Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does Interdisciplinary Research Lead to Higher Citation Impact? The Different Effect of Proximal and Distal Interdisciplinarity

This article analyses the effect of degree of interdisciplinarity on the citation impact of individual publications for four different scientific fields. We operationalise interdisciplinarity as disciplinary diversity in the references of a publication, and rather than treating interdisciplinarity as a monodimensional property, we investigate the separate effect of different aspects of diversity on citation impact: i.e. variety, balance and disparity. We use a Tobit regression model to examine the effect of these properties of interdisciplinarity on citation impact, controlling for a range of variables associated with the characteristics of publications. We find that variety has a positive effect on impact, whereas balance and disparity have a negative effect. Our results further qualify the separate effect of these three aspects of diversity by pointing out that all three dimensions of interdisciplinarity display a curvilinear (inverted U-shape) relationship with citation impact. These findings can be interpreted in two different ways. On the one hand, they are consistent with the view that, while combining multiple fields has a positive effect in knowledge creation, successful research is better achieved through research efforts that draw on a relatively proximal range of fields, as distal interdisciplinary research might be too risky and more likely to fail. On the other hand, these results may be interpreted as suggesting that scientific audiences are reluctant to cite heterodox papers that mix highly disparate bodies of knowledge—thus giving less credit to publications that are too groundbreaking or challenging.
Transgenic multivitamin corn through biofortification of endosperm with three vitamins representing three distinct metabolic pathways

Vitamin deficiency affects up to 50% of the world's population, disproportionately impacting on developing countries where populations endure monotonous, cereal-rich diets. Transgenic plants offer an effective way to increase the vitamin content of staple crops, but thus far it has only been possible to enhance individual vitamins. We created elite inbred South African transgenic corn plants in which the levels of 3 vitamins were increased specifically in the endosperm through the simultaneous modification of 3 separate metabolic pathways. The transgenic kernels contained 169-fold the normal amount of β-carotene, 6-fold the normal amount of ascorbate, and double the normal amount of folate. Levels of engineered vitamins remained stable at least through to the T3 homozygous generation. This achievement, which vastly exceeds any realized thus far by conventional breeding alone, opens the way for the development of nutritionally complete cereals to benefit the world's poorest people.
From fatness to badness: The modern morality of obesity

Obesity (or being overweight) is now considered a by-product of membership of developed societies. Moreover, it is considered a growing ‘global’ health problem. This article reports on a small qualitative study of adults who fell into one or other of these categories in Norway in 2010, and who have been faced with decisions about lifestyle versus surgical remedies. This decision making is contextualized and the principal criteria examined. Embodiment, bodywork, self- and social identity, stigma, deviance and issues around the idea of personal responsibility and public health emerge as key themes. The concluding paragraphs commend incorporation of a macro- or social structural perspective to the conceptualization and investigation of obesity.
Exploring the personal stroke and rehabilitation experiences of older adults with chronic stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative descriptive study

ABSTRACT Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the personal stroke and rehabilitation experiences of older adults with chronic stroke living in a mid-sized Northwestern Ontario city in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A qualitative descriptive approach with a constructivist worldview was used. In addition, a semi-structured interview guide was used to gather the participants’ perspectives on their experiences throughout stroke recovery. Ten participants were interviewed, including six males and four females. The interviews were completed, transcribed, and analysed using inductive and deductive content analysis. Multiple steps were taken to enhance data trustworthiness. Results Six main themes and eight related subthemes emerged. These included: getting help is complex, the effects of stroke are multifaceted, losing rehabilitation services during the COVID-19 pandemic, overcoming hardships but not alone, “If you don’t use it, you lost it”: rehabilitative success is based on one’s actions, and “look at me now”: the importance of taking pride in one’s successes. Conclusions One unique finding was that the participants used this study as an opportunity to teach and advocate for future stroke survivors which is not often seen in qualitative stroke rehabilitation research. Future stroke research should place emphasis on both the positive and negative experiences of this population.
Simulations of the ionospheric annual asymmetry: Sun‐Earth distance effect

It has been suggested that the difference of the Sun‐Earth distance between the December and June solstices has a great impact on the ionospheric annual asymmetry. In this study, the physical mechanisms of the Sun‐Earth distance effects on the ionospheric annual asymmetry are investigated using Thermosphere‐Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model simulations. The main findings are the following: (1) The Sun‐Earth distance affects the ionospheric annual asymmetry mainly through photochemical processes. (2) During the daytime, this photochemical process results from the combined effect of ionization rate of atomic oxygen and the recombination with neutral species. The solar irradiation variation between December and June directly leads to about 6% December‐June electron density difference via ionization of atomic oxygen, whereas the recombination with neutral composition contributes to 12%–15% December‐June electron density difference. (3) In the plasma fountain‐prominent region (between 20° and 40° magnetic latitude), ambipolar diffusion can also be modulated by the Sun‐Earth distance effect and contribute to the ionospheric annual asymmetry. (4) During the nighttime, the Sun‐Earth distance effect impacts the annual asymmetry by changing thermospheric composition and ionospheric diffusion.
A simplified noninvasive method to measure airway blood flow in humans.

Our laboratory has previously developed and validated a noninvasive soluble gas uptake method to measure airway blood flow (Qaw) in humans (Onorato DJ, Demirozu MC, Breitenbücher A, Atkins ND, Chediak AD, and Wanner A. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 149: 1132-1137, 1994; Scuri M, McCaskill V, Chediak AD, Abraham WM, and Wanner A. J Appl Physiol 79: 1386-1390, 1995). The method has the disadvantage of requiring eight breath-hold maneuvers for a single Qaw measurement, a complicated data analysis, and the inhalation of a potentially explosive gas mixture containing dimethylether (DME) and O2. Because of these shortcomings, the method thus far has not been used in other laboratories. We now simplified the method by having the subjects inhale 500 ml of a 10% DME-90% N2 gas mixture to fill the anatomical dead space, followed by a 5- or 15-s breath hold, and measuring the instantaneous DME and N2 concentrations and volume at the airway opening during the subsequent exhalation. From the difference in DME concentration in phase 1 of the expired N2 wash-in curve multiplied by the phase 1 dead space volume and divided by the mean DME concentration and the solubility coefficient for DME in tissue, Qaw can be calculated by using Fick's equation. We compared the new method to the validated old method in 10 healthy subjects and found mean +/- SE Qaw values of 34.6 +/- 2.3 and 34.6 +/- 2.8 microl.min(-1). ml(-1), respectively (r = 0.93; upper and lower 95% confidence limit +2.48 and -2.47). Using the new method, the mean coefficient of variation for two consecutive measurements was 4.4% (range 0-10.4%); inhalation of 1.2 mg albuterol caused a 53 +/- 14% increase in Qaw (P = 0.02) and inhalation of 2.4 mg methoxamine caused a 32 +/- 7% decrease in Qaw (P = 0.07). We conclude that the new method provides reliable values of and detects the expected changes in Qaw with vasoactive drugs. The simplicity and improved safety of the method should improve its acceptability for the noninvasive assessment of Qaw in clinical research.
Oxidation of carcinogenic 2-nitroanisole by rat cytochromes P450 – similarity between human and rat enzymes

Oxidation of carcinogenic 2-nitroanisole by rat cytochromes P450 - similarity between human and rat enzymes 2-Nitroanisole (2-NA) is an important industrial pollutant and a potent carcinogen for rodents. Understanding which cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are involved in its metabolism are important to assess an individual's susceptibility to this environmental carcinogen. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of rat hepatic CYPs to oxidize 2-NA, to examine the metabolites formed during such an oxidation, and to compare such efficiencies of rat CYPs with those of human. 2-NA is oxidized by rat hepatic microsomes to 2-nitrophenol (2-NP) as the major metabolite, and to 2,6-dihydroxynitrobenzene (2,6-DNB) and 2,5-dihydroxynitrobenzene (2,5-DNB) as the minor products. All these metabolites are suggested as detoxication products. Using hepatic microsomes of rats pre-treated with specific CYP inducers and microsomes from Baculovirus transfected insect cells expressing recombinant rat and human CYP enzymes we found that rat recombinant CYP2E1, 2D2, 2B2, 2C6 and 1A1, as well as orthologous human CYP enzymes are the most efficient enzymes metabolizing 2-NA. However, human CYP1A1 oxidize 2-NA with a higher efficiency than the enzyme of rats. The results show the participation of orthologous CYPs in 2-NA oxidation by both species and underline the suitability of rat species as a model to evaluate human susceptibility to 2-NA.
Between rhetoric and implementation of EU relations in the Mediterranean : the case of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) in Egypt

ii TABLE OF CONTENTS . iii DECLARATION . vi LIST OF FIGURES . vii ABBREVIATIONS . viii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . x PUBLICATIONS AND ABSTRACTS . xi (Blank page) . xi
Prediction of Toxin Genes from Chinese Yellow Catfish Based on Transcriptomic and Proteomic Sequencing

Fish venom remains a virtually untapped resource. There are so few fish toxin sequences for reference, which increases the difficulty to study toxins from venomous fish and to develop efficient and fast methods to dig out toxin genes or proteins. Here, we utilized Chinese yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) as our research object, since it is a representative species in Siluriformes with its venom glands embedded in the pectoral and dorsal fins. In this study, we set up an in-house toxin database and a novel toxin-discovering protocol to dig out precise toxin genes by combination of transcriptomic and proteomic sequencing. Finally, we obtained 15 putative toxin proteins distributed in five groups, namely Veficolin, Ink toxin, Adamalysin, Za2G and CRISP toxin. It seems that we have developed a novel bioinformatics method, through which we could identify toxin proteins with high confidence. Meanwhile, these toxins can also be useful for comparative studies in other fish and development of potential drugs.
Fast Track: Editor's choice: Effects of serelaxin in subgroups of patients with acute heart failure: results from RELAX-AHF

Aim Patients hospitalized for acute heart failure (AHF) differ with respect of many clinical characteristics which may influence their prognosis and response to treatment. We have assessed possible differences in the effects of serelaxin on dyspnoea relief, 60 Day outcomes and 180 Day mortality across patient subgroups in the RELAX-AHF trial.
Dentofacial and upper airway characteristics of mild and severe class II division 1 subjects.

The aim of this retrospective, cross-sectional study was to assess whether mild and severe Class II division 1 subjects have craniofacial and upper airway characteristics, which relate to the severity of Class II as judged by overjet or ANB angle. The sample consisted of pre-treatment lateral cephalograms and dental casts of 131 males and 115 females (mean age 10.4 ± 1.6). Inclusion criteria were: healthy Caucasian subjects, at least ¾ Class II first molar relationship on both sides and overjet ≥ 4 mm. The cephalograms were traced and digitized. Distances and angular values were computed. Mild and severe Class II was defined by overjet (<10 mm/≥ 10 mm) or by ANB angle (<7 degrees/≥7 degrees). Statistics were performed with two-sample t-test and Pearson's correlation analysis. In the two overjet groups, significant differences were mainly found for incisor inclination while the two ANB groups differed significantly in SNA, WITS, Go-Pg, SpaSpp/MGo, SN/MGo, and Ar-Gn. The shortest airway distance between the soft palate and the posterior pharyngeal wall was significantly correlated to the NS/Ar angle. Statistical analysis revealed several significant correlations. Patients with a large overjet or ANB angle differed significantly from patients with a small overjet or ANB angle mainly in their incisor inclination. In the present sample, the overjet and to some extent also the ANB angle is determined by soft tissue or individual tooth position rather than by skeletal background. In retrognathic patients, a tendency towards smaller airway dimensions was found. However, statistical analysis did not reveal a strong connection between upper airway and dentoskeletal parameters, but a large interindividual variation.
Gaussian estimates for a heat equation on a network

We consider a diffusion problem on a network on whose nodes we impose Dirichlet and generalized, non-local Kirchhoff-type conditions. We prove well-posedness of the associated initial value problem, and we exploit the theory of sub-Markovian and ultracontractive semigroups in order to obtain upper Gaussian estimates for the integral kernel. We conclude that the same diffusion problem is governed by an analytic semigroup acting on all $L^p$-type spaces as well as on suitable spaces of continuous functions. Stability and spectral issues are also discussed. As an application we discuss a system of semilinear equations on a network related to potential transmission problems arising in neurobiology.
Clearing the ‘Cloud’ Hanging Over the Adoption of Cloud Computing in Australian SMEs

In Australia, cloud computing is increasingly becoming important especially with the new accessibility provided by the development of the National Broadband Network (NBN). This will give small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) opportunities of affordable access to computing resources. Academic studies in investigating the sociotechnical issues that might be the reason in influencing the adoption of cloud computing are scant with the consideration of Australian SMEs. To fill the void, a research model was developed based on the diffusion of innovation theory (DOI), the technologyorganization-environment (TOE) framework, and unfolding the relevant literature review. Data was collected using mixed methods. The first study was an exploratory study and data was collected from eleven Australian SMEs and four cloud service providers. The second study was a national wide empirical study with 203 Australian SMEs across the country. The findings have two important contributions. First, they extend the existing knowledge of cloud computing adoption by Australian SMEs. Second, they provide SMEs, cloud service providers and policy makers with insights about the determinants of cloud computing adoption useful for planning and making decisions in the adoption of cloud computing. This research followed an exploratory approach in its nature.
ANoncanonical Flt 3 ITD / NFk BSignalingPathwayRepresses DAPK 1 in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Purpose:Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1), a tumor suppressor, is a rate-limiting effector in an endoplasmic reticulum(ER) stress-dependent apoptotic pathway. Its expression is epigenetically suppressed in several tumors. Amechanistic basis for epigenetic/transcriptional repressionofDAPK1was investigated in certain forms of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with poor prognosis, which lacked ER stress-induced apoptosis. Experimental Design: Heterogeneous primary AMLs were screened to identify a subgroup with Flt3ITD in which repression of DAPK1, among NF-kB–and c-Jun–responsive genes, was studied. RNA interference knockdown studies were carried out in an Flt3ITDþ cell line, MV-4-11, to establish genetic epistasis in the pathway Flt3ITD–TAK1–DAPK1 repression, and chromatin immunoprecipitations were carried out to identify proximate effector proteins, including TAK1-activated p52NF-kB, at the DAPK1 locus. Results: AMLs characterized by normal karyotype with Flt3ITDwere found to have 10to 100-fold lower DAPK1 transcripts normalized to the expression of c-Jun, a transcriptional activator ofDAPK1, as compared with a heterogeneous cytogenetic category. In addition, Meis1, a c-Jun-responsive adverse AML prognostic gene signature was measured as control. These Flt3ITDþ AMLs overexpress relB, a transcriptional repressor, which forms active heterodimers with p52NF-kB. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays identified p52NF-kB binding to the DAPK1 promoter together with histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) and HDAC6 in the Flt3ITDþ human AML cell lineMV-4-11. Knockdown of p52NF-kB or its upstream regulator, NF-kB– inducing kinase (NIK), de-repressedDAPK1.DAPK1-repressedprimary Flt3ITDþAMLshad selectivenuclear activation of p52NF-kB. Conclusions: Flt3ITD promotes a noncanonical pathway via TAK1 and p52NF-kB to suppress DAPK1 in association with HDACs, which explains DAPK1 repression in Flt3ITDþ AML. Clin Cancer Res; 18(2); 360–9. 2011 AACR.
Epigenetic Small-Molecule Screen for Inhibition and Reversal of Acinar Ductal Metaplasia in Mouse Pancreatic Organoids

Background Acinar ductal metaplasia (ADM) is among the earliest initiating events in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) development. Methods We developed a novel morphology-based screen using organoids from wildtype and p48Cre/+ (Cre) mice to discover epigenetic modulators that inhibit or reverse pancreatic ADM more effectively than the broad-spectrum HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA). Results Of the 144 compounds screened, nine hits and two additional natural product HDAC inhibitors were validated by dose-response analysis. The class I HDAC inhibitors apicidin and FK228, and the histone methyltransferase inhibitor chaetocin demonstrated pronounced ADM inhibition and reversal without inducing significant cytotoxicity at 1 µM. Thioester prodrug class I HDAC inhibitor largazole attenuated ADM while its disulfide homodimer was effective in both ADM inhibition and reversal. Prioritized compounds were validated for ADM reversal in p48Cre/+;LSL-KrasG12D/+ (KC) mouse organoids using both morphological and molecular endpoints. Molecular index analysis of ADM reversal in KC mouse organoids demonstrated improved activity compared to TSA. Improved prodrug stability translated into a stronger phenotypic and molecular response. RNA-sequencing indicated that angiotensinogen was the top inhibited pathway during ADM reversal. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate a unique epigenetic mechanism and suggest that the phenotypic screen developed here may be applied to discover potential treatments for PDAC.
Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy Capturing Doping Attitudes by Self-report Declarations and Implicit Assessment: a Methodology Study

Background: Understanding athletes' attitudes and behavioural intentions towards performance enhancement is critical to informing anti-doping intervention strategies. Capturing the complexity of these attitudes beyond verbal declarations requires indirect methods. This pilot study was aimed at developing and validating a method to assess implicit doping attitudes using an Implicit Associations Test (IAT) approach.
Vascular Dementia Introduction

Vascular dementia (VaD) is the most prevalent form of secondary dementia and the second most common of all dementias. The present paper aims to define guidelines on the basic principles for treating patients with suspected VaD (and vascular cognitive impairment – no dementia) using an evidence-based approach. The material was retrieved and selected from searches of databases (Medline, Scielo, Lilacs), preferentially from the last 15 years, to propose a systematic way to assess cognition, function and behavior, and disease severity staging, with instruments adapted for our milieu, and diagnosis disclosure. The present proposal contributes to the definition of standard diagnostic criteria for VaD based on various levels of evidence. It is noteworthy that only around half of the population of patients with vascular cognitive impairment present with dementia, which calls for future proposals defining diagnostic criteria and procedures for this condition.
Design, Fabrication, and Characterization of Si-Based ARROW-B Photonic Crystal Sharp-Bend Waveguides and Power Splitters

Si-based type-B antiresonant reflecting optical waveguide (ARROW-B) photonic crystal waveguides (PCWs) with 60° bend, 120° bend, and Y-branch power splitter were first successfully fabricated and characterized. A simple capsule-shaped defect was designed to modulate the 60° and 120° photonic crystal (PC) bend corners and Y-branch PC power splitters. In the preliminary experiments, the average bend losses of 60° and 120° PC bend waveguides for both polarizations were lower than 1.5 and 4.2 dB/bend, respectively. For the Y-branch PC power splitters, power imbalances for both polarizations were all lower than 0.7 dB. It shows that the fabricated Si-based ARROW-B PCWs can provide good light sharp-bend ability and power-split ability.
Abnormal Regional Cerebral Blood Flow in Cognitively Normal Elderly Subjects With Hypertension

Background and Purpose— The purpose of this study was to examine regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in normal cognitive-performing subjects with hypertension (HTN) using continuous arterial spin-labeled MRI. The most common explanation for the effect of blood pressure on cognition is that HTN increases the risk of cerebrovascular disease, and it may increase the risk for Alzheimer disease possibly through small vessel disease, ischemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation. However, few studies to date have examined the rCBF of cognitively normal subjects with HTN in population-based cohorts, and none have used continuous arterial spin-labeled MRI. This is a noninvasive technique that does not require either injections or ionizing radiation and can measure absolute rCBF rates over the entire brain. Methods— rCBF was measured at 1.5 T using continuous arterial spin-labeled MRI in 41 cognitively normal subjects who were participating in the Cardiovascular Health Study Cognition Study. A deformable atrophy-corrected registration method was used to warp the rCBF maps to the standard colin27 brain space. Image and cluster-based statistical analyses were performed between subject groups. Results— Cognitively normal subjects with HTN (n=19) had decreased rCBF in the putamen, globus pallidus, bilaterally, and in the left hippocampus compared with normotensives (n=22). In addition, decreased rCBF was observed in the right and left anterior cingulate gyrus with extension to the subcallosal region, left posterior cingulate gyrus and medial precuneus, left lateral inferior and superior frontal, and inferior parietal, left orbitofrontal, and left superior temporal cortices. Conclusions— rCBF is affected in normal subjects with HTN, not only in the subcortical regions, but also in limbic and paralimbic structures. We hypothesize that the HTN creates a vulnerability state for the development of neurodegenerative disorders, especially Alzheimer disease.