Its Centre of Excellence (RAN CoE) acts as a hub in connecting, developing and disseminating expertise and seeks to develop state-of-the-art knowledge.
Can religion be explained? The role of absorption in various religious phenomena

This article claims that the study of religion has overlooked a feature of the human mind that may yet help to explain certain aspects of religion. Awareness, it is here argued, can vary along a dimension that is characterized by the density of associations and other inputs that accompany it. The mechanism behind this is concentration, including the stronger form of concentration here called absorption. Absorption has cognitive effects, and is at least in part responsible for the human tendency to believe in a different, “higher,” reality. Various other features usually associated with religion—including ritual behavior and asceticism—also make sense in the light of this observation.
Effects of sample size and distributional assumptions on competing models of the factor structure of the PANSS and BPRS

Factor analytic work on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) has yielded varied and conflicting results. The current study explored potential causes of these discrepancies. Prior research has been limited by small sample sizes and an incorrect assumption that the items are normally distributed when in practice responses are highly skewed ordinal variables. Using simulation methodology, we examined the effects of sample size, (in)correctly specifying item distributions, collapsing rarely endorsed response categories, and four factor analytic models. The first is the model of Van Dorn et al., developed using a large integrated data set, specified the item distributions as multinomial, and used cross‐validation. The remaining models were developed specifying item distributions as normal: the commonly used pentagonal model of White et al.; the model of Van der Gaag et al. developed using extensive cross‐validation methods; and the model of Shafer developed through meta‐analysis. Our simulation results indicated that incorrectly assuming normality led to biases in model fit and factor structure, especially for small sample size. Collapsing rarely used response options had negligible effects.
From traditional to performance-based assessment: Student perceptions and implications of a new achievement assessment in introductory Japanese courses

Uchida, Namiko. M.A., Purdue University, December 2015. From Traditional to Performance-Based Assessment: Implications of a New Achievement Assessment and Students' Perceptions in the Introductory Japanese Courses. Major Professor: Atsushi Fukada. Communicative language teaching in the early 1980s led to greater emphasis on the development of communicative ability and also increased interactive practice in classroom learning. However, in many communicative language programs today, large portions of periodic assessment do not necessarily reflect this pedagogical focus; instead, the traditional pencil-and-paper format is still in common use. Traditional written tests typically emphasize grammar and written language, and multiple-choice and cloze test items are often employed. In such formats, students are not required to demonstrate the oral skills they have acquired in the classroom; therefore, traditional written tests are not appropriate indicators of the students’ ability to use the language in real-life situations. There may be one or two oral tests in a semester, but that would not be enough to outweigh the grammar/written language emphasis. Furthermore, oral assessments are not typically given with sufficient frequency to track the development of students’ oral skills because they generally require significant amount of time for administration. To improve such situations, a computer-assisted achievement assessment called the “Performance-Based Test” (PBT) was designed at Purdue University with the focus