bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and characteristic analysis of vibration feeding system for coal-gas dust-removal medium
Authors: Liu Bing , He Lixin , Zhao Xianglong , Qin Qiang , Guo Yi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
A vibration feeder is a piece of equipment for rationing and conveying powder, particle and block materials. In order to test the regeneration performance of de-dusting medium for high-temperature coal gas, a set of de-dusting medium-feeding systems was designed quantitatively. The de-dusting medium-feeding system is used in the gasification process for cleaning coal gas. The system is mainly composed of a hopper unit, control unit and feeding unit. In order to optimize the feeding stability of the coal-gas dust-removal medium vibration feeding system, the setting and scope of the following design factors and operating factors are investigated. Specifically, it includes the influence of gate-valve-opening adjustment of the control unit on the feeding stability of a vibrating feeding system; the influence of the gap size of the dipleg of the control unit on the feeding sensitivity of the vibration system; the influence of the particle size of the de-dusting medium on the operating range of the vibrating feeding system; the influence of the digitization of the working-current indicator of electromagnetic vibrating feeders on measurement variation and the process variation of a vibration feeding system. This vibration feeding system can realize the function of precise and quantitative feeding of the de-dusting medium, which can meet the design requirements of subsequent experimental research.
Working and Reference Memory Tasks Trigger Opposed Long-Term Synaptic Changes in the Rat Dentate Gyrus
Authors: Missaire Mégane , Fraize Nicolas , Comte Jean-Christophe , Truchet Bruno , Parmentier Régis , Salin Paul-Antoine , Malleret Gaël 
Published: December 2020

AbstractLong-term storage of information into memory is supposed to rely on long-term synaptic plasticity processes. The detection of such synaptic changes after training in long-term/reference memory (RM) tasks has yet been scarce, variable and only studied on a short time scale. Short-term or working memory (WM) is largely known to depend on persistent neuronal activity or short-term plasticity. However, processing information into WM could also involve long-term synaptic changes that could be responsible for the erasure/forgetting of items previously stored in WM and acting as proactive interference. In order to study long-term synaptic changes associated with RM or WM, we trained chronically implanted rats in 3 different radial maze tasks: a classical RM task and 2 WM tasks involving different levels of proactive interference. Synaptic responses in the dentate gyrus were recorded during 2 × 24 h in freely moving rats after training. We found that consolidation of long-term information leads first to a delayed synaptic potentiation, occurring 9 h after RM training that is replaced by a synaptic depression once the RM rule is fully acquired. In contrast, optimal information processing into WM triggers a synaptic depression immediately after training and lasting 3 h that could act as a mechanism for interference erasure/forgetting.
Intentions for Doing Good Matter for Doing Well: The Negative Effects of Prosocial Incentives
Authors: Cassar Lea , Meier Stephan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Many firms consider prosocial initiatives to be an effective tool to motivate workers. However, despite some initial supportive evidence, little is known about when and how prosocial incentives work. Our field experiment shows that the instrumental use of prosocial incentives to increase effort can backfire. The negative effect is particularly strong for performance-based prosocial incentives, which are, by construction, more instrumental than unconditional incentives, and for the workers who do not care about the charitable cause. These findings highlight some serious limitations of prosocial incentives: firms’ perceived intentions and the pool of employees will be crucial for their effectiveness.
Serial assessment of HeartMate 3 pump position and inflow angle and effects on adverse events
Authors: Shih Hueyjong , Butler Caley , Melehy Andrew , Ning Yuming , Kurlansky Paul , Kaku Yuji , Yuzefpolskaya Melana , Colombo Paolo C , Sayer Gabriel T , Uriel Nir , Naka Yoshifumi , Takeda Koji 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study analyses the position of the HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device on serial radiographs to assess positional change and possible correlation with adverse events.

METHODS
We retrospectively analysed 59 left ventricular assist device recipients who had serial chest radiographs at 1 month, 6 months and 12 months post-implantation between November 2014 and June 2018. We measured pump angle, pump-spine distance and pump-diaphragm depth and investigated their relationship to a composite outcome of heart failure readmission, low flow alarms, stroke or inflow/outflow occlusion requiring surgical repositioning through recurrent event survival modelling.

RESULTS
Between 1 and 6 months, the absolute pump-spine distance changed by 10.00 mm (P &lt; 0.01) and the absolute pump-diaphragm depth changed by 18.80 mm (P &lt; 0.01). These parameters did not change significantly between 6 and 12 months post-implantation. Pump angle did not change significantly over any period. Twenty-six patients experienced the composite outcome; in these patients, the median 1-month pump angle was 66.2° (interquartile range 54.5–78.0) as compared to 59.0° (interquartile range 47.0–65.0) in the 33 patients who did not have adverse events (P = 0.04). Pump depth and pump-spine distance at 1 month were not associated with the composite outcome. Change in pump depth between 1 and 6 months [hazard ratio (HR) 1.019; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.000–1.039] and between 6 and 12 months (HR 1.020; 95% CI 1.000–1.040) were weakly associated with the composite outcome.

CONCLUSIONS
Larger pump angles are associated with the composite outcome of position-related adverse events. Pump depth movement is weakly associated with the composite outcome.
339 Interplay between COVID-19, pollution, and weather features on changes in the incidence of acute coronary syndromes in early 2020
Authors: Griffo Simone , Gaspardone Achille , Danesi Alessandro , Ferranti Fabio , Mariano Enrica , Rotolo Francesco , Musto Carmine , Di Giosa Alessandro , Marchegiani Giada , Zoccai Giuseppe Biondi , Versaci Francesco 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Aims
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused an unprecedented change in the apparent epidemiology of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). However, the interplay between this disease, changes in pollution, climate, and aversion to activation of emergency medical services represents a challenging conundrum. We aimed at appraising the impact of COVID-19, weather, and environment features on the occurrence of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in a large Italian region and metropolitan area.

Methods and results
Italy was hit early on by COVID-19, such that state of emergency was declared on January 31, 2020, and national lockdown implemented on March 9, 2020, mainly because the accrual of cases in Northern Italy. In order to appraise the independent contribution on changes in STEMI and NSTEMI daily rates of COVID-19, climate and pollution, we collected data on these clinical events from tertiary care cardiovascular centers in the Lazio region and Rome metropolitan area. Multilevel Poisson modeling was used to appraise unadjusted and adjusted effect estimates for the daily incidence of STEMI and NSTEMI. The sample included 1448 STEMI and 2040 NSTEMI, with a total of 2882 PCI spanning 6 months. Significant reductions in STEMI and NSTEMI were evident already in early February 2020 (all P &lt; 0.05), concomitantly with COVID-19 spread and institution of national countermeasures. Changes in STEMI and NSTEMI were inversely associated with daily COVID-19 tests, cases, and/or death (P &lt; 0.05). In addition, STEMI and NSTEMI incidences were associated with daily NO2, PM10, and O3 concentrations, as well as temperature (P &lt; 0.05). Multi-stage and multiply adjusted models highlighted that reductions in STEMI were significantly associated with COVID-19 data (P &lt; 0.001), whereas changes in NSTEMI were significantly associated with both NO2 and COVID-19 data (both P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
Reductions in STEMI and NSTEMI in the COVID-19 pandemic may depend on different concomitant epidemiologic and pathophysiologic mechanisms. In particular, recent changes in STEMI may depend on COVID-19 scare, leading to excess all-cause mortality, or effective reduced incidence, whereas reductions in NSTEMI may also be due to beneficial reductions in NO2 emissions in the lockdown phase.
234 The role of preprocedural assessment of aortic valve calcium volume for the optimization of percutaneous aortic bioprosthesis implantation (TAVI)
Authors: Attisano Tiziana , Ferraioli Mario , Silverio Angelo , Bellino Michele , Esposito Luca , Di Muro Francesca Maria , Baldi Cesare , Coscioni Enrico , Galasso Gennaro 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Aims
Paravalvular leaks (PVL) and conduction disorders requiring permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) in patients with severe Aortic Valvular Stenosis (SA) undergoing percutaneous aortic valve prosthesis (TAVI) still have a significant and unacceptable incidence for patients at medium and low surgical risk, who represent, with increasing scientific evidence, the prevalent population. The appearance of these complications seems to be related to clinical, anatomical and procedural factors, which influence the decision-making process of the type and size of bioprosthesis to be implanted. Particular attention has been paid to the role of the volume of calcium present at the native aortic valve (VCA) as a predictor of these complications, in order to optimize the percutaneous procedure. The VCA can be quantified using algorithms derived from Multilayer Computed Computed Axial Tomography (MSCT), an examination that has become a pivotal element in the evaluation of the patient's eligibility for TAVI.The aim of our study was to document the pre-procedural added value of VCA in terms of possible containment of adverse events and how much it may affect the choice of the type of bioprosthesis to be implanted.

Methods and results
111 patients underwent TAVIs at the Interventional Cardiology Unit of the AOU S. Giovanni di Dio and Ruggi D'Aragona, between 2017 and 2020, subsequently divided into 2 groups: group A (self-expandable bioprosthesis, Medtronic Evolut R or Evolut Pro) and group B (balloon expandable bioprosthesis, Edward Sapien 3).The clinical, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and anatomical parameters of the enrolled patients were analyzed, and the VCA in the preprocedural phase was quantified for each of them, using an algorithm extracted from the MSCT reading software, OsiriX (OsiriX-MD v.2.8.2 64-bit).
A univariate logistic regression analysis was performed for the risk of developing the composite event of significant PVL and IPP.In Group B, no significant variables were found, while in Group A, the VCA (OR: 1.001; 95% CI, 1.000-1.002; p &lt; 0.043) and incomplete left branch block (OR: 5.781; 95% CI, 0.013-32.988; p &lt; 0.048) were significant. Subsequently, these two variables were tested in a multivariate regression model according to which only the VCA emerged as an independent predictor for the composite event (OR: 1.001; 95% CI, 1.000-1.002; p &lt; 0.039).

Conclusion
VCA is significantly associated with the risk of moderate to severe PVL and rhythm disturbances requiring PPI, in the group of patients in whom a self-expandable bioprosthesis was implanted, unlike patients who received a balloon-expandable bioprosthesis where this association is not significant.
265 Incidence, determinants and prognostic relevance of HS-troponin and natriuretic peptides elevation at admission in hospitalized COVID-19 pneumonia patients
Authors: Arcari Luca , Luciano Michelangelo , Cacciotti Luca , Musumeci Maria Beatrice , Spuntarelli Valerio , Pistella Eleonora , Martolini Dario , Manzo Daniele , Pucci Mariateresa , Marone Claudio , Melandri Serena , Ansalone Gerardo , Santini Claudio , Martelletti Paolo , Volpe Massimo , De Biase Luciano 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Aims
myocardial involvement in the course of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia has been reported, though not fully characterized yet. Aim of the present study is to undertake a joint evaluation of hs-Troponin and natriuretic peptides (NP) in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods and results
in this multicenter observational study, we analyzed data from n = 111 COVID-19 patients admitted to dedicated “COVID-19” medical units. Hs-Troponin was assessed in n = 103 patients and NP in n = 82 patients on admission; subgroups were identified according to values beyond reference range. increased hs-Troponin and NP were found in 38% and 56% of the cases respectively. As compared to those with normal cardiac biomarkers, these patients were older, had higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and more severe COVID-19 pneumonia by higher CRP and D-dimer and lower PaO2/FIO2. Two-dimensional echocardiography performed in a subset of patients (n = 24) showed significantly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with elevated NP only (p = 0.02), whereas right ventricular systolic function (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion) was significantly reduced both in patients with high hs-Troponin and NP (p = 0.022 and p = 0.03 respectively). On multivariable analysis, independent associations were found of hs-Troponin with age, PaO2/FIO2 and D-dimer (B = 0.419, p = 0.001; B=-0.212, p = 0.013 and B = 0.179, p = 0.037 respectively), and of NP with age and previous CVD (B = 0.480, p &lt; 0.001 and B = 0.253, p = 0.001 respectively). In patients with in-hospital mortality (n = 23, 21%) hs-Troponin and NP were both higher (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002 respectively), while increasing hs-troponin and NP were associated with worse in-hospital prognosis [OR 4.88 (95% CI 1.9-12.2), p = 0.001 (adjusted OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.2-8.5), p = 0.025) and OR 4.67 (95% CI 2-10.8), p &lt; 0.001 (adjusted OR 2.89 (95% CI 1.1-7.9), p = 0.04) respectively]. Receiver operator characteristic curves showed good ability of hs-Troponin and NP in predicting in-hospital mortality (AUC = 0.869 p &lt; 0.001 and AUC = 0.810, p &lt; 0.001 respectively).

Conclusion
myocardial involvement at admission is common in COVID-19 pneumonia and associated to worse prognosis, suggesting a role for cardiac biomarkers assessment in COVID-19 risk stratification. Independent associations of hs-Troponin with markers of disease severity and of NP with underlying CVD might point towards existing different mechanisms leading to their elevation in this setting.
370 The CO-existence of KCNQ1 and TNNI3 genes mutations supports the genetic origin of QTC abnormalities in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cava Francesco , Cristiano Ernesto , Lo Monaco Maria , Musumeci Maria Beatrice , Savio Camilla , Petrucci Simona , Rubattu Speranza Donatella , Piane Maria , Autore Camillo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) are inherited diseases characterized by a wide genetic heterogeneity. Based on the separate incidence of these pathologies and on the absence of linkage, the occurrence of both diseases in the same individual has an incidence of about 1/250000. We describe a rare case report of a 24 years-old patient with maternal familiarity for type 1 LQTS (mother carrier of KCNQ1 c.1781G&gt;A) and paternal familiarity for HCM (father carrier of TNNI3 c.592C&gt;G mutation) who inherited both gene mutations and was diagnosed with HCM and LQTS later in adolescence, after clinical and genetic evaluations.
447 Pathology of conduction tissue in cardiac amyloid: correlation with arrhythmic manifestations
Authors: Alfarano Maria , Chimenti Cristina , Verardo Romina , Galea Nicola , Francone Marco , Miraldi Fabio , Frustaci Andrea 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Aims
Pathology of conduction tissue (CT) and relative arrhythmic manifestations in living subjects with cardiac amyloid (CA) have never been reported.

Methods and results
In 17 out of 45 consecutive patients with CA, a left ventricular (LV) endomyocardial biopsy included CT sections. Extensive clinical examination, non-invasive (resting ECG, Holter monitoring, echocardiography), and invasive cardiac studies (selective coronary angiography, LV angiography, and LV endomyocardial biopsy) were performed in all patients. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was performed in 12 of the 17 patients (70%). CT was identified by Aschoff-Monckeberg histologic criteria associated to positive immunostaining for HCN4. Degree of CT infiltration was defined as mild when ≤ 30% of CT area was replaced by fibrous tissue and Congo red+ material, moderate in 30–70% CT area involvement and severe in &gt; 70% CT cell area replacement. CT infiltration was correlated with ventricular arrhythmias, echocardiographic LV maximal wall thickness (MWT) and type of amyloid protein identified by myocardial immunohistochemistry. CMR confirmed the presence of cardiac hypertrophy with preserved systolic function in all but one patient. LGE was present in all patients, predominantly with diffuse (5/11) or subendocardial (4/11) pattern compared to focal (2/11). In 7/11 patients T1 mapping sequences have been acquired; nT1 and ECV were increase in all patients (nT1: 1171 ± 61 ms; ECV: 59.9 ± 7.5%). Mild CT involvement was observed in 5 cases; moderate in 3; severe compromise in 9. CT involvement was associated with a parallel infiltration of CT artery. CT infiltration correlated with severity of arrhythmias (Spearman rho = 0.8, P &lt; 0.001) but not with age, MWT or type of amyloid protein. In particular, major ventricular tachyarrhythmias requiring pharmacologic treatment or ICD implantation occurred in 7 patients with severe, 1 patient with moderate and none with mild CT infiltration. Pacemaker implantation was required in 3 patients with complete CT area replacement.

Conclusion
CA associated arrhythmias correlate with severity of CT infiltration. CT involvement is independent from type and severity of CA suggesting a variable affinity of amyloid protein to CT.
Noncommutative Counting Invariants and Curve Complexes
Authors: Dimitrov George , Katzarkov Ludmil 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In our previous paper, viewing $D^b(K(l))$ as a noncommutative curve, where $K(l)$ is the Kronecker quiver with $l$-arrows, we introduced categorical invariants via counting of noncommutative curves. Roughly, these invariants are sets of subcategories in a given category and their quotients. The noncommutative curve-counting invariants are obtained by restricting the subcategories to be equivalent to $D^b(K(l))$. The general definition, however, defines a larger class of invariants and many of them behave properly with respect to fully faithful functors. Here, after recalling the definition, we focus on the examples and extend our studies beyond counting. We enrich our invariants with the following structures: the inclusion of subcategories makes them partially ordered sets and considering semi-orthogonal pairs of subcategories as edges amounts to directed graphs. It turns out that the problem for counting $D^b(A_k)$ in $D^b(A_n)$ has a geometric combinatorial parallel - counting of maps between polygons. Estimating the numbers counting noncommutative curves in $D^b({\mathbb P}^2)$ modulo the group of autoequivalences, we prove finiteness and that the exact determining of these numbers leads to a solution of Markov problem. Via homological mirror symmetry, this gives a new approach to this problem. Regarding the structure of a partially ordered set mentioned above, we initiate intersection theory of noncommutative curves focusing on the case of noncommutative genus zero. The above-mentioned structure of a directed graph (and related simplicial complex) is a categorical analogue of the classical curve complex, introduced by Harvey and Harrer. The paper contains pictures of the graphs in many examples and also presents an approach to Markov conjecture via counting of subgraphs in a graph associated with $D^b({{\mathbb{P}}}^2)$. Some of the results proved here were announced in a previous work.
A Phase 1/2 Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Romidespin in Persons With HIV-1 on Suppressive Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: McMahon Deborah K , Zheng Lu , Cyktor Joshua C , Aga Evgenia , Macatangay Bernard J , Godfrey Catherine , Para Michael , Mitsuyasu Ronald T , Hesselgesser Joseph , Dragavon Joan , Dobrowolski Curtis , Karn Jonathan , Acosta Edward P , Gandhi Rajesh T , Mellors John W 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
Romidepsin (RMD) is a histone deacetylase inhibitor reported to reverse HIV-1 latency. We sought to identify doses of RMD that were safe and induced HIV-1 expression.

Methods
Enrollees had HIV-1 RNA &lt;40 copies/mL on antiretroviral therapy. Measurements included RMD levels, plasma viremia by single-copy HIV-1 RNA assay, HIV-1 DNA, cell-associated unspliced HIV-1 RNA (CA-RNA), acetylation of histone H3-lysine-9 (H3K9ac+), and phosphorylation of transcription factor P-TEFb. Wilcoxon tests were used for comparison.

Results
In the single-dose cohorts 1–3, 43 participants enrolled (36 participants 0.5, 2, 5 mg/m 2 RMD; 7 placebo) and 16 enrolled in the multidose cohort 4 (13 participants 5 mg/m 2 RMD; 3 placebo). One grade 3 event (neutropenia) was possibly treatment related. No significant changes in viremia were observed in cohorts 1–4 compared to placebo. In cohort 4, pharmacodynamic effects of RMD were reduced proportions of CD4+ T cells 24 hours after infusions 2–4 (median, −3.5% to −4.5%) vs placebo (median, 0.5% to 1%; P ≤ .022), and increased H3K9ac+ and phosphorylated P-TEFb in CD4 + T cells vs placebo (P ≤ .02).

Conclusions
RMD infusions were safe but did not increase plasma viremia or unspliced CA-RNA despite pharmacodynamic effects on CD4 + T cells.

Clinical Trials Registration
NCT01933594.
Preserved Mucosal-Associated Invariant T-Cell Numbers and Function in Idiopathic CD4 Lymphocytopenia
Authors: Sortino Ornella , Dias Joana , Anderson Megan , Laidlaw Elizabeth , Leeansyah Edwin , Lisco Andrea , Sheikh Virginia , Sandberg Johan K , Sereti Irini 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells constitute a subset of unconventional, MR1-restricted T cells involved in antimicrobial responses as well as inflammatory, allergic, and autoimmune diseases. Chronic infection and inflammatory disorders as well as immunodeficiencies are often associated with decline and/or dysfunction of MAIT cells.

Methods
We investigated the MAIT cells in patients with idiopathic CD4+ lymphocytopenia (ICL), a syndrome characterized by consistently low CD4 T-cell counts (&lt;300 cell/µL) in the absence of HIV infection or other known immunodeficiency, and by susceptibility to certain opportunistic infections.

Results
The numbers, phenotype, and function of MAIT cells in peripheral blood were preserved in ICL patients compared to healthy controls. Administration of interleukin-7 (IL-7) to ICL patients expanded the CD8+ MAIT-cell subset, with maintained responsiveness and effector functions after IL-7 treatment.

Conclusions
ICL patients maintain normal levels and function of MAIT cells, preserving some antibacterial responses despite the deficiency in CD4+ T cells.

Clinical Trials Registration
NCT00867269.