Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal alterations in fronto-striatal glutamate are associated with functioning during inhibitory control in autism spectrum disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder

Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are neurodevelopmental disorders with overlapping symptomatology. Both show deficits in inhibitory control, which are associated with altered functioning and glutamate concentrations in the fronto-striatal circuitry. These parameters have never been examined together. Here we, for the first time, used a multi-center, longitudinal approach to investigate fronto-striatal functioning during an inhibitory control task and its association with fronto-striatal glutamate concentrations across these two disorders. Methods 74 adolescents with ASD (24) or OCD (15) and controls (35) aged 8-17 were recruited across three sites of the European TACTICS consortium. They underwent two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sessions with a one-year interval. This included proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS; n=74) and functional MRI during an inhibitory control task (n=57). We used linear mixed effects models to investigate, over time, the relationship between fronto-striatal functioning and glutamate concentrations across these groups and continuous measures of overlapping compulsivity symptoms. Results During failed inhibitory control, in OCD increased striatal glutamate was associated with increased neural activation of ACC, an effect that decreased over time. During successful inhibitory control, higher ACC glutamate was positively associated with striatal activation in OCD and compulsivity across time. ACC glutamate levels decreased over time in the ASD group compared to controls, while striatal glutamate decreased over time, independent of diagnosis. Conclusions Significant differences in fronto-striatal glutamate were observed in ASD and OCD, affecting functional activity during failed- and successful inhibitory control differently, especially in OCD, with effects changing over time.
Motions Planning for Virtual Character

The existence of a virtual character in an environment requires its interaction within it. This interaction involves a combination of two skills, which are locomotion and manipulation. Our method treats this type of full-body motion planning problems. Where locomotion and manipulation are planned separately and coordinated with each other. We use a locomotion planner based on motion graph that searches for convenient body position for performing the manipulation motions successfully, and combined with a an iterative inverse kinematic method. The IK method adjusts the upper-body end effectors in real time to new constraints for planning manipulation motions. As a result, our method is able to automatically coordinate whole-body motions for planning virtual character locomotion and manipulation.
Stochastic Weighted Matching: $(1-ε)$ Approximation

Let $G=(V, E)$ be a given edge-weighted graph and let its {\em realization} $\mathcal{G}$ be a random subgraph of $G$ that includes each edge $e \in E$ independently with probability $p$. In the {\em stochastic matching} problem, the goal is to pick a sparse subgraph $Q$ of $G$ without knowing the realization $\mathcal{G}$, such that the maximum weight matching among the realized edges of $Q$ (i.e. graph $Q \cap \mathcal{G}$) in expectation approximates the maximum weight matching of the whole realization $\mathcal{G}$. In this paper, we prove that for any desirably small $\epsilon \in (0, 1)$, every graph $G$ has a subgraph $Q$ that guarantees a $(1-\epsilon)$-approximation and has maximum degree only $O_{\epsilon, p}(1)$. That is, the maximum degree of $Q$ depends only on $\epsilon$ and $p$ (both of which are known to be necessary) and not for example on the number of nodes in $G$, the edge-weights, etc. The stochastic matching problem has been studied extensively on both weighted and unweighted graphs. Previously, only existence of (close to) half-approximate subgraphs was known for weighted graphs [Yamaguchi and Maehara, SODA'18; Behnezhad et al., SODA'19]. Our result substantially improves over these works, matches the state-of-the-art for unweighted graphs [Behnezhad et al., STOC'20], and essentially settles the approximation factor.
Object Affordances Graph Network for Action Recognition

Human actions often involve interactions with objects, and such action possibilities of objects were termed “affordances” in human-computer interaction (HCI) literature. To facilitate action recognition with object affordances, we propose the Object Affordances Graph (OAG), which cast human-object interaction cues into video representations via an iterative reﬁnement procedure. With the spatio-temporal co-occurrences between human and objects captured, the Object Affordances Graph Network (OAGN) is subsequently proposed. To provide a fair evaluation of the role that object affordances could play on human action recognition, we have assembled a new dataset with additional annotated object bounding-boxes to account for human-object interactions. Multiple experiments on this proposed Object-Charades dataset verify the value of including object affordances in human action recognition, speciﬁcally via the proposed OAGN, which outperforms existing state-of-the-art affordance-less action recognition methods.
Defending against adversarial examples using defense kernel network

Deep neural networks have been widely used in recent years. Thus, the security of deep neural networks is crucial for practical applications. Most of previous defense methods are not robust for diverse adversarial perturbations and rely on some speciﬁc structure or properties of the attacked model. In this work, we propose a novel defense kernel network to convert the adversarial examples to images with evident classiﬁcation features. Our method is robust to variety adversarial perturbations and can be independently applied to different attacked model. Experiments on two benchmarks demonstrate that our method has competitive defense ability compared with existing state-of-the-art defense methods.
A Probabilistic Profile Reliability Approach to Improve the Richness of User's Interests Based on Social Information

The user requires personalized information that depends on his/her current profile information (needs, interests, preferences, etc.). Interests are the most important information of the user’s profile. There are many sources which may provide beneficial information to model the user’s interests, such as social neighbors’ profiles. However, the latter may provide conflicting interests (erroneous, duplicated, out of date, ambiguous,etc.) and consequently they can be considered as non-reliable sources. In this paper, we propose aprobabilistic approach to handle conflicts by detecting reliable profiles so as to improve the richness of user’sinterests. Our approach is different from those that are previously proposed as it takes into account the organizational aspects of interests in terms of their evolutionary aspect (freshness and popularity) as wellas their semantic relationships. Our experiment was conducted in a social-learning context in order to take the case of the improvement of the learner’s profile content based on his/her social network. The experiment led to satisfactory results.
Domain-independent Intent Extraction from Online Texts

Identifying user’s intents from texts on online channels has a wide range of applications from entrepreneurship, banking to e-commerce. However, intent identification is not a simple task due to the intent and its attributes are various and strongly depend on the domain of data. If the number of intent domains increases, the number of intent’s attributes will get bigger. As a result, the complexity of intent extraction task grows up significantly. Additionally, when a new domain comes, it involves considerable physical efforts to define specific labels for intent and attributes for that domain. Hence, it would be much better to come up with a new method for extracting user’s intents which is not dependent on a specific domain. In our research, we study the problem of domain-independent intent identification from posts and comments crawled from social networks and discussion forums. We present ten general labels, i.e. labels do not depend on a specific domain, and utilize them when extracting intent and its related information. We also propose a map between general labels and domain-specific labels. We extensively conduct experiments to explore the efficiency of using general labels compared to specific labels in extracting user’s intents when the number of intent domains increases. Our study is conducted on a medium-sized dataset from three selected domains: Tourism , Real Estate and Transportation . In term of accuracy, when the number of domains grows, our proposal achieves significantly better results than domain-specific method in identifying user’s intent.
Challenges to Successful Implementation of the Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Treatment of Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive malignant glioma, treatment of which has not improved significantly in many years. This is due to the unique challenges that GBM tumors present when designing and implementing therapies. Recently, immunotherapy in the form of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) has revolutionized the treatment of various malignancies. The application of immune checkpoint inhibition in GBM treatment has shown promising preclinical results. Unfortunately, this has met with little to no success in the clinic thus far. In this review, we will discuss the challenges presented by GBM tumors that likely limit the effect of ICI and discuss the approaches being tested to overcome these challenges.
Higher Accumulation of Docosahexaenoic Acid in the Vermilion of the Human Lip than in the Skin

The vermilion of the human lip is a unique facial area because of certain distinguishing features from the adjacent tissues such as the white lip (skin) and oral mucosa. However, the distinction in terms of molecular distribution between the vermilion and skin has remained unexplored. Therefore, we aimed to map the human lip by mass spectrometry imaging to gain understanding of the free fatty acid distribution in the vermilion. The lip specimens trimmed off during cheiloplasty were analyzed using desorption electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry imaging. Distributions of two monounsaturated fatty acids and three polyunsaturated fatty acids were observed in the human lip tissue: palmitoleic acid (POA) and oleic acid (OA) and linoleic acid (LA), arachidonic acid (AA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), respectively. Although POA, OA, LA, and AA were differentially distributed across the vermilion and skin, DHA showed a higher accumulation in the epithelium of the vermilion compared to that in the skin. Our results clearly demonstrated the difference in fatty acid distributions between the vermilion and skin. The highly abundant DHA in the epithelium of the vermilion may have an antioxidant role and may thus protect the lip from aging. Our findings can provide a novel strategy for treating lip disorders.
Lyoprotectant Optimization for the Freeze-Dry of Receptor-Targeted Trojan Horse Liposomes for Plasmid DNA Delivery.

Trojan horse liposomes (THLs) are a form of ligand-targeted nanomedicine, where a plasmid DNA is encapsulated in the interior of a 100-150 nm pegylated liposome, and the tips of a fraction of the surface pegylated strands are covalently linked to a receptor-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb) via a thio-ether linkage. The goal of this work was to develop a lyophilization methodology that enabled retention of the structure and function of the THLs following the freeze-dry/hydration process. THL fusion and leakage of plasmid DNA was observed with several lyoprotectants, including trehalose, hyaluronic acid, gamma cyclodextrin, or sulfobutylether beta cyclodextrin. However, the use of hydroxylpropyl gamma cyclodextrin, at a 40:1 wt:wt ratio relative to the THL phospholipid, eliminated liposome fusion and produced high retention of encapsulated plasmid DNA and THL-mediated gene expression after lyophilization followed by hydration. The freeze dried THL cake was amorphous without cavitation, and the diameters and functional properties of the THLs were preserved following hydration of cakes stored for at least 6 months. Intravenous administration of the hydrated freeze-dried THLs in the Rhesus monkey demonstrated the safety of the formulation. Blood plasmid DNA was measured with a quantitative PCR method, which enabled a pharmacokinetics analysis of the blood clearance of the THL-encapsulated plasmid DNA in the primate. The work shows that optimization of the lyoprotectant enables long term storage of the MAb-targeted DNA encapsulated liposomes in the freeze-dried state.
Characterization of Ginkgo biloba Leaf Flavonoids as Neuroexocytosis Regulators

Ginkgo biloba leaf (GBL) is known as a potential source of bioactive flavonoids, such as quercetin, arresting the neuronal soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE)-zippering. Here, the GBL flavonoids were isolated in two different manners and then examined for their bioactivity, physicochemical stability, and biocompatibility. The majority of flavonoids in the non-hydrolyzed and acidolyzed isolates, termed non-hydrolyzed isolate (NI) and acidolyzed isolate (AI) hereafter, were rich in flavonol glycosides and aglycones, respectively. Glycosidic/aglyconic quercetin and kaempferol were abundant in both NI and AI, whereas a little of apigenin, luteolin, and isorhamnetin were found in AI. NI was more thermostable in all pH ranges than quercetin, kaempferol, and AI. NI and AI both inhibited neurotransmitter release from differentiated neuronal PC-12 cells. NI and AI showed 1/2–1/3 lower EC50/CC50 values than quercetin and kaempferol. The NI and AI exhibited no toxicity assessed by the tests on chorioallantoic membranes of hen’s eggs, removing toxicological concerns of irritation potential. Moreover, GBL isolates, particularly AI, showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in the use below the CC50 levels. Taken together, these results suggest that GBL isolates that are rich in antioxidant flavonoids are effective anti-neuroexocytotic agents with high stability and low toxicity.
The effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the resting state functional brain connectivity in a sample of individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

14 It is well established that alcohol exposure during prenatal development 15 can lead to a heterogeneous and wide ranging set of morphological and 16 neurobehavioral deficits that are collectively known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum 17 Disorders (FASDs). Previous neuroimaging research conducted on individuals 18 with FASD has primarily employed graph-theoretical based analysis methods on 19 functional imaging data to elucidate the impact of prenatal alcohol on brain 20 connectivity. This study applied a widely used computational algorithm, group 21
Phenolic Compounds from An Algerian Endemic Species of Hypochaeris laevigata var. hipponensis and Investigation of Antioxidant Activities

Hypochaeris laevigata var. hipponensis (Asteraceae) is an endemic plant from Algeria. In the current study, we analyzed for the first time its chemical composition, especially phenolic constituents of dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EA), and n-butanol (BuOH) fractionsof the aerial parts of Hypochaeris laevigata var. hipponensis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The number of phenolic compounds detected in DCM, EA, and BuOH fractions were found to be 9, 20, and 15, respectively. More specifically, 12 phenolic acids were detected. Among them, quinic acid, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid were the most abundant ones. Meanwhile, only seven flavonoids were detected. Among them, rutin, apigetrin, and isoquercitrin were the major ones. We also determined the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and fraction EA showed the highest values, followed by BuOH, and DCM fractions. Furthermore, the antioxidant action was dictated by five methods and the tested plant fractions demonstrated a noteworthy antioxidant action.
Sperm Cryodamage in Ruminants: Understanding the Molecular Changes Induced by the Cryopreservation Process to Optimize Sperm Quality

Sperm cryopreservation represents a powerful tool for livestock breeding. Several efforts have been made to improve the efficiency of sperm cryopreservation in different ruminant species. However, a significant amount of sperm still suffers considerable cryodamage, which may affect sperm quality and fertility. Recently, the use of different “omics” technologies in sperm cryobiology, especially proteomics studies, has led to a better understanding of the molecular modifications induced by sperm cryopreservation, facilitating the identification of different freezability biomarkers and certain proteins that can be added before cryopreservation to enhance sperm cryosurvival. This review provides an updated overview of the molecular mechanisms involved in sperm cryodamage, which are in part responsible for the structural, functional and fertility changes observed in frozen–thawed ruminant sperm. Moreover, the molecular basis of those factors that can affect the sperm freezing resilience of different ruminant species is also discussed as well as the molecular aspects of those novel strategies that have been developed to reduce sperm cryodamage, including new cryoprotectants, antioxidants, proteins, nanoparticles and vitrification.
Modification of Muscle-Related Hormones in Women with Obesity: Potential Impact on Bone Metabolism

Lean body mass (LBM) is a determinant of areal bone mineral density (aBMD) through its mechanical actions and quite possibly through its endocrine functions. The threefold aims of this study are: to determine the effects of obesity (OB) on aBMD and myokines; to examine the potential link between myokines and bone parameters; and to determine whether the effects of LBM on aBMD are mediated by myokines. aBMD and myokine levels were evaluated in relation to the body mass index (BMI) in 179 women. Compared with normal-weight controls (CON; n = 40), women with OB (n = 139) presented higher aBMD, myostatin and follistatin levels and lower irisin levels. Except for irisin levels, all differences between the OB and CON groups were accentuated with increasing BMI. For the whole population (n = 179), weight, BMI, fat mass (FM) and LBM were positively correlated with aBMD at all bone sites, while log irisin were negatively correlated. The proportion of the LBM effect on aBMD was partially mediated (from 14.8% to 29.8%), by log irisin, but not by follistatin or myosin. This study showed that myokine levels were greatly influenced by obesity. However, irisin excepted, myokines do not seem to mediate the effect of LBM on bone tissue.
Identification of Potential Biomarkers for Anti-PD-1 Therapy in Melanoma by Weighted Correlation Network Analysis

Melanoma is the most malignant form of skin cancer, which seriously threatens human life and health. Anti-PD-1 immunotherapy has shown clinical benefits in improving patients’ overall survival, but some melanoma patients failed to respond. Effective therapeutic biomarkers are vital to evaluate and optimize benefits from anti-PD-1 treatment. Although the establishment of immunotherapy biomarkers is well underway, studies that identify predictors by gene network-based approaches are lacking. Here, we retrieved the existing datasets (GSE91061, GSE78220 and GSE93157, 79 samples in total) on anti-PD-1 therapy to explore potential therapeutic biomarkers in melanoma using weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), function validation and clinical corroboration. As a result, 13 hub genes as critical nodes were traced from the key module associated with clinical features. After receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve validation by an independent dataset (GSE78220), six hub genes with diagnostic significance were further recovered. Moreover, these six genes were revealed to be closely associated not only with the immune system regulation, immune infiltration, and validated immunotherapy biomarkers, but also with excellent prognostic value and significant expression level in melanoma. The random forest prediction model constructed using these six genes presented a great diagnostic ability for anti-PD-1 immunotherapy response. Taken together, IRF1, JAK2, CD8A, IRF8, STAT5B, and SELL may serve as predictive therapeutic biomarkers for melanoma and could facilitate future anti-PD-1 therapy.
Sex and Emotion Regulation Difficulties Contribute to Depression in Young Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Many young adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at risk for depression. Yet, questions remain about factors associated with the development of depression in young adults with ADHD. This study examined the effects of sex and emotion regulation difficulties on depression in a sample of young adults with (n = 172) and without (n = 730) ADHD. Two aspects of emotion regulation difficulties were examined—impairments in emotional insight (i.e., lack of emotional awareness, nonacceptance of emotion, and lack of emotional clarity) and impairments in behavioral response to emotion (i.e., impulse control difficulties, difficulties engaging in goal-directed behavior, and limited access to emotion regulation strategies). Significant correlations between ADHD and all indices of emotion regulation difficulty emerged. Sex moderated the association between ADHD and lack of emotional awareness, difficulties engaging in goal-directed behavior, and limited access to emotion regulation strategies. Specifically, ADHD was significantly associated with limited emotion regulation awareness for women but not men, while ADHD was associated with greater difficulties engaging in goal-directed behavior and limited access to emotion regulation strategies for women compared to men. These three areas of emotion regulation dysfunction simultaneously mediated the association between ADHD and depression. The findings indicate the importance of considering emotion regulation and sex in understanding depression in young adults with ADHD.
Heart Rate Variability in Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy—A Systematic Literature Review

Cardiac autonomic dysfunction has been reported in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). The aim of this study was to assess the existing literature on heart rate variability (HRV) in pediatric patients with CP and a special attention was paid to the compliance of the studies with the current HRV assessment and interpretation guidelines. A systematic review was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases searched for English language publications from 1996 to 2019 using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms “heart rate variability” and “cerebral palsy” in conjunction with additional inclusion criteria: studies limited to humans in the age range of 0–18 years and empirical investigations. Out of 47 studies, 12 were included in the review. Pediatric patients with CP presented a significantly higher resting heart rate and reduced HRV, different autonomic responses to movement stimuli compared to children with normal development, but also reduced HRV parameters in the children dependent on adult assistance for mobility compared to those generally independent. None of the included studies contained the necessary details concerning RR intervals acquisition and HRV measurements as recommended by the guidelines. Authors of HRV studies should follow the methodological guidelines and recommendations on HRV measurement, because such an approach may allow a direct comparison of their results.