Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Integration of Prosodic Speech in High Functioning Autism: A Preliminary fMRI Study

Background Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a specific triad of symptoms such as abnormalities in social interaction, abnormalities in communication and restricted activities and interests. While verbal autistic subjects may present a correct mastery of the formal aspects of speech, they have difficulties in prosody (music of speech), leading to communication disorders. Few behavioural studies have revealed a prosodic impairment in children with autism, and among the few fMRI studies aiming at assessing the neural network involved in language, none has specifically studied prosodic speech. The aim of the present study was to characterize specific prosodic components such as linguistic prosody (intonation, rhythm and emphasis) and emotional prosody and to correlate them with the neural network underlying them. Methodology/Principal Findings We used a behavioural test (Profiling Elements of the Prosodic System, PEPS) and fMRI to characterize prosodic deficits and investigate the neural network underlying prosodic processing. Results revealed the existence of a link between perceptive and productive prosodic deficits for some prosodic components (rhythm, emphasis and affect) in HFA and also revealed that the neural network involved in prosodic speech perception exhibits abnormal activation in the left SMG as compared to controls (activation positively correlated with intonation and emphasis) and an absence of deactivation patterns in regions involved in the default mode. Conclusions/Significance These prosodic impairments could not only result from activation patterns abnormalities but also from an inability to adequately use the strategy of the default network inhibition, both mechanisms that have to be considered for decreasing task performance in High Functioning Autism.
On the Estimation Performance and Convergence Rate of the Generalized Power Method for Phase Synchronization

An estimation problem of fundamental interest is that of phase synchronization, in which the goal is to recover a collection of phases using noisy measurements of relative phases. It is known that in the Gaussian noise setting, the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) has an expected squared $\ell_2$-estimation error that is on the same order as the Cram\'er-Rao lower bound. Moreover, even though the MLE is an optimal solution to a non-convex quadratic optimization problem, it can be found with high probability using semidefinite programming (SDP), provided that the noise power is not too large. In this paper, we study the estimation and convergence performance of a recently-proposed low-complexity alternative to the SDP-based approach, namely, the generalized power method (GPM). Our contribution is twofold. First, we bound the rate at which the estimation error decreases in each iteration of the GPM and use this bound to show that all iterates---not just the MLE---achieve an estimation error that is on the same order as the Cram\'er-Rao bound. Our result holds under the least restrictive assumption on the noise power and gives the best provable bound on the estimation error known to date. It also implies that one can terminate the GPM at any iteration and still obtain an estimator that has a theoretical guarantee on its estimation error. Second, we show that under the same assumption on the noise power as that for the SDP-based method, the GPM will converge to the MLE at a linear rate with high probability. This answers a question raised in [3] and shows that the GPM is competitive in terms of both theoretical guarantees and numerical efficiency with the SDP-based method. At the heart of our convergence rate analysis is a new error bound for the non-convex quadratic optimization formulation of the phase synchronization problem, which could be of independent interest.
Impact of age at diagnosis on disease progression in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis

Background The median age of diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is ∼30–40 years. Objective We aimed to analyse disease progression and liver-dependent survival in patients diagnosed with PSC after 50 years of age. Methods Patients with PSC were analysed with regard to their age at diagnosis. Patients with a first diagnosis of PSC after the age of 50 years were considered as the late-onset group. Results A total of 32/215 (14.9%) patients were diagnosed with PSC after 50 years of age. The proportion of females was significantly higher among patients with late-onset PSC (48.4 vs. 27.3%; p = 0.02). Patients with later diagnosis required dilatation therapy more often due to dominant stenosis (84.2 vs. 53.1%; p = 0.01) and suffered from recurrent cholangitis more often (48.3 vs. 21.0%; p = 0.003). Patients with late-onset PSC had reduced transplantation-free survival (10.5 ± 0.6 years vs. 20.8 ± 1.7 years, p < 0.0001), with progredient liver failure and cholangiocarcinoma as the leading causes of death. Conclusions Patients with later age at diagnosis of PSC displayed a different clinical phenotype with a different sex ratio, immune status and an increased risk for progressive liver failure and biliary malignancies.
Inclusion and exclusion strategies for conducting meta-analyses

Abstract Some of the most important decisions that a researcher will make when conducting a meta-analysis are decisions about the search strategies and inclusion/exclusion criteria. Decisions regarding inclusion/exclusion criteria serve to define the scope of a meta-analysis and search strategy decisions can have a large impact on how well the results of a meta-analysis actually represent the existing body of literature. In this article, we provide descriptions and recommendations for performing searches and making inclusion/exclusion decisions. We also provide a review of 65 meta-analyses of psychotherapy versus pharmacotherapy in order to offer frequency data on the use of various search strategies and inclusion/exclusion decisions in the field. Clinical or methodological significance of this article: This article provides a review of and recommendations for inclusion and exclusion strategies when conducting meta-analyses. The recommendations can provide guidance for future meta-analysts. This article also provides information for consumers that may be used to judge the quality of published meta-analyses.
Effect of LSR polymorphism on blood lipid levels and age‐specific epistatic interaction with the APOE common polymorphism

The lipolysis stimulated lipoprotein receptor (LSR) is an apolipoprotein (Apo) B and ApoE receptor that participates in the removal of triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins during the postprandial phase. LSR gene is located upstream of APOE, an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Since the APOE common polymorphism significantly affects the variability of lipid metabolism, this study aimed to determine the potential impact of a functional SNP rs916147 in LSR gene on lipid traits in healthy subjects and to investigate potential epistatic interaction between LSR and APOE. Unrelated healthy adults (N = 432) and children (N = 328, <18 years old) from the STANISLAS Family Study were used. Age‐specific epistasis was observed between APOE and LSR, reversing the protective effect of APOE ε2 allele on cholesterol, ApoE and low‐density lipoprotein levels (β: .114, P: .777 × 10−8, β: .125, P: .639 × 10−3, β: .059, P: .531 × 10−3, respectively). This interaction was verified in an independent adult population (n = 1744). These results highlight the importance of the LSR polymorphism and reveal the existence of complex molecular links between LSR and ApoE for the regulation of lipid levels, revealing potential new pathways of interest in type III hyperlipidemia and its involvement in CVD pathology.
Bimolecular complementation affinity purification (BiCAP) reveals dimer-specific protein interactions for ERBB2 dimers

The BiCAP method reveals protein partner–specific signaling with implications for breast cancer. Learning the choreography of protein networks In addition to the many modifications, such as phosphorylation, that occur at the level of single molecules and regulate cell signaling, the formation of protein dimers and larger-order oligomers can alter the output of stimuli received by cells. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family member ERBB2 dimerizes with itself and forms heterodimers with other family members. Croucher et al. developed a method called BiCAP that enables the specific isolation of any two interacting proteins by recognizing partner-specific conformations and demonstrated the utility of this approach to define partner-specific protein interaction networks for ERBB2, a receptor implicated in breast cancer. This revealed additional downstream mediators and signaling output for the ERBB3:ERBB2 heterodimer in breast cancer cells. Because changes in protein partners may contribute to disease or drug resistance, this method presents an approach to investigate how to exploit signals mediated by specific protein-protein interaction networks for patient therapy. The dynamic assembly of multiprotein complexes is a central mechanism of many cell signaling pathways. This process is key to maintaining the spatiotemporal specificity required for an accurate, yet adaptive, response to rapidly changing cellular conditions. We describe a technique for the specific isolation and downstream proteomic characterization of any two interacting proteins, to the exclusion of their individual moieties and competing binding partners. We termed the approach bimolecular complementation affinity purification (BiCAP) because it combines the use of conformation-specific nanobodies with a protein-fragment complementation assay with affinity purification. Using BiCAP, we characterized the specific interactome of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family member ERBB2 when in the form of a homodimer or when in the form of a heterodimer with either EGFR or ERBB3. We identified dimer-specific interaction patterns for key adaptor proteins and identified a number of previously unknown interacting partners. Functional analysis for one of these newly identified partners revealed a noncanonical mechanism of extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) activation that is specific to the ERBB2:ERBB3 heterodimer and acts through the adaptor protein FAM59A in breast cancer cells.
Dynamic capabilities: the missing link in CRM investments

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the practical application of dynamic capabilities theory to improve investment decisions in customer relationship management (CRM). Design/methodology/approach – Action research (AR) allows managers to raise the tacit knowledge of their dynamic capabilities to a level where they can be identified and developed. A framework and a process for managing dynamic capabilities in marketing are presented.Findings – The findings relate to the nature of dynamic capabilities in marketing and how they are managed.Practical implications – Marketing managers can improve the return on investments in CRM.Originality/value – The paper presents a method for applying dynamic capabilities drawn from the resource‐based view (RBV) to practical marketing problems.
Targeting Interventions in Networks

We study games in which a network mediates strategic spillovers and externalities among the players. How does a planner optimally target interventions that change individuals' private returns to investment? We analyze this question by decomposing any intervention into orthogonal principal components, which are determined by the network and are ordered according to their associated eigenvalues. There is a close connection between the nature of spillovers and the representation of various principal components in the optimal intervention. In games of strategic complements (substitutes), interventions place more weight on the top (bottom) principal components, which reflect more global (local) network structure. For large budgets, optimal interventions are simple—they essentially involve only a single principal component.
A Newly Described Bovine Type 2 Scurs Syndrome Segregates with a Frame-Shift Mutation in TWIST1

The developmental pathways involved in horn development are complex and still poorly understood. Here we report the description of a new dominant inherited syndrome in the bovine Charolais breed that we have named type 2 scurs. Clinical examination revealed that, despite a strong phenotypic variability, all affected individuals show both horn abnormalities similar to classical scurs phenotype and skull interfrontal suture synostosis. Based on a genome-wide linkage analysis using Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip genotyping data from 57 half-sib and full-sib progeny, this locus was mapped to a 1.7 Mb interval on bovine chromosome 4. Within this region, the TWIST1 gene encoding a transcription factor was considered as a strong candidate gene since its haploinsufficiency is responsible for the human Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, characterized by skull coronal suture synostosis. Sequencing of the TWIST1 gene identified a c. 148_157dup (p.A56RfsX87) frame-shift mutation predicted to completely inactivate this gene. Genotyping 17 scurred and 20 horned founders of our pedigree as well as 48 unrelated horned controls revealed a perfect association between this mutation and the type 2 scurs phenotype. Subsequent genotyping of 32 individuals born from heterozygous parents showed that homozygous mutated progeny are completely absent, which is consistent with the embryonic lethality reported in Drosophila and mouse suffering from TWIST1 complete insufficiency. Finally, data from previous studies on model species and a fine description of type 2 scurs symptoms allowed us to propose different mechanisms to explain the features of this syndrome. In conclusion, this first report on the identification of a potential causal mutation affecting horn development in cattle offers a unique opportunity to better understand horn ontogenesis.
Multi-objective constrained design of nickel-base superalloys using data mining- and thermodynamics-driven genetic algorithms

A new computational framework for systematic and optimal alloy design is introduced. It is based on a multi-objective genetic algorithm which allows (i) the screening of vast compositional ranges and (ii) the optimisation of the performance of novel alloys. Alloys performance is evaluated on the basis of their predicted constitutional and thermomechanical properties. To this end, the CALPHAD method is used for assessing equilibrium characteristics (such as constitution, stability or processability) while Gaussian processes provide an estimate of thermomechanical properties (such as tensile strength or creep resistance), based on a multi-variable non-linear regression of existing data. These three independently well-assessed tools were unified within a single C++ routine. The method was applied to the design of affordable nickel-base superalloys for service in power plants, providing numerous candidates with superior expected microstructural stability and strength. An overview of the metallurgy of optimised alloys, as well as two detailed examples of optimal alloys, suggest that improvements over current commercial alloys are achievable at lower costs.
Oncological safety of nipple-sparing mastectomy in young patients with breast cancer compared with conventional mastectomy

Although nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is being used more frequently, the oncological safety of NSM remains unclear, particularly in young patients (<35 years). The aim of the present study was to compare the rates of local recurrence (LR), disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in young patients with breast cancer who had undergone NSM or conventional mastectomy (CM). The clinicopathological data of young patients with stage 0–IIB breast cancer who had undergone NSM (163 cases) or CM (194 cases) between 2007 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. The log-rank test was used to analyze the differences in the LR, DFS and OS rates between the two groups and multivariate analysis was used to analyze the patient prognostic factors for DFS. The median follow-up time was 49 months. Patients who had undergone CM were more likely to exhibit stage II disease (68.4 vs. 58.3%; P=0.015) and positive lymph nodes (45.9 vs. 33.1%; P=0.014). In the NSM group, LR occurred in 7 (4.3%) cases, systemic recurrence in 15 (9.2%) cases and mortality in 9 (5.5%) cases. In the CM group, LR occurred in 6 (3.1%) cases, systemic recurrence in 27 (13.9%) cases and mortality in 15 (7.7%) cases. There were no statistical differences in the LR, DFS and OS rates between the two groups (P>0.05). Following adjustment for clinical stage, the LR and DFS rates between the two groups exhibited no significant differences. Analysis of the prognostic factors demonstrated that clinical stage, lymph node status, estrogen and progesterone receptor status and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status were associated with DFS (P<0.05). NSM is safe for young patients with early-stage breast cancer and provides patients with an improved cosmetic outcome. Furthermore, nipple-areola complex preservation does not increase the risk of recurrence.
ESC Working Group Cellular Biology of the Heart: Position Paper: improving the preclinical assessment of novel cardioprotective therapies

Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) remains the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. As a result, novel therapies are still needed to protect the heart from the detrimental effects of acute ischaemia–reperfusion injury, in order to improve clinical outcomes in IHD patients. In this regard, although a large number of novel cardioprotective therapies discovered in the research laboratory have been investigated in the clinical setting, only a few of these have been demonstrated to improve clinical outcomes. One potential reason for this lack of success may have been the failure to thoroughly assess the cardioprotective efficacy of these novel therapies in suitably designed preclinical experimental animal models. Therefore, the aim of this Position Paper by the European Society of Cardiology Working Group Cellular Biology of the Heart is to provide recommendations for improving the preclinical assessment of novel cardioprotective therapies discovered in the research laboratory, with the aim of increasing the likelihood of success in translating these new treatments into improved clinical outcomes.
Strength and performance asymmetry during maximal velocity sprint running

The aim of this study was to empirically examine the interaction of athlete‐specific kinematic kinetic and strength asymmetry in sprint running. Bilateral ground reaction force and kinematic data were collected during maximal velocity (mean = 9.05 m/s) sprinting for eight athletes. Bilateral ground reaction force data were also collected while the same athletes performed maximal effort squat jumps. Using novel composite asymmetry scores, interactions between kinematic and kinetic asymmetry were compared for the group of sprinters. Asymmetry was greater for kinematic variables than step characteristics, with largest respective values of 6.68% and 1.68%. Kinetic variables contained the largest asymmetry values, peaking at >90%. Asymmetry was present in all kinematic and kinetic variables analyzed during sprint trials. However, individual athlete asymmetry profiles were reported for sprint and jump trials. Athletes' sprint performance was not related to their overall asymmetry. Positive relationships were found between asymmetry in ankle work during sprint running and peak vertical force (r = 0.895) and power (r = 0.761) during jump trials, suggesting that the ankle joint may be key in regulating asymmetry in sprinting and highlighting the individual nature of asymmetry. The individual athlete asymmetry profiles and lack of relationship between asymmetry of limb strength and sprint performance suggest that athletes are not “limb dominant” and that strength imbalances are joint and task specific. Compensatory kinetic mechanisms may serve to reduce the effects of strength or biological asymmetry on the performance outcome of step velocity.
Asthma in reproductive-aged women with polycystic ovary syndrome and association with obesity

Recent research suggests that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may have a higher prevalence of asthma. However, there are no epidemiological studies aimed primarily at exploring the relationship between PCOS and asthma, and the effect of body mass index (BMI) on this association. This study is a cross-sectional analyses of data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, a large, community-based, prospective study to examine the association between PCOS and asthma in women aged 28–33 years (n=478 PCOS and n=8134 controls). The prevalence of asthma was 15.2% in women with PCOS and 10.6% in women without PCOS (p=0.004). Women with PCOS who had asthma had a trend for a higher BMI compared with women without asthma (29.9±0.9 versus 27.7±0.4 kg·m−2; p=0.054). Women without PCOS who had asthma had a higher BMI compared with women without asthma (26.4±0.2 versus 24.9±0.1 kg·m−2; p<0.001). After adjusting for age, BMI and smoking status, PCOS was associated with increased odds of asthma (odds ratio 1.34, 95% CI 1.004–1.79; p=0.047). This study showed both PCOS status and overweight/obese status were independently associated with asthma. Further prospective studies are required to explore the possible mechanisms underpinning the association between asthma and PCOS. In reproductive-aged women, polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with asthma independent of BMI http://ow.ly/YSa330a0vMm
Foot arch height and rigidity index associated with balance and postural sway in elderly women using a 3 D foot scanner by

Background: The maintenance of balance is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by a range of sensorimotor factors. Foot arch height index (AHI) and arch rigidity index (ARI) may also influence balance and postural sway. According to the literature, measurement of foot posture is widely considered to be an important component of musculoskeletal examination in clinical practice and research. On the other hand, the recent use of 3D foot scanners allows a large number of subjects to be scanned quickly and easily and helps to reduce the patient’s radiation exposure from xrays. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether AHI and ARI are associated with balance and postural sway by examining a large community sample of elderly women using recent 3D foot scanner technology. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 140 community-dwelling elderly women (73.9 ± 5.1 years) recruited in Kasama City, Japan. We assessed static and dynamic balance using one leg stance (OLS) and timed up & go (TUG). Postural sway variables, total path length (TPL) (cm), and area (cm) were measured by force plate. We measured AHI and ARI with DreamGP Incorporated’s 3D foot scanner (Osaka, Japan). In this study, AHI was defined as the linear distance (mm) from the instep, defined by the foot scanning machine, to the supporting surface while sitting and while standing with 50% weight bearing on each foot, divided by truncated foot length. ARI was the ratio of AHIstand/AHIsit. Results: After adjusting for potential confounders, univariate analyses revealed that AHI is significantly associated with OLS (P = 0.010), TPL (P= 0.031), and area (P = 0.024) in the sitting position. However, there was no association between standing AHI and balance or postural sway tests. Area (P= 0.024) was also associated with ARI. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that sitting AHI is associated with balance and postural sway, while ARI is associated with area in elderly women. Therefore, AHI and ARI might play important part in defining balance control in elderly women.