bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discrimination in the surgical discipline: an international European evaluation (DISDAIN)
Authors: Holzgang M , Koenemann N , Skinner H , Burke J , Smith A , Young A 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background
Negative workplace experiences (NWPEs), such as gender discrimination, bullying, sexual harassment and ethnic discrimination, are concerns in today’s surgical society. These negative experiences potentially impair surgeons’ performance and might impact patient care or outcomes negatively. This study aimed to assess the experience of NWPEs across the European surgical workforce.

Methods
A prospective online 34-point questionnaire was designed using a combination of Likert scale, multiple-choice and short-answer questions. Invitations were distributed through surgical associations via email/social media between 1 September and 15 November 2019. Data were analysed using non-parametric methods.

Results
Some 840 complete responses were included in the analysis. The distribution across genders and stage of surgical training was even. Of the respondents, 20 per cent (168 respondents) considered quitting their job, 4.5 per cent (38) took time off and 0.5% (4) left surgery due to NWPEs; 12.9 per cent of females and 4.4 per cent of males experienced some form of physical harassment. Females and those in training were significantly more likely to experience or witness gender discrimination and sexual harassment. Just over half of the respondents (448) did not report negative experiences, with most of these (375 respondents) being unaware of whom to report to. Nearly a fifth of respondents felt that NWPEs influenced patient care or outcomes negatively.

Conclusion
NWPEs were frequent, especially among females and those in training. While a substantial proportion of respondents experienced physical harassment, many individuals were unaware of how to raise concerns. Adverse effects on patient outcomes, surgical training and workforce retention indicate a need for urgent action.
A case report reappraising the usefulness of Valsalva manoeuvre in drug-refractory ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Lwin Tin Sanda , Mitrakrishnan Rayno Navinan , Alama Mohamed , Chin Shui Hao 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is often misdiagnosed as supraventricular tachycardia with aberrancy. Twelve-lead electrocardiogram remains a key diagnostic tool to differentiate them while providing insights to aid localization of VT. The use of Valsalva manoeuvre (VM) in terminating VT is not conventionally recommended due to lack of robust evidence of its effectiveness and poor understanding of its mechanism in terminating VT.

Case summary
A 74-year-old man with history of ischaemic heart disease was admitted with broad complex tachycardia. VT-1 was diagnosed following failed tachycardia termination by adenosine. Haemodynamic compromise necessitated synchronized cardioversion with successful reversion. However, a different VT-2 occurred after cardioversion. VM led to successful termination of VT-2. Subsequently, recurrent episodes of VT-2 occurred with consistent termination by VM. Transthoracic echocardiogram, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and a coronary angiogram were performed. Findings suggested that these are likely scar-related VT. VT-1 originated from an anteroseptal scar, whilst VT-2, responsive to VM, likely originated from the Purkinje fibres. Patient remained eurhythmic after Day 1 following amiodarone and beta-blocker initiation. An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was implanted prior to discharge.

Discussion
VM is one of the vagal manoeuvres which are commonly used as initial management of supraventricular tachycardia. Its role in management of VT is obscure. Anecdotal case series recorded its successful use for managing particular VT. Exact mechanism remains elusive although postulated to involve change in cardiac size during strain and release of acetylcholine.
Pandemics and regional economic growth: evidence from the Great Influenza in Italy
Authors: Carillo Mario F , Jappelli Tullio 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
We investigate the link between the 1918 Great Influenza and regional economic growth in Italy, a country in which the measures implemented by public authorities to contain the contagion were limited or ineffective. The pandemic caused 600,000 deaths in Italy: 1.2% of the population. Going from regions with the lowest mortality to those with the highest mortality is associated to a decline in per capita GDP growth of 6.5%, which dissipated within 3 years. Our estimates provide an upper bound of the adverse effect of pandemics on regional economic growth in the absence of non-pharmaceutical public-health interventions.
Back to the future: implications of genetic complexity for the structure of hybrid breeding programs
Authors: Technow Frank , Podlich Dean , Cooper Mark 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCommercial hybrid breeding operations can be described as decentralized networks of smaller, more or less isolated breeding programs. There is further a tendency for the disproportionate use of successful inbred lines for generating the next generation of recombinants, which has led to a series of significant bottlenecks, particularly in the history of the North American and European maize germplasm. Both the decentralization and the disproportionate contribution of inbred lines reduce effective population size and constrain the accessible genetic space. Under these conditions, long-term response to selection is not expected to be optimal under the classical infinitesimal model of quantitative genetics. In this study, we therefore aim to propose a rationale for the success of large breeding operations in the context of genetic complexity arising from the structure and properties of interactive genetic networks. For this, we use simulations based on the NK model of genetic architecture. We indeed found that constraining genetic space through program decentralization and disproportionate contribution of parental inbred lines, is required to expose additive genetic variation and thus facilitate heritable genetic gains under high levels of genetic complexity. These results introduce new insights into why the historically grown structure of hybrid breeding programs was successful in improving the yield potential of hybrid crops over the last century. We also hope that a renewed appreciation for “why things worked” in the past can guide the adoption of novel technologies and the design of future breeding strategies for navigating biological complexity.
Genomic patterns of structural variation among diverse genotypes of Sorghum bicolor and a potential role for deletions in local adaptation
Authors: Songsomboon Kittikun , Brenton Zachary , Heuser James , Kresovich Stephen , Shakoor Nadia , Mockler Todd , Cooper Elizabeth A 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Genomic structural mutations, especially deletions, are an important source of variation in many species and can play key roles in phenotypic diversification and evolution. Previous work in many plant species has identified multiple instances of structural variations (SVs) occurring in or near genes related to stress response and disease resistance, suggesting a possible role for SVs in local adaptation. Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is one of the most widely grown cereal crops in the world. It has been adapted to an array of different climates as well as bred for multiple purposes, resulting in a striking phenotypic diversity. In this study, we identified genome-wide SVs in the Biomass Association Panel, a collection of 347 diverse sorghum genotypes collected from multiple countries and continents. Using Illumina-based, short-read whole-genome resequencing data from every genotype, we found a total of 24,648 SVs, including 22,359 deletions. The global site frequency spectrum of deletions and other types of SVs fit a model of neutral evolution, suggesting that the majority of these mutations were not under any types of selection. Clustering results based on single nucleotide polymorphisms separated the genotypes into eight clusters which largely corresponded with geographic origins, with many of the large deletions we uncovered being unique to a single cluster. Even though most deletions appeared to be neutral, a handful of cluster-specific deletions were found in genes related to biotic and abiotic stress responses, supporting the possibility that at least some of these deletions contribute to local adaptation in sorghum.
Reforming the Bilateral Investment Treaty Landscape in the Caribbean Region: A Clarion Call
Authors: Haynes Jason 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This article engages in an empirical assessment of the 55 Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) that, to date, have been concluded by 12 Caribbean countries, in order to determine the extent to which, in light of extant arbitral practice, there is a need for reform of the BIT landscape in the region. The article makes the central argument that although most Caribbean countries are capital-importing jurisdictions that are vulnerable to external shocks, including a multiplicity of claims brought by foreign investors, Caribbean governments have been slow to make changes to most regional BITs, many of which contain glaring weaknesses, and the majority of which were concluded more than two decades ago. It contends that, having regard to extant arbitral jurisprudence, which interprets various provisions of BITs in a manner that is often contradictory and even hostile to the interests of developing States, the time is ripe for reform of the regional BIT landscape. The article adopts a comparative approach to its discussion of the various provisions of regional BITs, and relies heavily on arbitral awards involving a range of countries across the globe on myriad controversial issues so as to illustrate areas in which incoherence, inconsistency and unpredictability exist, where regulatory chill is possible, and where reform is accordingly necessary.
The impact of environmental benefits and institutional trust on residents’ willingness to participate in municipal solid waste treatment: a case study in Beijing, China
Authors: Shan Shao-nan , Duan Xia , Zhang Ting-ting , Zhang Yi , Wang He 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment is capable of significantly boosting healthy and orderly urban development. Urban dwellers act as generators and direct beneficiaries of the effectiveness of waste management. The present study aims to determine the impact of environmental benefits and institutional trust on residents’ willingness to participate in MSW treatment (willingness to be paid (WTA) and willingness to pay (WTP)) by complying with micro-survey data from residents of four districts in Beijing, with the use of the tobit model. In addition, environmental benefits and institutional trust interaction effects are incorporated into the analysis. As revealed from the results: (1) positive environmental benefits can significantly decrease WTA and increase WTP; negative environmental benefits significantly increase WTA and decrease WTP. (2) Institutional trust is capable of significantly decreasing WTA and increasing WTP. (3) When positive environmental benefits and institutional trust are incorporated, residents have significantly lower WTA and noticeably higher WTP; when negative environmental benefits and institutional trust are incorporated, WTA of the population is significantly higher and their WTP is significantly lower. Besides, years of education and household status negatively affect residents’ WTA, in which households with higher incomes have relatively higher WTP for engagement in waste management. The mentioned findings place the following stresses: (1) improving the positive environmental benefits of urban living and establishing a system of compensation for negative environmental benefits, (2) creating a good climate of trust in the system and elevating the level of trust in the system among residents and (3) raising residents’ awareness of environmental protection and enhancing the effectiveness of urban waste management.
Intervertebral disc instance segmentation using a multistage optimization mask-RCNN (MOM-RCNN)
Authors: Vania Malinda , Lee Deukhee 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLower back pain is one of the major global challenges in health problems. Medical imaging is rapidly taking a predominant position for the diagnosis and treatment of lower back abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a primary tool for detecting anatomical and functional abnormalities in the intervertebral disc (IVD) and provides valuable data for both diagnosis and research. Deep learning methods perform well in computer visioning when labeled general image training data are abundant. In the practice of medical images, the labeled data or the segmentation data are produced manually. However, manual medical image segmentation leads to two main issues: much time is needed for delineation, and reproducibility is called into question. To handle this problem, we developed an automated approach for IVD instance segmentation that can utilize T1 and T2 images during this study to handle data limitation problems and computational time problems and improve the generalization of the algorithm. This method builds upon mask-RCNN; we proposed a multistage optimization mask-RCNN (MOM-RCNN) for deep learning segmentation networks. We used a multi-optimization training system by utilizing stochastic gradient descent and adaptive moment estimation (Adam) with T1 and T2 in MOM-RCNN. The proposed method showed a significant improvement in processing time and segmentation results compared to previous commonly used segmentation methods. We evaluated the results using several different key performance measures. We obtain the Dice coefficient (99%). Our method can define the IVD’s segmentation as much as 88% (sensitivity) and recognize the non-IVD as much as 98% (specificity). The results also obtained increasing precision (92%) with a low global consistency error (0.03), approaching 0 (the best possible score). On the spatial distance measures, the results show a promising reduction from 0.407 ± 0.067 mm in root mean square error to 0.095 ± 0.026 mm, Hausdorff distance from 12.313 ± 3.015 to 5.155 ± 1.561 mm, and average symmetric surface distance from 1.944 ± 0.850 to 0.49 ± 0.23 mm compared to other state-of-the-art methods. We used MRI images from 263 patients to demonstrate the efficiency of our proposed method.
Analog reducibility
Authors: Hanson James 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In this paper we introduce and characterize two ‘analog reducibility’ notions for $[0,1]$-valued oracles on $\omega $ obtained by applying the syntactic characterizations of Turing and enumeration reducibility in terms of (positive) relatively $\varSigma _1$ and $\varPi _1$ formulas to formulas in continuous logic (Ben Yaacov, Berenstein, Henson and Usvyatsov, 2008, Model Theory for Metric Structures, vol. 2 of London Mathematical Society Lecture Note Series, pp. 315–427. Cambridge University Press.). The resulting analog and analog enumeration degree structures, $\mathscr {D}_a$ and $\mathscr {D}_{ae}$, naturally extend $\mathscr {D}_T$ and $\mathscr {D}_e$ in a compatible way. To show that these extensions are proper we prove that a sufficiently generic total $[0,1]$-valued oracle does not ‘analog enumerate’ any non-c.e. discrete set and that a sufficiently generic positive $[0,1]$-valued oracle neither ‘analog enumerates’ a non-c.e. discrete set nor ‘analog computes’ a non-trivial total $[0,1]$-valued oracle. We also provide a characterization of the continuous degrees among $\mathscr {D}_{ae}$ as precisely $\mathscr {D}_e \cap \mathscr {D}_a$. Finally we characterize a generalization of r.i.c.e. relations to metric structures via $\varSigma _1$ formulas in the ‘hereditarily compact superstructure’, which was the original motivation for the concepts in this paper.
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway and silicosis
Authors: Xie Yujia , Ma Jixuan , Yang Meng , Fan Lieyang , Chen Weihong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSilicosis is a scarring lung disease caused by inhaling fine particles of crystalline silica in the workplace of many industries. Due to the lack of effective treatment and management, the continued high incidence of silicosis remains a major public health concern worldwide, especially in the developing countries. Till now, related molecular mechanisms underlying silicosis are still not completely understood. Multiple pathways have been reported to be participated in the pathological process of silicosis, and more complex signaling pathways are receiving attention. The activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway has been recognized to control some functions in the cell. Recent studies have identified that the ERK signaling pathway contributes to the formation and development of silicosis through regulating the processes of oxidative stress, inflammatory response, proliferation and activation of fibroblasts, epithelial–mesenchymal transformation, autophagy, and apoptosis of cells. In this review article, we summarize the latest findings on the role of ERK signaling pathway in silica-induced experimental models of silicosis, as well as clinical perspectives.
Genetic architecture of the metabolic pathway of salicylic acid biosynthesis in Populus
Authors: Xiao Liang , Du Qingzhang , Fang Yuanyuan , Quan Mingyang , Lu Wenjie , Wang Dan , Si Jingna , El-Kassaby Yousry A , Zhang Deqiang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Salicylic acid (SA) is a vital hormone for adaptive responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, which facilitates growth-immunity trade-offs in plants. However, the genetic regulatory networks underlying the metabolic pathway of SA biosynthesis in perennial species remain unclear. Here, we integrated genome-wide association study (GWAS) with metabolite and expression profiling methodologies to dissect the genetic architecture of SA biosynthesis in Populus. First, we quantified nine intermediate metabolites of SA biosynthesis in 300 unrelated Populus tomentosa Carr. individuals. Then, we used a systematic genetic strategy to identify candidate genes for constructing the genetic regulatory network of SA biosynthesis. We focused on WRKY70, an efficient transcription factor, as the key causal gene in the regulatory network, and combined the novel genes coordinating the accumulation of SA. Finally, we identified eight GWAS signals and eight expression quantitative trait loci situated in a selective sweep, and showed the presence of large allele frequency differences among the three geographic populations, revealing that candidate genes subject to selection were involved in SA biosynthesis. This study provides an integrated strategy for dissecting the genetic architecture of the metabolic pathway of SA biosynthesis in Populus, thereby enhancing our understanding of genetic regulation of SA biosynthesis in trees, and accelerating marker-assisted breeding efforts toward high-resistance elite varieties of Populus.
Hearing Aid Noise Reduction Lowers the Sustained Listening Effort During Continuous Speech in Noise—A Combined Pupillometry and EEG Study
Authors: Fiedler Lorenz , Seifi Ala Tirdad , Graversen Carina , Alickovic Emina , Lunner Thomas , Wendt Dorothea 
Published: May 2021

Objectives:
The investigation of auditory cognitive processes recently moved from strictly controlled, trial-based paradigms toward the presentation of continuous speech. This also allows the investigation of listening effort on larger time scales (i.e., sustained listening effort). Here, we investigated the modulation of sustained listening effort by a noise reduction algorithm as applied in hearing aids in a listening scenario with noisy continuous speech. The investigated directional noise reduction algorithm mainly suppresses noise from the background.

Design:
We recorded the pupil size and the EEG in 22 participants with hearing loss who listened to audio news clips in the presence of background multi-talker babble noise. We estimated how noise reduction (off, on) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR; +3 dB, +8 dB) affect pupil size and the power in the parietal EEG alpha band (i.e., parietal alpha power) as well as the behavioral performance.

Results:
Our results show that noise reduction reduces pupil size, while there was no significant effect of the SNR. It is important to note that we found interactions of SNR and noise reduction, which suggested that noise reduction reduces pupil size predominantly under the lower SNR. Parietal alpha power showed a similar yet nonsignificant pattern, with increased power under easier conditions. In line with the participants’ reports that one of the two presented talkers was more intelligible, we found a reduced pupil size, increased parietal alpha power, and better performance when people listened to the more intelligible talker.

Conclusions:
We show that the modulation of sustained listening effort (e.g., by hearing aid noise reduction) as indicated by pupil size and parietal alpha power can be studied under more ecologically valid conditions. Mainly concluded from pupil size, we demonstrate that hearing aid noise reduction lowers sustained listening effort. Our study approximates to real-world listening scenarios and evaluates the benefit of the signal processing as can be found in a modern hearing aid.
Associations of long-term exposure to environmental noise and outdoor light at night with age at natural menopause in a US women cohort
Authors: Li Huichu , Hart Jaime E. , Mahalingaiah Shruthi , Nethery Rachel C. , James Peter , Bertone-Johnson Elizabeth , Schernhammer Eva , Laden Francine 
Published: May 2021

Background:
Previous studies have suggested noise, especially at night time, and light at night (LAN) could cause neuroendocrine disturbance and circadian disruption, which may lead to ovarian follicle atresia and earlier onset of menopause. However, no study to date has directly investigated the associations of exposure to these factors and menopausal age.

Methods:
Premenopausal women from the Nurses’ Health Study II (NHS II) were followed from age 40 through 2015. Median daytime and nighttime anthropogenic noise and outdoor LAN exposure were measured from a geospatial prediction model and satellite images, respectively, at residential addresses throughout the follow-up. Time-varying Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate the hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals, adjusting for individual lifestyle, reproductive history, and neighborhood socioeconomic factors. Possible effect modification by region, smoking status, body mass index, race/ethnicity, history of rotating shift work, and census tract population density and median income was examined.

Results:
A total of 63,380 of 105,326 women self-reported natural menopause during 1,043,298 person-years of follow-up. No associations were found for noise (both daytime and nighttime) and outdoor LAN exposure with age at natural menopause (hazard ratios = 0.99–1.00) in the fully adjusted models. Sensitivity analyses showed similar null associations. No meaningful effect modification was found for region, smoking status, body mass index, race/ethnicity, history of rotating shift work, and census tract socioeconomic measures in stratified analyses.

Conclusion:
No associations were found between environmental noise and outdoor LAN exposure in mid-adulthood and menopausal age in this cohort of US women.