scholarly journals Towards robust and replicable sex differences in the intrinsic brain function of autism

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorothea L. Floris ◽  
José O. A. Filho ◽  
Meng-Chuan Lai ◽  
Steve Giavasis ◽  
Marianne Oldehinkel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Gaussian Random Field ◽  
Occipital Cortex ◽  
Posterior Cingulate Cortex ◽  
Brain Organization ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Females With Autism ◽  
Main Effects

Abstract Background Marked sex differences in autism prevalence accentuate the need to understand the role of biological sex-related factors in autism. Efforts to unravel sex differences in the brain organization of autism have, however, been challenged by the limited availability of female data. Methods We addressed this gap by using a large sample of males and females with autism and neurotypical (NT) control individuals (ABIDE; Autism: 362 males, 82 females; NT: 409 males, 166 females; 7–18 years). Discovery analyses examined main effects of diagnosis, sex and their interaction across five resting-state fMRI (R-fMRI) metrics (voxel-level Z > 3.1, cluster-level P < 0.01, gaussian random field corrected). Secondary analyses assessed the robustness of the results to different pre-processing approaches and their replicability in two independent samples: the EU-AIMS Longitudinal European Autism Project (LEAP) and the Gender Explorations of Neurogenetics and Development to Advance Autism Research. Results Discovery analyses in ABIDE revealed significant main effects of diagnosis and sex across the intrinsic functional connectivity of the posterior cingulate cortex, regional homogeneity and voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) in several cortical regions, largely converging in the default network midline. Sex-by-diagnosis interactions were confined to the dorsolateral occipital cortex, with reduced VMHC in females with autism. All findings were robust to different pre-processing steps. Replicability in independent samples varied by R-fMRI measures and effects with the targeted sex-by-diagnosis interaction being replicated in the larger of the two replication samples—EU-AIMS LEAP. Limitations Given the lack of a priori harmonization among the discovery and replication datasets available to date, sample-related variation remained and may have affected replicability. Conclusions Atypical cross-hemispheric interactions are neurobiologically relevant to autism. They likely result from the combination of sex-dependent and sex-independent factors with a differential effect across functional cortical networks. Systematic assessments of the factors contributing to replicability are needed and necessitate coordinated large-scale data collection across studies.

scholarly journals Towards robust and replicable sex differences in the intrinsic brain function of autism

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorothea L. Floris ◽  
José O. A. Filho ◽  
Meng-Chuan Lai ◽  
Steve Giavasis ◽  
Marianne Oldehinkel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Gaussian Random Field ◽  
Occipital Cortex ◽  
Posterior Cingulate Cortex ◽  
Brain Organization ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Females With Autism ◽  
Main Effects

AbstractBackgroundMarked sex differences in autism prevalence accentuate the need to understand the role of biological sex-related factors in autism. Efforts to unravel sex differences in the brain organization of autism have, however, been challenged by the limited availability of female data.MethodsWe addressed this gap by using a large sample of males and females with autism and neurotypical (NT) control individuals (ABIDE; Autism: 362 males, 82 females; NT: 409 males, 166 females; 7-18 years). Discovery analyses examined main effects of diagnosis, sex and their interaction across five resting-state fMRI (R-fMRI) metrics (voxel-level Z > 3.1, cluster-level P < 0.01, gaussian random field corrected). Secondary analyses assessed the robustness of the results to different pre-processing approaches and their replicability in two independent samples: the EU-AIMS Longitudinal European Autism Project (LEAP) and the Gender Explorations of Neurogenetics and Development to Advance Autism Research (GENDAAR).ResultsDiscovery analyses in ABIDE revealed significant main effects across the intrinsic functional connectivity (iFC) of the posterior cingulate cortex, regional homogeneity and voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) in several cortical regions, largely converging in the default network midline. Sex-by-diagnosis interactions were confined to the dorsolateral occipital cortex, with reduced VMHC in females with autism. All findings were robust to different pre-processing steps. Replicability in independent samples varied by R-fMRI measures and effects with the targeted sex-by-diagnosis interaction being replicated in the larger of the two replication samples – EU-AIMS LEAP.LimitationsGiven the lack of a priori harmonization among the discovery and replication datasets available to date, sample-related variation remained and may have affected replicability.ConclusionsAtypical cross-hemispheric interactions are neurobiologically relevant to autism. They likely result from the combination of sex-dependent and sex-independent factors with a differential effect across functional cortical networks. Systematic assessments of the factors contributing to replicability are needed and necessitate coordinated large-scale data collection across studies.

scholarly journals Sex Differences in Functional Connectivity Between Resting State Brain Networks in Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vânia Tavares ◽  
Luís Afonso Fernandes ◽  
Marília Antunes ◽  
Hugo Ferreira ◽  
Diana Prata
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Brain Connectivity ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Control Networks ◽  
Highly Sensitive ◽  
Female Specific ◽  
Main Effects

AbstractFunctional brain connectivity (FBC) has previously been examined in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) between-resting-state networks (RSNs) using a highly sensitive and reproducible hypothesis-free approach. However, results have been inconsistent and sex differences have only recently been taken into consideration using this approach. We estimated main effects of diagnosis and sex and a diagnosis by sex interaction on between-RSNs FBC in 83 ASD (40 females/43 males) and 85 typically developing controls (TC; 43 females/42 males). We found increased connectivity between the default mode (DM) and (a) the executive control networks in ASD (vs. TC); (b) the cerebellum networks in males (vs. females); and (c) female-specific altered connectivity involving visual, language and basal ganglia (BG) networks in ASD—in suggestive compatibility with ASD cognitive and neuroscientific theories.

scholarly journals Quantifying the effects of passenger-level heterogeneity on transit journey times

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramandeep Singh ◽  
Daniel J. Graham ◽  
Richard J. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Semiparametric Regression ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Journey Time ◽  
Time Variance ◽  
Assignment Algorithm ◽  
Rail Systems ◽  
Urban Rail ◽  
Potential Applications

Abstract In this paper, we apply flexible data-driven analysis methods on large-scale mass transit data to identify areas for improvement in the engineering and operation of urban rail systems. Specifically, we use data from automated fare collection (AFC) and automated vehicle location (AVL) systems to obtain a more precise characterisation of the drivers of journey time variance on the London Underground, and thus an improved understanding of delay. Total journey times are decomposed via a probabilistic assignment algorithm, and semiparametric regression is undertaken to disentangle the effects of passenger-specific travel characteristics from network-related factors. For total journey times, we find that network characteristics, primarily train speeds and headways, represent the majority of journey time variance. However, within the typically twice as onerous access and egress time components, passenger-level heterogeneity is more influential. On average, we find that intra-passenger heterogeneity represents 6% and 19% of variance in access and egress times, respectively, and that inter-passenger effects have a similar or greater degree of influence than static network characteristics. The analysis shows that while network-specific characteristics are the primary drivers of journey time variance in absolute terms, a nontrivial proportion of passenger-perceived variance would be influenced by passenger-specific characteristics. The findings have potential applications related to improving the understanding of passenger movements within stations, for example, the analysis can be used to assess the relative way-finding complexity of stations, which can in turn guide transit operators in the targeting of potential interventions.

Effects of Squish Flow on Tangential Flow and Turbulence in a Diesel Engine

2019 ◽  
Vol 141 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanzhe Sun ◽  
Kai Sun ◽  
Tianyou Wang ◽  
Yufeng Li ◽  
Zhen Lu
Keyword(s):  
Diesel Engine ◽  
Turbulent Flows ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Radial Flow ◽  
Tangential Component ◽  
Tangential Flow ◽  
Image Velocimetry ◽  
Turbulence Production ◽  
Large Scale Flow ◽  
Main Effects

Emission and fuel consumption in swirl-supported diesel engines strongly depend on the in-cylinder turbulent flows. But the physical effects of squish flow on the tangential flow and turbulence production are still far from well understood. To identify the effects of squish flow, Particle image velocimetry (PIV) experiments are performed in a motored optical diesel engine equipped with different bowls. By comparing and associating the large-scale flow and turbulent kinetic energy (k), the main effects of the squish flow are clarified. The effect of squish flow on the turbulence production in the r−θ plane lies in the axial-asymmetry of the annular distribution of radial flow and the deviation between the ensemble-averaged swirl field and rigid body swirl field. Larger squish flow could promote the swirl center to move to the cylinder axis and reduce the deformation of swirl center, which could decrease the axial-asymmetry of annular distribution of radial flow, further, that results in a lower turbulence production of the shear stress. Moreover, larger squish flow increases the radial fluctuation velocity which makes a similar contribution to k with the tangential component. The understanding of the squish flow and its correlations with tangential flow and turbulence obtained in this study is beneficial to design and optimize the in-cylinder turbulent flow.

scholarly journals COSMIC COVARIANCE AND THE LOW QUADRUPOLE ANISOTROPY IN THE WMAP DATA

2008 ◽  
Vol 23 (17n20) ◽  
pp. 1489-1497 ◽  
Author(s):  
LUNG-YIH CHIANG ◽  
PAVEL D. NASELSKY ◽  
PETER COLES
Keyword(s):  
Monte Carlo ◽  
Monte Carlo Simulations ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Gaussian Random Field ◽  
Minimum Variance ◽  
Microwave Background ◽  
Data Release ◽  
Intrinsic Correlation ◽  
Wmap Data ◽  
Cmb Temperature

Low quadrupole power in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature anisotropies has been a puzzle since WMAP data release. In this talk I will demonstrate that the minimum variance optimization (MVO), a methodology used by many authors including the WMAP science team to separate the CMB from foreground contamination, serves not only to extract the CMB, but to subtract the “cosmic covariance”, an intrinsic correlation between the CMB and the foregrounds. Such subtraction induces low variance in the signal via MVO, which in turn propagates into the multipoles, causing a quadrupole deficit with more than 90% CL. As we do not know the CMB and the foregrounds a priori, and their correlation is subtracted by the MVO in any case, there is therefore an unknown error in the quadrupole power even before the cosmic variance interpretation. We combine the MVO and Monte Carlo simulations, assuming CMB is a Gaussian random field, and the estimated quadrupole power falls in [308.13, 401.97] μ K 2 (at 1 − σ level).

Experimental Evaluations of a Model of Mental Workload

1989 ◽  
Vol 33 (18) ◽  
pp. 1233-1237 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. A. Hancock ◽  
M. H. Chignell ◽  
M. Vercruyssen ◽  
M. Denhoff
Keyword(s):  
Path Length ◽  
Mental Workload ◽  
Movement Time ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Independent Effect ◽  
Subjective Perception ◽  
Performance Task ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Task Goal ◽  
Systematic Effects

The present experiments were designed to test predictions from a model of mental workload. The model predicts non-linear increases in mental workload as perceived distance from a task goal grows and effective time for action is reduced. Diminution of mental workload is achieved by application of effort which brings the task goal into the region of acceptable time/distance constraints for successful resolution. Two experiments are reported which tested these assertions using the timepools performance task. Timepools is unique as a performance task in that it generates a spatial representation of a shrinking temporal target. The independent effects of path length, i.e., the number of sequential targets to be acquired, and shrink rate, i.e., the collapse time during which the circle is halved in area, may be assessed using performance variables such as reaction time (RT), movement time (MT), error rate (E), and the subjective perception of workload. Data from Experiment 1, indicate systematic effects for task related factors across performance and workload measures, although such a pattern was not isomorphically mapped to the a priori assumed difficulty of the task. In Experiment 2, shrink rate and path length had independent effect on RT and MT respectively, which were reflected in components of the individual workload scales. The ramifications with respect to the model are elaborated.

A Comparison of Sport and Nonsport Occupational Aspirations among Disadvantaged Youth

1981 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary A. McElroy
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Discriminant Analysis ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Career Aspirations ◽  
Lower Class ◽  
Occupational Aspirations ◽  
Disadvantaged Youth ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Sport Careers

Sport and nonsport career choices among economically disadvantaged adolescents enrolled in a summer sports program were explored. It was hypothesized that youngsters with sport career aspirations would demonstrate differences in sport-related attitudes and experiences when compared to youngsters with nonsport career aspirations. Nonsport career aspirations were categorized into two groups: one representing “high prestige” occupations and one representing “low prestige” occupations. Discriminant analysis revealed that disadvantaged youths' career aspirations were differentially related to the sport-related factors. Contrary to warnings of the potential dysfunctional consequences for those who aspire to sport careers, adolescents with sport career aspirations consistently scored higher on achievement-related socialization factors than those aspiring for traditional low-prestige occupations. Sex differences were noted and discussed in light of the role of sport in the lower class social environment.

Sex differences in white adipose tissue expansion: emerging molecular mechanisms

2021 ◽  
Vol 135 (24) ◽  
pp. 2691-2708
Author(s):  
Simon T. Bond ◽  
Anna C. Calkin ◽  
Brian G. Drew
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Gene Networks ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Association Studies ◽  
Tissue Expansion ◽  
Economic Systems ◽  
Genomic Association ◽  
Males And Females

Abstract The escalating prevalence of individuals becoming overweight and obese is a rapidly rising global health problem, placing an enormous burden on health and economic systems worldwide. Whilst obesity has well described lifestyle drivers, there is also a significant and poorly understood component that is regulated by genetics. Furthermore, there is clear evidence for sexual dimorphism in obesity, where overall risk, degree, subtype and potential complications arising from obesity all differ between males and females. The molecular mechanisms that dictate these sex differences remain mostly uncharacterised. Many studies have demonstrated that this dimorphism is unable to be solely explained by changes in hormones and their nuclear receptors alone, and instead manifests from coordinated and highly regulated gene networks, both during development and throughout life. As we acquire more knowledge in this area from approaches such as large-scale genomic association studies, the more we appreciate the true complexity and heterogeneity of obesity. Nevertheless, over the past two decades, researchers have made enormous progress in this field, and some consistent and robust mechanisms continue to be established. In this review, we will discuss some of the proposed mechanisms underlying sexual dimorphism in obesity, and discuss some of the key regulators that influence this phenomenon.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document