bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Walk/Wheelability: An Inclusive Instrument Pair for Participatory Age-Friendly Research and Practice
Authors: Gan Daniel R Y , Mahmood Atiya , Routhier François , Mortenson W Ben 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Recent critical evaluations of age-friendly efforts have highlighted the need to prioritize the disenfranchised, including people with mobility limitations. This article examines the validity of a 13-item Stakeholders Walkability/Wheelability Audit in Neighborhoods (SWAN13) scale to measure the “walk/wheelability” of street segments from the perspectives of people with mobility limitations.

Research Design and Methods
Data were drawn from preliminary studies of the SWANaudit which was conducted in 2 Canadian metropolitan areas. Sixty-one participants who use mobility devices (e.g., walkers, power wheelchairs) and older adults from community organizations audited 195 street segments. We factor analyzed the data from their audits.

Results
SWAN13 has a 1-factor structure. 13 items were retained from 85 SWANaudit items. SWAN13 encompassed both physical and social aspects of walk/wheelability. The alpha for the scale was .79. Convergent validity was found with the University of Alabama Life-Space Assessment (ρ = .22, p = .003), especially at the neighborhood level (ρ = .23, p = .002). Significant correlation was also found with subjective assessments of a priori walk/wheelability domains (ρ = .63, p &lt; .001).

Discussion and Implications
Walk/wheelability affects the life space of older adults and people with mobility limitations. It is an important latent variable that should be addressed to promote well-being and social participation. SWAN13 may be used in city-wide surveys to identify neighborhoods that may require age-friendly interventions from mobility perspectives. Detailed audits and interventions may be carried out in tandem using the paired SWANaudit instrument. Walk/wheelability is an inclusive and measurable concept that accounts for the needs of people with various mobility needs.
Utilizing Deep Learning to Analyze Whole Slide Images of Colonic Biopsies for Associations Between Eosinophil Density and Clinicopathologic Features in Active Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Vande Casteele Niels , Leighton Jonathan A , Pasha Shabana F , Cusimano Frank , Mookhoek Aart , Hagen Catherine E , Rosty Christophe , Pai Reetesh K , Pai Rish K 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Background
Eosinophils have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis and have been associated with disease course and therapeutic response. However, associations between eosinophil density, histologic activity, and clinical features have not been rigorously studied.

Methods
A deep learning algorithm was trained to identify eosinophils in colonic biopsies and validated against pathologists’ interpretations. The algorithm was applied to sigmoid colon biopsies from a cross-sectional cohort of 88 ulcerative colitis patients with histologically active disease as measured by the Geboes score and Robarts histopathology index (RHI). Associations between eosinophil density, histologic activity, and clinical features were determined.

Results
The eosinophil deep learning algorithm demonstrated almost perfect agreement with manual eosinophil counts determined by 4 pathologists (interclass correlation coefficients: 0.805–0.917). Eosinophil density varied widely across patients (median 113.5 cells per mm2, interquartile range 108.9). There was no association between eosinophil density and RHI (P = 0.5). Significant differences in eosinophil density were seen between patients with Montreal E3 vs E2 disease (146.2 cells per mm2 vs 88.2 cells per mm2, P = 0.005). Patients on corticosteroids had significantly lower eosinophil density (62.9 cells per mm2 vs 124.1 cells per mm2, P = 0.006). No association between eosinophil density and biologic use was observed (P = 0.5).

Conclusions
We developed a deep learning algorithm to quantify eosinophils in colonic biopsies. Eosinophil density did not correlate with histologic activity but did correlate with disease extent and corticosteroid use. Future studies applying this algorithm in larger cohorts with longitudinal follow-up are needed to further elucidate the role of eosinophils in ulcerative colitis.
The Ties that Stick: Challenges and Future Promise in the Field of Bioadhesives
Authors: Burns Mercedes , Stellwagen Sarah D 
Published: June 2021

Synopsis
Bioadhesives are wet or dry polymeric compounds that rely upon physical and chemical properties to generate characteristic sticky forces. The past decade has seen a rapidly evolving field of research around the functions, genetics, biochemistry, and mimetics of bioadhesives, but challenges unique to this research area continue to arise. We polled the presenters of SICB Symposium #8 to describe the “Ties that Stick:” challenges and exciting prospects that most resonated with their research pursuits. Themes that emerged from the poll included difficulties working with adhesive-producing organisms, field inherent knowledge gaps in theoretical modeling, molecular interactions, technology, and the interdisciplinary rigor of the bioadhesives field. We address each challenge with a discussion of the opportunities and applications presented by bioadhesives research.
Drought adaptability of phreatophytes: insight from vertical root distribution in drylands of China
Authors: Wang Tian-Ye , Wang Ping , Wang Ze-Lin , Niu Guo-Yue , Yu Jing-Jie , Ma Ning , Wu Ze-Ning , Pozdniakov Sergey P , Yan Deng-Hua 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Aims
The vertical distribution of plant roots is a comprehensive result of plant adaptation to the environment. Limited knowledge on fine vertical root distributions and complex interactions between roots and environmental variables hinders our ability to reliably predict climatic impacts on vegetation dynamics. This study attempts to understand the drought adaptability of plants in arid areas from the perspective of the relationship between vertical root distribution and surroundings.

Methods
By analyzing root profiles compiled from published studies, the root vertical profiles of two typical phreatophytes, Tamarix ramosissima and Populus euphratica, and their relationships with environmental factors were investigated. A conceptual model was adopted to link the parameter distribution frequency with plant drought adaptability.

Important Findings
The strong hydrotropism (groundwater-dependent) and flexible water-use strategy of T. ramosissima and P. euphratica help both species survive in hyperarid climates. The differences in the developmental environments between T. ramosissima and P. euphratica can be explained well by the different distribution characteristics of root profiles. That is, higher root plasticity helps T. ramosissima develop a more efficient water-use strategy and therefore survive in more diverse climatic and soil conditions than P. euphratica. We conclude that the higher variation in root profile characteristics of phreatophytes can have greater root adaptability to the surroundings and thus wider hydrological niches and stronger ecological resilience. The inadequacy of models in describing root plasticity limits the accuracy of predicting the future response of vegetation to climate change, which calls for developing process-based dynamic root schemes in Earth system models.
BNT162b2 Vaccine Effectiveness in Preventing Asymptomatic Infection With SARS-CoV-2 Virus: A Nationwide Historical Cohort Study
Authors: Zacay Galia , Shasha David , Bareket Ronen , Kadim Itai , Hershkowitz Sikron Fabienne , Tsamir Judith , Mossinson David , Heymann Anthony D 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Background
There is strong evidence regarding the efficacy and effectiveness of the BNT162b2 vaccine in preventing symptomatic infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). There is a relative paucity of data regarding its effectiveness in the prevention of asymptomatic infection.

Methods
In this real-world observational study, we identified a subpopulation of individuals in a large health maintenance organization who were repeatedly tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We included these individuals in the study cohort and compared those who were vaccinated with BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine to unvaccinated individuals. A positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test result was used as the outcome. The follow-up period was from January 1, 2021, until February 11, 2021.

Results
A total of 6286 individuals were included in the cohort. Seven days after the second vaccine dose, a rate of 6 positive PCR tests per 10 000 person-days was recorded, compared with a rate of 53 positive tests per 10 000 person-days for the unvaccinated group. The estimated vaccine effectiveness against infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus after 2 vaccine doses was 89% (95% CI, 82%–94%). The estimated effectiveness 2 weeks after the first vaccine dose was 61% (95% CI, 49%–71%).

Conclusions
In this study, vaccination with BNT162b2 reduced infection rates among individuals who underwent screening by frequent SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing. Using a cohort of frequently tested individuals reduced the indication bias for the PCR testing, which enabled estimation of infection rates.
LATE MERISTEM IDENTITY1 regulates leaf margin development via the auxin transporter geneSMOOTH LEAF MARGIN1
Authors: Wang Xiao , Zhang Juanjuan , Xie Yangyang , Liu Xiu , Wen Lizhu , Wang Hongfeng , Zhang Jing , Li Jie , Han Lu , Yu Xiaolin , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Wen Jiangqi , Zhou Chuanen 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPlant leaves have evolved into diverse shapes and LATE MERISTEM IDENTITY1 (LMI1) and its putative paralogous genes encode homeodomain leucine zipper transcription factors that are proposed evolutionary hotspots for the regulation of leaf development in plants. However, the LMI1-mediated regulatory mechanism underlying leaf shape formation is largely unknown. MtLMI1a and MtLMI1b are putative orthologs of LMI1 in the model legume barrelclover (Medicago truncatula). Here, we investigated the role of MtLMI1a and MtLMI1b in leaf margin morphogenesis by characterizing loss-of-function mutants. MtLMI1a and MtLMI1b are expressed along leaf margin in a near-complementary pattern, and they redundantly promote development of leaf margin serrations, as revealed by the relatively smooth leaf margin in their double mutants. Moreover, MtLMI1s directly activate expression of SMOOTH LEAF MARGIN1 (SLM1), which encodes an auxin efflux carrier, thereby regulating auxin distribution along the leaf margin. Further analysis indicates that MtLMI1s genetically interact with NO APICAL MERISTEM (MtNAM) and the ARGONAUTE7 (MtAGO7)-mediated trans-acting short interfering RNA3 (TAS3 ta-siRNA) pathway to develop the final leaf margin shape. The participation of MtLMI1s in auxin-dependent leaf margin formation is interesting in the context of functional conservation. Furthermore, the diverse expression patterns of LMI1s and their putative paralogs within key domains are important drivers for functional specialization, despite their functional equivalency among species.
“We Don’t Know” Means “They’re Not Sure”
Authors: Graham Matthew H 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe most familiar approach to handling respondent uncertainty about survey questions, the “don’t know” (DK) response, has an inconvenient feature: it records no direct information about respondents’ confidence in their answers. This article shows that DK responses contain more information than meets the eye. Using 161 survey questions from 11 surveys conducted between 1993 and 2019, the analysis demonstrates that the percentage of respondents saying DK can explain about half the variation in average confidence among respondents who provided an answer (i.e., those who did not say DK). This “we don’t know” means “they’re not sure” heuristic is especially reliable for relative comparisons between similar questions. For example, in a battery of favorability questions featuring two recent presidents and 10 contenders for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, the percentage DK explains more than 90 percent of the variation in average confidence among those who offered an opinion. To provide a deeper intuition, the article draws upon a threshold model of DK responding, which is consistent with a range of existing research on the properties of DK responses.
Muon spin motion at the crossover regime between Gaussian and Lorentzian distribution of magnetic fields
Authors: Umar Muhamad Darwis , Ishida Katsuhiko , Murayama Rie , Puspita Sari Dita , Widyaiswari Utami , Fronzi Marco , Rozak Harion , Zaharim Wan Nurfadhilah , Watanabe Isao , Iwasaki Masahiko 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The muon spin relaxation method is a powerful microscopic tool for probing the electronic states of materials by observing local magnetic field distributions on the muon. It often happens that a distribution of local magnetic fields shows an intermediate state between Gaussian and Lorentzian shapes. In order to generally describe these intermediate field distributions, we considered the convolution of two isotropic distributions in three dimensions and derived exact muon-spin relaxation functions which can be applied to all crossover regimes between Gaussian and Lorentzian.
Nambu dynamics and its noncanonical Hamiltonian representation in many degrees of freedom systems
Authors: Horikoshi Atsushi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Nambu dynamics is a generalized Hamiltonian dynamics of more than two variables, whose time evolutions are given by the Nambu bracket, a generalization of the canonical Poisson bracket. Nambu dynamics can always be represented in the form of noncanonical Hamiltonian dynamics by defining the noncanonical Poisson bracket by means of the Nambu bracket. For the time evolution to be consistent, the Nambu bracket must satisfy the fundamental identity, while the noncanonical Poisson bracket must satisfy the Jacobi identity. However, in many degrees of freedom systems, it is well known that the fundamental identity does not hold. In the present paper we show that, even if the fundamental identity is violated, the Jacobi identity for the corresponding noncanonical Hamiltonian dynamics could hold. As an example we evaluate these identities for a semiclassical system of two coupled oscillators.
COVID-19 stressors, wellbeing and health behaviours: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Bell L M , Smith R , van de Venter E C , Shuttleworth C , Wilson K , Lycett D 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Background
Following the implementation of pandemic response measures, concerns arose regarding the impact for population health and wellbeing.

Methods
This study reports findings from a survey (N = 2510) conducted in Warwickshire (UK) during August and September 2020, and for the first time investigates behaviours which may worsen or mitigate the association between COVID-19-related stressors and wellbeing.

Results
Increased stressors were associated with lower mental wellbeing and higher loneliness. Participants with a mental health condition reported lower wellbeing, as did younger groups, women and participants not in employment. To cope with restrictions, more participants engaged in healthier behaviours over unhealthy behaviours, and relaxing reduced the association between stressors and poor wellbeing. Some participants reported increasing alcohol and unhealthy dietary behaviours to cope with restrictions, however, these behaviours did not mitigate the impact of COVID-19 stressors and were instead negatively associated with wellbeing. Around half of participants helped neighbours during the pandemic, a behaviour positively associated with wellbeing particularly among older adults.

Conclusion
These findings contribute understanding about how various positive and negative health behaviours may mitigate or worsen the impact of COVID-19 on wellbeing, and how public health interventions may effectively target behaviours and groups in similar populations.
Bicortical Short C2 Pars Screw Fixation for High-Riding Vertebral Artery Provided Sufficient Biomechanical Stability
Authors: Shao Minghao , Dai Yuan , Zhu Wei , Yu Jian , Lyu Feizhou 
Published: June 2021

Study Design.
Finite element analysis.

Objective.
To determine and compare the biomechanical stability of the bicortical short C2 pars screw fixation for high-riding vertebral artery (HRVA) with the C2 pedicle screw and C2 translaminar screw fixation in finite element models.

Summary of Background Data.
Fixation of C2 is technically demanding in the case of HRVA. However, there is no consensus on the alternative technique for the C2 screw fixation for HRVA in the literature.

Methods.
A finite element model of the upper cervical spine (C0-C2) with HRVA had been developed. C1 pedicle screw was applied at C1 by using notching technique. Bicortical short C2 pars screws, C2 pedicle screws, and C2 translaminar screws were used in each model. Then a vertical load of 50 N and a 1.5 Nm torque were applied to the C0 to simulate flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation respectively.

Results.
Compared with C2 pedicle screw fixation, the bicortical short C2 pars screw fixation increased the range of motion by −1.45%, 2.13%, 62.0%, and 22.0% under flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation, respectively. However, the C2 translaminar screw fixation increased the range of motion by 43.6%, 17.8%, 423.4%, and 19.9%, respectively. In terms of the peak von Mises stress, compared with C2 pedicle screw fixation, bicortical short C2 pars screw decreased 46.1%, 41.6%, 71.3%, and −12.5% under flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation, respectively; C2 translaminar screw decreased −2.66%, −4.87%, 73.0%, and −10.1%, respectively.

Conclusion.
For a patient with HRVA, bicortical short C2 pars screw fixation provides sufficient stability and exhibited a smaller von Mises distribution on the screw-rod construct, indicating it could be an effective C2 internal fixation method for HRVA to promote C1-C2 stability and avoid the vertebral artery injury.

Level of Evidence: N/A
Effects of the Prone Position on Regional Neutrophilic Lung Inflammation According to 18F-FDG Pet in an Experimental Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury Model
Authors: Nakahashi Susumu , Imai Hiroshi , Shimojo Nobutake , Magata Yasuhiro , Einama Takahiro , Hayakawa Mineji , Wada Takeshi , Morimoto Yuji , Gando Satoshi 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
Ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) can be life-threatening and it is important to prevent the development of VILI. It remains unclear whether the prone position affects neutrophilic inflammation in the lung regions in vivo, which plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of VILI. This study aimed to assess the relationship between the use of the prone position and the development of VILI-associated regional neutrophilic lung inflammation. Regional neutrophilic lung inflammation and lung aeration during low tidal volume mechanical ventilation were assessed using in vivo 2-deoxy-2-[(18)F] fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography and computed tomography in acutely experimentally injured rabbit lungs (lung injury induced by lung lavage and excessive ventilation). Direct comparisons were made among three groups: control, supine, and prone positions. After approximately 7 h, tissue-normalized 18F-FDG uptake differed significantly between the supine and prone positions (SUP: 0.038 ± 0.014 vs. PP: 0.029 ± 0.008, P = 0.038), especially in the ventral region (SUP: 0.052 ± 0.013 vs. PP: 0.026 ± 0.007, P = 0.003). The use of the prone position reduced lung inhomogeneities, which was demonstrated by the correction of the disproportionate rate of voxel gas over the given lung region. The progression of neutrophilic inflammation was affected by the interaction between the total strain (for aeration) and the inhomogeneity. The prone position is effective in slowing down the progression of VILI-associated neutrophilic inflammation. Under low-tidal-volume ventilation, the main drivers of its effect may be homogenization of lung tissue and that of mechanical forces.
“Raising HOPE”: Improved Outcomes for HIV/HCV-coinfected Liver Transplant Recipients in the Direct-acting Antiviral Era
Authors: Cotter Thomas G. , Wang Jennifer , Lieber Sarah R. , Odenwald Matthew A. , Rich Nicole E. , Marrero Jorge A. , Singal Amit G. , Mitchell Mack C. , Aronsohn Andrew , Charlton Michael , Fung John 
Published: June 2021

Background.
The 2013 HIV Organ Policy Equity Act has increased liver transplantation (LT) in HIV+ patients; however, transplant centers may remain reluctant to perform LT in HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)-coinfected patients due to inferior outcomes. We aimed to assess how direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have impacted HIV+/HCV+-coinfected LT recipient outcomes.

Methods.
national data including 70 125 adult LT recipients between 2008 and 2019 were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards model were used to analyze outcomes.

Results.
LT for HIV+ individuals increased in the DAA era from 28 in 2014 to 64 in 2019 (23 had HIV+/HCV+ coinfection). In the pre-DAA era, HIV+/HCV+-coinfected LT recipients had an increased risk of graft failure compared with HIV−/HCV−-uninfected LT recipients (hazard ratio [HR], 1.85; P < 0.001). In contrast, there was no difference in graft failure between HIV+/HCV+-coinfected versus HIV−/HCV−-uninfected LT recipients in the DAA era (HR, 1.24; P = 0.308). Among coinfected LT recipients in the DAA era, 1- and 3-y cumulative graft survivals were 88.6% and 81.7% compared with 76.3% and 58.0% in the pre-DAA era, respectively (P = 0.006). In Cox analysis, HCV coinfection was not associated with graft failure (HR, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.53-1.89) among HIV+ LT recipients in the DAA era (n = 271). Black and Hispanic populations accounted for almost half of HIV+/HCV+ LTs in the DAA era.

Conclusions.
HIV+/HCV+-coinfected LT recipient outcomes have improved significantly in the DAA era. Our results should offer reassurance to transplant centers and encourage timely transplantation referral of HIV patients with decompensated cirrhosis, including patients coinfected with HCV.