bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The acceptability of using a lottery to allocate research funding: a survey of applicants
Authors: Liu Mengyao , Choy Vernon , Clarke Philip , Barnett Adrian , Blakely Tony , Pomeroy Lucy 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
The Health Research Council of New Zealand is the first major government funding agency to use a lottery to allocate research funding for their Explorer Grant scheme. This is a somewhat controversial approach because, despite the documented problems of peer review, many researchers believe that funding should be allocated solely using peer review, and peer review is used almost ubiquitously by funding agencies around the world. Given the rarity of alternative funding schemes, there is interest in hearing from the first cohort of researchers to ever experience a lottery. Additionally, the Health Research Council of New Zealand wanted to hear from applicants about the acceptability of the randomisation process and anonymity of applicants.

Methods
This paper presents the results of a survey of Health Research Council applicants from 2013 to 2019. The survey asked about the acceptability of using a lottery and if the lottery meant researchers took a different approach to their application.

Results
The overall response rate was 39% (126 of 325 invites), with 30% (76 of 251) from applicants in the years 2013 to 2018, and 68% (50 of 74) for those in the year 2019 who were not aware of the funding result. There was agreement that randomisation is an acceptable method for allocating Explorer Grant funds with 63% (n = 79) in favour and 25% (n = 32) against. There was less support for allocating funds randomly for other grant types with only 40% (n = 50) in favour and 37% (n = 46) against. Support for a lottery was higher amongst those that had won funding. Multiple respondents stated that they supported a lottery when ineligible applications had been excluded and outstanding applications funded, so that the remaining applications were truly equal. Most applicants reported that the lottery did not change the time they spent preparing their application.

Conclusions
The Health Research Council’s experience through the Explorer Grant scheme supports further uptake of a modified lottery.
Community-based in situ simulation: bringing simulation to the masses
Authors:   on behalf of the INSPIRE ImPACTS investigators, Walsh Barbara M. , Auerbach Marc A. , Gawel Marcie N. , Brown Linda L. , Byrne Bobbi J. , Calhoun Aaron 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSimulation-based methods are regularly used to train inter-professional groups of healthcare providers at academic medical centers (AMC). These techniques are used less frequently in community hospitals. Bringing in-situ simulation (ISS) from AMCs to community sites is an approach that holds promise for addressing this disparity. This type of programming allows academic center faculty to freely share their expertise with community site providers. By creating meaningful partnerships community-based ISS facilitates the communication of best practices, distribution of up to date policies, and education/training. It also provides an opportunity for system testing at the community sites. In this article, we illustrate the process of implementing an outreach ISS program at community sites by presenting four exemplar programs. Using these exemplars as a springboard for discussion, we outline key lessons learned discuss barriers we encountered, and provide a framework that can be used to create similar simulation programs and partnerships. It is our hope that this discussion will serve as a foundation for those wishing to implement community-based, outreach ISS.
How to include medical students in your healthcare simulation centre workforce
Authors: Viggers Sandra , Østergaard Doris , Dieckmann Peter 
Published: February 2020

AbstractRunning simulation centre activities requires a substantial amount of human resources. Here we present ideas on how medical students can be integrated into the simulation centre workforce to support the goal of delivering simulation-based education.The ideas are centred around the many different roles the students can fulfil and how this can be applied in other centres interested in integrating medical students into the workforce. The ideas are based on the experience from a regional Danish simulation centre, the Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation (CAMES), where the work of medical students appears to be beneficial for both students, teaching and research faculty, and the growth of the simulation centre.
Transition to first birth during the Great Recession: the case of Greece
Authors: Dantis Charalampos , Rizzi Ester Lucia 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
In this study, we examine the effects of the economic uncertainty of partners on the transition to first birth in Greece before and after the onset of the recent economic crisis. After selecting a sample of childless couples, we applied a random effects model to EU-SILC data for the period 2005–2013. Few studies have focused on the association between economic uncertainty and fertility in Greece considering characteristics of both partners. Even fewer studies have examined panel data in the context of the recent crisis. Our findings show that Greek couples in which both partners are employed, have a high income, or are highly educated are in a more favourable position to have a first child. During the Greek Great Recession, corresponding in our study to the period 2010–2013, the odds of having a first child decreased to half the odds in the 2005–2009 period. The recession period also modified the effect of couples’ characteristics on first childbearing. During the economic crisis, male breadwinner couples were particularly penalized in their transition to have a first child. Surprisingly, couples with at least one temporary worker, usually the woman, were encouraged to have their first child. Implications in terms of gender and social inequality are discussed in the concluding section, and selection processes at play are also discussed.

Keywords
Fertility, Economic uncertainty, Economic recession, Greece
Otto: a 4.04 GBq (109 mCi) 68Ge/68Ga generator, first of its kind - extended quality control and performance evaluation in the clinical production of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11
Authors: Waterhouse Nicole N. , Amor-Coarasa Alejandro , Nikolopoulou Anastasia , Babich John W. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Here we report on the comprehensive quality control of a 4.04 GBq (109 mCi) generator supplied by itG (Munich, Germany), and used for routine production of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 for clinical imaging. The performance of the 4.04 GBq itG 68Ge/68Ga generator was studied for a year and parameters including elution yield, elution profile, radioactive and stable contaminants were collected. The production yields of a series of 175 [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 clinical batches are also reported herein.

Results
This first-of-its-kind GMP grade 68Ge/68Ga generator from itG with a nominal activity of 4.04 GBq (109 mCi) showed a stable 68Ga elution profile with elution efficiency averaging 58.3 ± 3.7%. 68Ge contaminant in the eluent slightly increased over time but remained 100x lower than those reported for comparable 1.85 GBq (50 mCi) itG generators. Metal impurities were found in concentrations lower than 100 ng/ml (ppb) throughout the study. [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 was obtained in 89 ± 4% radiochemical yields and > 99% radiochemical and chemical purities.

Conclusion
4.04 GBq (109 mCi) itG 68Ge/68Ga generator is suitable for routinely produced 68Ga tracers used in the clinic. Up to 30% higher amount of final drug product was obtained as compared to the 1.85 GBq (50 mCi) itG generator, and as a result larger number of studies could be performed, while reducing the synthetic burden.
What is the potential impact of the IsoDAR cyclotron on radioisotope production: a review
Authors: Waites Loyd H. , Alonso Jose R. , Barlow Roger , Conrad Janet M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe IsoDAR collaboration is developing a high-current cyclotron for a neutrino search experiment. Designed to deliver 10 mA of 60 MeV protons, the current and power of this cyclotron far exceed those of existing accelerators, opening new possibilities for the production of radiopharmaceutical isotopes, producing very high-activity samples in very short times. The cyclotron can also be easily configured to deliver ions other than protons including 1 mA of alpha particles at 240 MeV: this flexibility gives a broad reach into new areas of isotope production. We explain how IsoDAR overcomes the beam limits of commercial cyclotrons, and how it could represent the next step in isotope production rates.
Prediction and experimental confirmation of banana bract mosaic virus encoding miRNAs and their targets
Authors: Sankaranarayanan Ramamoorthy , Palani Sankara Naynar , Kumar Abhishek , Selvakumar A. S. Punitha , Tennyson Jebasingh 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Potyviridae is the largest plant infecting family under the monophyletic group Riboviria, infects many of the food, fodder and ornamental crops. Due to the higher mutation and recombination rate, potyvirids are evolving rapidly, adapting to the environmental chaos and expanding their hosts. Virus control measures are need to be updated as the economic importance of potyvirids is massive. microRNAs (miRNAs) are well known for their functional importance in eukaryotes and many viruses. Regardless of its biogenesis, whether canonical or noncanonical, microRNA centric antivirus approaches attract the researchers to the hopeful future of next-generation broad-spectrum antiviral measures.

Methods
In this study, we predicted and screened banana bract mosaic virus (BBrMV) encoding miRNAs by computation approaches and their targets on banana transcriptome using plant small RNA target analysis server (psRNAtarget). The target gene functions were annotated by Blast2GO. The predicted BBrMV miRNAs were experimentally screened by stem-loop RT-PCR.

Results
The results showed that, among the predicted BBrMV miRNAs, miRNA2 is conserved throughout BBrMV isolates and has multiple virus-specific target transcripts. In addition, primary experimental validation for the predicted miRNAs revealed that miRNA2 exists in the BBrMV infected banana leaf samples.

Conclusions
The existence of BBrMV miRNA2 is confirmed by stem-loop RT-PCR followed by cloning and sequencing. The presence of miRNA of Potyviridae is rarely addressed and would definitely spread the hope to understand the virus infectious cycle. Our report would also help to better understand and manipulate potyviral infections.
Comparative study of semiconductor power losses between CSI-based STATCOM and VSI-based STATCOM, both used for unbalance compensation
Authors: Benslimane Anas , Bouchnaif Jamal , Essoufi Mohammed , Hajji Bekkay , el Idrissi Loukmane 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we present a detailed procedure to determine the semiconductor losses for both structures of a shunt STATCOM (Static Compensator), STATCOM based on Current Source Inverter (CSI) and STATCOM based on Voltage Source Inverter (VSI), both used for voltage unbalance compensation. As a first step, we study the VSI-based STATCOM and the CSI-based STATCOM used in high speed railway substations. Then we analyze the design and the sizing of the unbalance compensator in order to obtain an unbalance factor that does not exceed the limits imposed by the standards or by the energy provider. Following that, we compare the performances obtained with both structures VSI-STATCOM and CSI-STATCOM, after calculating the semiconductor power losses in the STATCOM converters. Finally, we validate our approach by simulation over real data of unbalance compensation caused by the new high-speed railway in Morocco. We use the tools MATLAB / Simulink/Simpowersys for performing our simulations.
Bacillus velezensis BM21, a potential and efficient biocontrol agent in control of corn stalk rot caused by Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Wang Shuang , Sun Lei , Zhang Wu , Chi Fengqin , Hao Xiaoyu , Bian Jingyang , Li Yonggang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe present work was conducted to screen and identify biocontrol bacteria that effectively reduce the severity of corn stalk rot (CSR) and clarify the antifungal activity of secondary metabolites. The bacterial strain (BM21) was isolated from corn rhizosphere soil that effectively reduced CSR in pot experiments. On the basis of phylogenetic reconstructions, 16S rRNA sequence analysis, and biochemical and physiological reactions, BM21 was identified as Bacillus velezensis. The strain exhibited remarkable antifungal activity against Fusarium graminearum, a pathogenic fungus that causes CSR. Extracellular antifungal substances (10%) isolated from BM21 inhibited F. graminearum mycelial growth by 79.2%, conidial germination by 84.0%, and conidial production by 78.1%. In addition, the extracellular antifungal substances caused mycelial malformation and ultra-structural changes. The extracellular antifungal substances were sensitive to heat and showed a degree of resistance to ultraviolet radiation. The optimum pH for antifungal activity was 6–8. In pot experiments, irrigation with aqueous extracts from BM21 (1.0 mL/plant) reduced CSR incidence by 72.4–77.4%. B. velezensis BM21 effectively reduced CSR incidence and showed a potential as a biocontrol agent to control CSR.
The role of left prefrontal transcranial magnetic stimulation in episodic migraine prophylaxis
Authors: Amin Randa , Emara Tamer , Ashour Samia , Hemeda Mahmoud , Salah Eldin Nahed , Hamed Salma , Shouman Sara , Shouman Mohamed 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objective
The aim of the study was to examine the prophylactic role of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the frequency, and severity of migraine attacks in episodic migraineurs who failed medical treatment.

Methods
A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled study was designed to assess the effect of 5 Hz rTMS applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LDLPFC ) in 33 migraineurs. Patients were followed up for 1 month before receiving rTMS, and for another month after the sessions by a headache diary. The primary outcome measure was the achievement of 50% reduction in the number of migraine attacks. Secondary outcome measures included migraine days, assessment of migraine attack severity, disability by HIT-6, and side-effects to the procedure.

Results
The study revealed that 69.2% of the active treatment group achieved 50% or more reduction in the number of migraine attacks versus 25% of cases in the control group (p = 0.02). The absolute number of migraine attacks was reduced by 3.1 vs 1.5 in the active and control group, respectively. The number of cases with severe HIT-6 scores was reduced by 46.2% in active treatment group versus a 7.1% reduction in the control group (p = 0.02).

Conclusion
High-frequency rTMS applied to LDLPFC can reduce the number of migraine attacks by 50% or more in almost 70% of a sample of episodic migraineurs with a concomitant decrease in functional disability.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT04031781. Registered 23 July 2019—retrospectively registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04031781?term=Migraine+Prophylaxis&recrs=ce&type=Intr&cond=Migraine&rank=9
Penile squamous cell carcinoma and lichen planus
Authors: de Oliveira Leal Marcos Lima , Alencar Lucas Rosemberg Pellegrino Jorge , Santana Suelen Cunha , de Souza Bianca Carla Azevedo , Athanazio Daniel Abensur 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSSC) has some non-HPV associated precursos and lichen planus is not considered one of them.

Case presentation
A 78-year-old patient sought the urologist due to a history of erythema on glans for 12 months and growing mass for 6 months treated with different topical medications. Partial penectomy was performed with finding of squamous cell carcinoma usual / keratinizing type with invasion of glans (pT2) and presence of extensive differentiated PeIN in adjacent areas. Adjacent to PeIN areas, there was an inflammatory reaction typical of lichen planus. This lichenoid reaction was present in the periphery of the large mass and also in a separate hyperkeratotic plaque at the glans. No features of HPV infections or balanitis xerotica obliterans were detected on histologic analysis.

Conclusion
We report a case with rapid evolution (6 months) between inflammatory signs of penile disease to mass forming lesion. This report call attention to this potential association – describing the association with invasive squamous carcinoma. Treatment-resistant longstanding cases of lichen planus should be biopsied. Prospective studies of patients with penile lichen planus are warranted to evaluate the magnitude of the risk of progression to penile carcinoma.
Femoral placement of a totally implantable venous access port with spontaneous catheter fracture: case report
Authors: Kondo Tomohiro , Matsumoto Shigemi , Doi Keitaro , Nomura Motoo , Muto Manabu 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
The incidence of catheter fracture after standard positioning of a totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) is reported to be 1.1%–5.0%; however, the incidence of catheter fracture after TIVAP implantation at a femoral site remains unclear.

Case presentation
In a 30-year-old man with angiosarcoma of the right atrium, tumor embolism was observed from the left brachiocephalic vein to the superior vena cava. A TIVAP was implanted in the right femur. A catheter fracture was spontaneously observed after 7 months.

Conclusions
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of catheter fracture in a TIVAP implantation at a femoral site.
The dual allelopathic capacity of two Brassicaceae plants’ seed powder in controlling Orobanche crenata infesting Pisum sativum as well as stimulating its growth and yield
Authors: Ahmed Salah El-Din Abd El-Ghany , Messiha Nadia Khalil , El-Masry Raafat Ragheb , El-Dabaa Mahmoud Ahmed Touny 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
It is well known that legume and other crops such as pea, faba bean, lentil, chick pea, and several other crops are susceptible to Orobanche crenata (broomrape) infestation. There is a direct relationship between O. crenata infestation and yield losses depending on the severity of infestation, the crop sensitivity, the planting date, and the different prevailing environmental factors. So, the present investigation aims to evaluate the allelopathic potentiality of the seed powder of the Brassicaceae plants (Eruca sativa and Sinapis alba) in controlling O. crenata infesting Pisum sativum plants.

Materials/methods
Two greenhouse experiments were held during two consecutive winter seasons to study the allelopathic effect of Eruca sativa (Essp) and Sinapis alba (Sasp) seed powder and compare it with recommended Basamid (Dazomet) herbicide treatment in controlling O. crenata infesting Pisum sativum as well as their effect on P. sativum growth, yield, and yield attributes. The treatments were conducted by mixing the seed powder of E. sativa (Essp) or S. alba (Sasp) to the soil at 12.5, 25.0, 37.5, and 50 g/kg soil as well as Basamid herbicide at 0.2 g/pot.

Results
The recorded results show that both Essp and Sasp at successive rates as well as Basamid treatment scored a great inhibition in dry weight of O. crenata tubercles infesting P. sativum plants at 55 days after sowing (DAS) and at harvest. The highest rate (50 g/kg) of both applied seed powder achieved the highest level of controlling O. crenata investigated weed. Growth as well as yield and yield attributes of P. sativum increased by the application of Essp and Sasp especially at the lowest rates in comparison with infected control.

Conclusion
The lowest rates (12.5 and 25 g/kg soil) of both Essp and Sasp were the optimum applied treatments that suppressed O. crenata weed with the highest yield of P. sativum as compared with the healthy control. Glucosinolates and phenolic compounds in both seed powder may be the main active allelochemical which could be considered as a natural bioherbicide for controlling the O. crenata parasitic weed that infests P. sativum and reflected in turn on the plant yield by increase.
Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation Patients With Concomitant Hyperthyroidism
Authors: Chan Yi-Hsin , Wu Lung-Sheng , See Lai-Chu , Liu Jia-Rou , Chang Shang-Hung , Chao Tze-Fan , Yeh Yung-Hsin , Kuo Chi-Tai , Lee Hsin-Fu , Lip Gregory Y H 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Objective
Patients with hyperthyroidism were excluded from the randomized clinical trials of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).

Methods
We performed a nationwide retrospective cohort study using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. We enrolled 3213 and 1181 NVAF patients with hyperthyroidism who were taking DOACs and warfarin, respectively, from June 1, 2012 to December 31, 2017. We also enrolled 53 591 and 16 564 NVAF patients without hyperthyroidism, taking DOACs and warfarin, respectively. We used propensity score stabilized weights (PSSWs) to balance covariates across the study groups. We also used 1:4 matching on both taking DOACs, with (n = 3213) and without hyperthyroidism (n = 12 852); and both taking warfarin, with (n = 1181) and without hyperthyroidism (n = 4724).

Results
After PSSW, DOAC had a comparable risk of ischemic stroke/systemic embolism (IS/SE) and a lower risk of major bleeding (hazard ratio [HR] 0.65; 95% confidential interval [CI], 0.44–0.96; P = 0.0295) than warfarin among patients with hyperthyroidism. There were comparable risks of IS/SE and major bleeding between those patients with and without hyperthyroidism. However, among patients taking warfarin, those with hyperthyroidism had a lower risk of IS/SE than those without hyperthyroidism (HR 0.61; 95% CI, 0.43–0.86; P = 0.0050).

Conclusion
Among NVAF Asian patients with concomitant hyperthyroidism, DOACs may be an effective and safer alternative to warfarin. Thromboprophylaxis with DOACs may be considered for such patients, and it is important to validate this finding in further prospective study.
MicroRNA-96-5p promotes proliferation, invasion and EMT of oral carcinoma cells by directly targeting FOXF2
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Ma Ning , Li Wenyue , Wang Zuomin 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT
Recently, microRNA-96-5p (miR-96-5p) has been reported to function as both a tumor suppressor and oncogene in several cancer types, including gastric cancer, hepatocellular cancer and lung cancer. However, the biological function of miR-96-5p and its precise mechanisms in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have not been well clarified. The aim of this study was to study the roles of miR-96-5p/FOXF2 axis in OSCC. In this study, the miR-96-5p level was dramatically enhanced in OSCC tissues and cell lines, and the FOXF2 expression was significantly reduced. In addition, the FOXF2 expression was negatively related to the miR-96-5p level in OSCC tissues. Furthermore, downregulation of miR-96-5p obviously restrained OSCC cell proliferation, invasion and EMT. We confirmed that miR-96-5p could directly target FOXF2 by luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, knockdown of FOXF2 also could markedly promote the proliferation, invasion and EMT of OSCC cells. Finally, overexpression of FOXF2 in OSCC cells partially reversed the promoted effects of miR-96-5p mimic. Knockdown of miR-96-5p restrained OSCC cells proliferation, invasion and EMT via regulation of FOXF2.