bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial Pancarditis with Myocardial Abscess: Successful Surgical Intervention in a 14-Month-Old Boy
Authors: Yoon Jonathan K. , Rahimi M. Babak , Fiore Andrew , Schowengerdt Kenneth , Jureidini Saadeh B.
Published: February 2015

A 14-month-old boy with a structurally normal heart presented with signs of cardiac tamponade caused by purulent pericarditis. During his hospital stay, mitral and tricuspid valve endocarditis developed, and a ventricular septal abscess expanded despite appropriate, prolonged antibiotic therapy for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The day before scheduled surgical correction, the abscess ruptured, creating a septal aneurysm. Surgical intervention resulted in an excellent outcome. Throughout the patient's 67-day hospitalization, the use of echocardiography was crucial in monitoring and diagnosis.

In addition to reporting this case, we discuss our diagnostic and treatment considerations. To our knowledge, this is only the 4th report of S. aureus bacterial pancarditis with myocardial abscess.
Incidental Left Atrial Blood Cyst in a Patient Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Suero Gregory , Shah Moneal , Hughes-Doichev Rachel
Published: February 2015

Blood cysts of the heart are benign cardiovascular tumors found incidentally in approximately 50% of infants who undergo autopsy at less than 2 months of age. These congenital cysts, frequently present on the atrioventricular valves of infants, are exceedingly rare in adults. Nonetheless, in adults, cardiac blood cysts have been found on the mitral valve, papillary muscles, right atrium, right ventricle, left ventricle, and aortic, pulmonic, and tricuspid valves. Reported complications include left ventricular outflow obstruction, occlusion of the coronary arteries, valvular stenosis or regurgitation, and embolic stroke.

In high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis, transcatheter aortic valve replacement has emerged as an alternative to surgical replacement. Transesophageal echocardiography plays a fundamental role in evaluating the feasibility of intraprocedural transcatheter aortic valve replacement, in measuring aortic annular size, in guiding placement of the prosthetic device, and in looking for possible complications. The embolic risk of rapid pacing and transcatheter aortic valve replacement in a patient with an intracardiac blood cyst is unknown, and such a case has not, to our knowledge, been reported heretofore. We present the case of a 78-year-old woman with severe aortic stenosis, in whom a blood cyst was incidentally found in the left atrium upon transesophageal echocardiography. She underwent successful transcatheter aortic valve replacement without embolic complication.
Cardiomyopathy Induced by Pulmonary Sequestration in a 50-Year-Old Man
Authors: Chatelain Shaun , Comp Robert A. , Grace R. Randal , Sabbath Adam M.
Published: February 2015

A 50-year-old black man presented at the emergency department with midsternal, nonradiating chest pressure and chronic dyspnea on exertion. Four years before the current admission, he had been diagnosed with nonischemic cardiomyopathy at another facility. After our complete evaluation, we suspected that his symptoms arose from left-to-left shunting in association with pulmonary sequestration, a congenital malformation. Our preliminary diagnosis of secondary dilated cardiomyopathy was confirmed by normalization of the patient's ventricular size and function after lobectomy. To our knowledge, this patient is the oldest on record to present with cardiomyopathy consequent to pulmonary sequestration. His case is highly unusual because of his age and the rapid resolution of his symptoms after lobectomy. We believe that pulmonary sequestration should be included in the differential diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy.
Early Detection of a Cavopulmonary Tumor Embolus with the Use of Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: El-Sayed Ahmed Magdy M. , Al-Najjar Raed M. , Aftab Muhammad , Anton James M. , Colen John S. , Reul Ross M.
Published: February 2015

Pulmonary tumor embolization from renal cell carcinoma is associated with severe cardiopulmonary morbidity and high perioperative mortality rates. We report the case of a 71-year-old woman who presented with right-sided abdominal pain. Magnetic resonance images revealed a mass originating from the upper pole of the right kidney and extending into the infrahepatic portion of the inferior vena cava. Transesophageal echocardiography was continuously used to monitor the mass during intended radical nephrectomy and tumor resection. When the right kidney was mobilized, intracaval thrombus detached and migrated to the patient's right atrium, causing severe hemodynamic instability. After emergent sternotomy and during the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass, the mass was no longer echocardiographically detectable in the heart; it was soon removed completely from the left pulmonary artery. The mass was a renal cell carcinoma.

We recommend the use of transesophageal echocardiography as an efficient diagnostic tool in the early detection of pulmonary tumor embolization during the resection of renal cell carcinoma that involves the inferior vena cava.
Lambl's Excrescence, Migrainous Headaches, and “Tiger Stripes”: Puzzling Findings in One Patient
Authors: Davogustto Giovanni , Fernando Rajeev Ruben , Loghin Catalin
Published: February 2015

Lambl's excrescences are mobile, thin, filiform structures that occur at sites of valve closure. Even though many clinicians consider them to be part of the normal aging process, evidence suggests an association between Lambl's excrescences and ischemic stroke, migrainous headaches, and acute coronary syndromes. As a thin filamentous structure, a Lambl's excrescence is better detected and characterized with transesophageal than with transthoracic echocardiography. Intracardiac oscillatory structures can also be seen as “tiger stripes” on spectral pulsed Doppler echocardiographic recordings. Herein, we present the case of a 68-year-old woman who had 3 concurrent enigmatic findings with unclear correlation: migrainous headaches, Lambl's excrescences, and the uncommon finding of “tiger stripes” on spectral Doppler echocardiography. We discuss the possible correlation between these 3 findings and review the available literature on Lambl's excrescences and tiger stripes.
Left Ventricular Noncompaction in a Family with Lamin A/C Gene Mutation
Authors: Parent John J. , Towbin Jeffrey A. , Jefferies John L.
Published: February 2015

Left ventricular noncompaction is a rare type of cardiomyopathy, the genetics of which are poorly understood to date. Lamin A/C gene mutations have been associated with dilated cardiomyopathy and diseases of the conduction system, but rarely in left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy. This report describes the cases of 4 family members with a lamin A/C gene mutation, 3 of whom had phenotypic expression of left ventricular noncompaction.
Echocardiographic versus Histologic Findings in Marfan Syndrome
Authors: Gu Xiaoyan , He Yihua , Li Zhian , Han Jiancheng , Chen Jian , Nixon J.V. (Ian)
Published: February 2015

This retrospective study attempted to establish the prevalence of multiple-valve involvement in Marfan syndrome and to compare echocardiographic with histopathologic findings in Marfan patients undergoing valvular or aortic surgery.

We reviewed echocardiograms of 73 Marfan patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery from January 2004 through October 2009. Tissue histology was available for comparison in 29 patients.

Among the 73 patients, 66 underwent aortic valve replacement or the Bentall procedure. Histologic findings were available in 29 patients, all of whom had myxomatous degeneration. Of 63 patients with moderate or severe aortic regurgitation as determined by echocardiography, 4 had thickened aortic valves. The echocardiographic findings in 18 patients with mitral involvement included mitral prolapse in 15. Of 11 patients with moderate or severe mitral regurgitation as determined by echocardiography, 4 underwent mitral valve repair and 7 mitral valve replacement. Histologic findings among mitral valve replacement patients showed thickened valve tissue and myxomatous degeneration. Tricuspid involvement was seen echocardiographically in 8 patients, all of whom had tricuspid prolapse. Two patients had severe tricuspid regurgitation, and both underwent repair. Both mitral and tricuspid involvement were seen echocardiographically in 7 patients.

Among the 73 patients undergoing cardiac surgery for Marfan syndrome, 66 had moderate or severe aortic regurgitation, although their valves manifested few histologic changes. Eighteen patients had mitral involvement (moderate or severe mitral regurgitation, prolapse, or both), and 8 had tricuspid involvement. Mitral valves were most frequently found to have histologic changes, but the tricuspid valve was invariably involved.
Acute Surgical Pulmonary Embolectomy: A 9-Year Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Hartman Alan R. , Manetta Frank , Lessen Ronald , Pekmezaris Renee , Kozikowski Andrzej , Jahn Lynda , Akerman Meredith , Lesser Martin L. , Glassman Lawrence R. , Graver Michael , Scheinerman Jacob S. , Kalimi Robert , Palazzo Robert , Vatsia Sheel , Pogo Gustave , Hall Michael , Yu Pey-Jen , Singh Vijay
Published: February 2015

Acute pulmonary embolism is a substantial cause of morbidity and death. Although the American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend surgical pulmonary embolectomy in patients with acute pulmonary embolism associated with hypotension, there are few reports of 30-day mortality rates.

We performed a retrospective review of acute pulmonary embolectomy procedures performed in 96 consecutive patients who had severe, globally hypokinetic right ventricular dysfunction as determined by transthoracic echocardiography. Data on patients who were treated from January 2003 through December 2011 were derived from health system databases of the New York State Cardiac Surgery Reporting System and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. The data represent procedures performed at 3 tertiary care facilities within a large health system operating in the New York City metropolitan area.

The overall 30-day mortality rate was 4.2%. Most patients (68 [73.9%]) were discharged home or to rehabilitation facilities (23 [25%]). Hemodynamically stable patients with severe, globally hypokinetic right ventricular dysfunction had a 30-day mortality rate of 1.4%, with a postoperative mean length of stay of 9.1 days. Comparable findings for hemodynamically unstable patients were 12.5% and 13.4 days, respectively.

Acute pulmonary embolectomy can be a viable procedure for patients with severe, globally hypokinetic right ventricular dysfunction, with or without hemodynamic compromise; however, caution is warranted. Our outcomes might be dependent upon institutional capability, experience, surgical ability, and careful patient selection.
Meta-Analysis of CHADS2 versus CHA2DS2-VASc for Predicting Stroke and Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Independent of Anticoagulation
Authors: Zhu Wen-Gen , Xiong Qin-Mei , Hong Kui
Published: February 2015

Two validated scoring systems for predicting embolic risk, CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc, contribute to optimizing antithrombotic prescription practices in patients who have atrial fibrillation. However, data about anticoagulated patients are sparse. We compared CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc, in terms of their predictive risk evaluation, in patients with atrial fibrillation who were and were not taking anticoagulants.

We systematically searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases for studies of the comparative diagnostic performance of CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc. We identified 12 cohort studies for meta-analysis. With regard to the occurrence of cardiovascular events individually, patients with CHA2DS2-VASc scores ≥2 have a greater risk of stroke (risk ratio [RR]=5.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.85–6.88; P <0.00001) and thromboembolism (RR=5.96; 95% CI, 5.50–6.45; P <0.00001) (Pdiff=0.34) than do patients with CHA2DS2-VASc scores <2, independent of anticoagulation therapy (RR=5.76; 95% CI, 5.23–6.35; P <0.00001 in anticoagulated patients; and RR=6.12; 95% CI, 5.40–6.93; P <0.00001 in patients not taking anticoagulants; Pdiff=0.45). The pooled RR estimates indicate an approximate 6-fold increase in the risk of endpoint events in patients with CHA2DS2-VASc scores ≥2 (RR=5.90; 95% CI, 5.46–6.37; P <0.0001).

These results clearly indicate the discriminative capacity of the CHA2DS2-VASc score for stroke, thromboembolic events, or both, independent of optimal anticoagulation. The CHA2DS2-VASc score enables the identification of patients who are at genuinely high risk and can direct the selection of appropriate therapeutic approaches.
Thiol-based redox switches in prokaryotes
Authors: Hillion Melanie , Antelmann Haike
Published: February 2015

Bacteria encounter reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a consequence of the aerobic life or as an oxidative burst of activated neutrophils during infections. In addition, bacteria are exposed to other redox-active compounds, including hypochloric acid (HOCl) and reactive electrophilic species (RES) such as quinones and aldehydes. These reactive species often target the thiol groups of cysteines in proteins and lead to thiol-disulfide switches in redox-sensing regulators to activate specific detoxification pathways and to restore the redox balance. Here, we review bacterial thiol-based redox sensors that specifically sense ROS, RES and HOCl via thiol-based mechanisms and regulate gene transcription in Gram-positive model bacteria and in human pathogens, such asStaphylococcus aureusandMycobacterium tuberculosis. We also pay particular attention to emerging widely conserved HOCl-specific redox regulators that have been recently characterized inEscherichia coli. Different mechanisms are used to sense and respond to ROS, RES and HOCl by 1-Cys-type and 2-Cys-type thiol-based redox sensors that include versatile thiol-disulfide switches (OxyR, OhrR, HypR, YodB, NemR, RclR, Spx, RsrA/RshA) or alternative Cys phosphorylations (SarZ, MgrA, SarA), thiol-S-alkylation (QsrR), His-oxidation (PerR) and methionine oxidation (HypT). In pathogenic bacteria, these redox-sensing regulators are often important virulence regulators and required for adapation to the host immune defense.
Sequential Maximum Likelihood Estimation for the Parameter of the Linear Drift Term of the Rayleigh Diffusion Process
Authors: Kuang Nenghui , Li Chunli , Xie Huantian
Published: February 2015

In this paper, we investigate the properties of a sequential maximum likelihood estimator of the unknown linear drift parameter for the Rayleigh diffusion process. The estimator is shown to be closed, unbiased, normally distributed and strongly consistent. Finally a simulation study is presented to illustrate the efficiency of the estimator.
Stone Consolidation by Bacterial Carbonatogenesis: Evaluation of in situ Applications
Authors: Rodriguez-Navarro Carlos , Jroundi Fadwa , Gonzalez-Muñoz Maria Teresa
Published: February 2015

Precipitation of calcium carbonate minerals by bacteria, the so-called bacterial carbonatogenesis, is a promising method for the consolidation of decayed stone. Despite extensive laboratory testing that has demonstrated the efficacy of this method, little is, however, known regarding the medium- and/or long-term performance of this bacterial conservation treatment once appliedin situ, on stone buildings. Here, we report on the evaluation of the performance of bacterial consolidation treatments applied in three different historical buildings placed in an urban environment and built using a highly porous, easily decayed calcarenite stone. Peeling tape tests show a significant long-lasting (up to four years) strength improvement following treatment with either aMyxococcus xanthusbacterial culture or a sterile nutritional solution that selectively activates the carbonatogenic bacteria inhabiting the stone. Total color changes, measured before and after treatment using a spectrophotometer, are systematically below the acceptable value of ΔE≤ 5. Culture-dependent analysis of the microbiota shows that 100% of the culturable bacteria collected before and after treatment is carbonatogenic, and the total count of fungi spores remains constant or diminishes, while the population of acid-producing bacteria decreases over time after treatment application. Culture-independent microbial analyses show that no deleterious microbiota develops after treatment, being carbonate-producing Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria the most abundant phyla both before and after treatment. Overall these results show that thein situapplication of the bacterial consolidation method shows no detrimental side effects and is highly effective in the medium- and long-term.
Consolidation and Strengthening of Historical Masonry by Means of Mineral Grouts: Grout Development
Authors: Van Gemert Dionys , Ignoul Sven , Brosens Kris , Toumbakari Eleni-Eva
Published: February 2015

Abstract:Mass consolidation of stone and brick masonry is considered, with exclusion of pure crack repair. Damage and specific failure mechanisms in multiple leaf masonry are presented. The aims of consolidation are explained, and the inherent advantages and disadvantages of distinct strengthening and consolidation techniques are given. An historical overview of consolidation methods and of development of consolidation grout materials is given, which explains how technology evolved to the actual procedures.
A Comparison Between the Burn Condition of Deuterium–Tritium and Deuterium–Helium-3 Reaction and Stability Limits
Authors: Motevalli Seyed Mohammad , Fadaei Fereshteh
Published: February 2015

The nuclear reaction of deuterium–tritium (D–T) fusion by the usual magnetic or inertial confinement suffers from a number of difficulties and problems caused by tritium handling, neutron damage to materials and neutron-induced radioactivity, etc. The study of the nuclear synthesis reaction of deuterium–helium-3 (D–3He) at low collision energies (below 1 keV) is of interest for its applications in nuclear physics and astrophysics. Spherical tokamak (ST) reactors have a low aspect ratio and can confine plasma with β≈1. These capabilities of ST reactors are due to the use of the alternative D–3He reaction. In this work, the burn condition of D–3He reaction was calculated by using zero-dimensional particles and power equations, and, with the use of the parameters of the ST reactor, the stability limit of D–3He reaction was calculated and then the results were compared with those of D–T reaction. The obtained results show that the burn conditions of D–3He reaction required a higher temperature and had a much more limited temperature range in comparison to those of D–T reaction.
Impact of Magnetic Field on Mixed Convective Peristaltic Flow of Water Based Nanofluids with Joule Heating
Authors: Abbasi Fahad Munir , Hayat Tasawar , Ahmad Bashir
Published: February 2015

Peristaltic transport of water-based nanofluids in the presence of applied magnetic field is studied. Two different types of nanofluids (silver-water and copper-water nanofluids) are used in the analysis. Effects of mixed convection, viscous dissipation, Joule heating, and heat generation/absorption are considered. Long wavelength and low Reynolds number approximations are used in the mathematical modelling. Numerical solutions are obtained for the velocity, pressure gradient, pressure rise per wavelength, temperature, and heat transfer rate at the wall. Physical quantities of interest are studied through graphs and tables. Comparison of water, silver-water, and copper-water nanofluid is presented. Results show that velocity and temperature of ordinary water are larger than those of nanofluids. Maximum velocity, temperature, and heat transfer rate at the wall of silver-water nanofluid is relatively higher than the copper-water nanofluid.
Energy States of Some Diatomaic Molecules: The Exact Quantisation Rule Approach
Authors: Falaye Babatunde J. , Ikhdair Sameer M. , Hamzavi Majid
Published: February 2015

In this study, we obtain the approximate analytical solutions of the radial Schrödinger equation for the Deng–Fan diatomic molecular potential by using the exact quantisation rule approach. The wave functions were expressed by hypergeometric functions via the functional analysis approach. An extension to the rotational–vibrational energy eigenvalues of some diatomic molecules is also presented. It is shown that the calculated energy levels are in good agreement with those obtained previously (E

nℓ
–D; shifted Deng–Fan).
Implementation of an Intelligent Computing Platform for Determination of Moisture Content of Subgrade Soil
Authors: Shetu N. S. , Masum M. A.
Published: February 2015

Determination of moisture content of soil is absolutely crucial and must be performed frequently to assure the quality of construction work. In a view to suppress the limitations and inaccuracies of the existing methods, a new concept is successfully implemented. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) and state-of-the-art electronic circuitry are embedded to realize an automatic measurement system based on an open-source computing platform. Moreover, to facilitate user interaction with the system, a sophisticated graphical user interface (GUI) is created. This system, from both the hardware and software perspective, brings new ideas in, not only the moisture content determination test, but in geotechnical engineering laboratory and field instrumentation in terms of accuracy, automation, and machine intelligence. It will be obvious from this work that open-source hardware and software embedded in test equipment can automate the whole test procedure for almost all types of tests in geotechnical engineering using appropriate sensor, and data-acquisition and processing routines. This paper presents the technical know-how of the system setup, hardware, and software development, workflow, and system validation for the determination of moisture content of subgrade soil in two distinct test modes—supervised and unsupervised. This work will demonstrate that, not only the test procedure can be automated, but time optimization is also possible, which results in at least 50 % test time reduction.
New Solvents for Agrochemical Formulations—A Green Chemistry Approach
Authors: Costa Fernanda de Oliveira B. , de Oliveira Adriano Sales
Published: February 2015

Solvents play a key role in the delivery of pesticides to their respective targets. One of the most common types of agrochemical formulation is emulsifiable concentrate (EC), which basically comprises an active ingredient (AI), a solvent or blend of solvents, surfactants, and small amounts of additives. The most common solvents present in these formulas contribute to volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, are flammable, classified as hazardous air pollutant (HAP) substances, i.e., are toxic to users and farmers, and can be phytotoxic to crops. The use of solvents that are more benign to human health and the environment is part of the “green chemistry” movement. The Principles of Green Chemistry were considered during selection and design of the new solvents described in this paper. Important features defined for these new molecules were low volatility, being derived from renewable feedstock, and low toxicity and phytotoxicity. From these studies, we present new ester solvents based on citric acid and branched alcohols derived from sugar cane. They had many desirable physical and chemical properties herein described as high boiling point, low volatility, and low freezing point. Due to their chemical characteristics, it is believed that they have low toxicity to humans and to the environment. A remarkable benefit of these products is that they do not cause eye irritation. The lab tests results showed that solubility of selected active ingredients in these esters exceed their commercial concentrations without crystallization. Based on these findings, stable EC formulations were developed using surfactants with sustainable characteristics.
Chronic pancreatitis.Evidence based management guidelines of the Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group
Authors: Takács Tamás , Czakó László , Dubravcsik Zsolt , Farkas Gyula , Hegyi Péter , Hritz István , Kelemen Dezső , Lásztity Natália , Morvay Zita , Oláh Attila , Pap Ákos , Párniczky Andrea , Patai Árpád , Sahin-Tóth Miklós , Szentkereszti Zsolt , Szmola Richárd , Tiszlavicz László , Szücs Ákos
Published: February 2015

Chronic pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease associated with structural and functional damage of the pancreas. In most cases pain, maldigestion and weight loss are the leading sympthoms, which significantly worsen the quality of life. Correct diagnosis and differential diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis and treatment of these patients requires up-to-date and evidence based treatment guidelines. The Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group proposed to prepare an evidence based guideline based on the available international guidelines and evidence. The preparatory and consultation task force appointed by the Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group translated and complemented and/or modified the international guidelines if it was necessary. 123 relevant clinical questions in 11 topics were defined. Evidence was classified according to the UpToDate®grading system. The draft of the guidelines were presented and discussed at the consensus meeting in September 12, 2014. All clinial questions were accepted with total or strong agreement. The present guideline is the first evidence based chronic pancreatitis guideline in Hungary. This guideline provides very important and helpful data for tuition, everyday practice and proper financing of chronic pancreatitis. Therefore, the authors believe that these guidelines will widely become a basic reference in Hungary. Orv. Hetil., 2015, 156(7), 262–288.
Pancreatic cancer.Evidence based management guidelines of the Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group
Authors: Szmola Richárd , Farkas Gyula , Hegyi Péter , Czakó László , Dubravcsik Zsolt , Hritz István , Kelemen Dezső , Lásztity Natália , Morvay Zita , Oláh Attila , Párniczky Andrea , Rubovszky Gábor , Sahin-Tóth Miklós , Szentkereszti Zsolt , Szücs Ákos , Takács Tamás , Tiszlavicz László , Pap Ákos
Published: February 2015

Pancreatic cancer is a disease with a poor prognosis usually diagnosed at a late stage. Therefore, screening, diagnosis, treatment and palliation of pancreatic cancer patients require up-to-date and evidence based management guidelines. The Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group proposed to prepare an evidence based guideline based on the available scientific evidence and international guidelines. The preparatory and consultation board appointed by the Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group translated and complemented/modified the recent international guidelines. 37 clinical statements in 10 major topics were defined (Risk factors and genetics, Screening, Diagnosis, Staging, Surgical care, Pathology, Systemic treatment, Radiation therapy, Palliation and supportive care, Follow-up and recurrence). Evidence was graded according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) grading system. The draft of the guideline was presented and discussed at the consensus meeting in September 12, 2014. Statements were accepted with either total (more than 95% of votes, n = 15) or strong agreement (more than 70% of votes, n = 22). The present guideline is the first evidence based pancreatic cancer guideline in Hungary that provides a solid ground for teaching purposes, offers quick reference in everyday patient care and guides patient financing options. The authors strongly believe that these guidelines will become a standard reference for pancreatic cancer treatment in Hungary. Orv. Hetil., 2015, 156(8), 326–339.
A SIGNALÉTICA DAS AÇÕES: O CASO DAS DENOMINAÇÕES DESCRITIVAS
Authors: CONDE Cleber
Published: February 2015

A designação de ações policiais, ações militares, programas, projetos, casos policiais entre outros objetos denomináveis a partir de estruturas como "Operação + Cavalo de Troia" traduzíveis em "Nc + x" (nome comum mais uma variável) se comporta de modo singular. Para sustentar nossa proposta, desenvolvemos uma análise semântico-referencial da composição daquilo que Kleiber (1985) chamou de denominação descritiva e, para compreender como esse procedimento denominacional se concretiza, evocamos o conceito de signalética segundo Bosredon (1997), cuja proposição teórica tenta dar conta de um conjunto de regras que descrevem os modos específicos de denominar determinados objetos. A partir da descrição das denominações dadas às ações da Polícia Federal Brasileira conseguimos chegar a um levantamento de regras denominativas que são empregadas para se referenciar a objetos singulares como os que são tratados neste artigo. Ademais, conseguimos demonstrar que as denominações descritivas possuem uma constituição híbrida de seu modo de referenciar a partir da mistura das propriedades referenciais do nome próprio e da descrição definida.
The Use of Connected Masks for Reconstructing the Single Particle Image from X-Ray Diffraction Data
Authors: Lunin V.Y. , Lunina N.L. , Petrova T.E.
Published: February 2015

The task of reconstructing the image of a single macromolecular object from X-ray diffraction data can be formulated as a task of the reconstruction of the 3D electron density distribution from the magnitudes of its Fourier transform. This task can be reduced to a series of standard X-ray crystallography tasks, namely, the recovery of a periodic function from its Fourier transform magnitudes (structure factors), which are determined in an X-ray diffraction experiment. In this work, a new approach to the solution of these tasks is suggested which is based on the use of connected binary masks as an approximation of the required electron density distribution. The approach includes the random generation of a great number of connected masks, the selection of the masks that are in agreement with an experimental and a prior information about the object, and the alignment and the averaging of the phase sets of the structure factors that correspond to the selected masks. The averaged phase values together with the experimentally determined magnitudes are used for the calculation of the Fourier synthesis, which is applied for the visualization of the object under study. The approach can be used in studies of both single particles and crystalline species; however, it holds the greatest promise for investigations of single objects. The results of testing the approach are presented.
Combined effects of climate, predation, and density dependence on Greater and Lesser Scaup population dynamics
Authors: Ross Beth .E , Hooten Mevin B. , DeVink Jean-Michel , Koons David N.
Published: February 2015

An understanding of species relationships is critical in the management and conservation of populations facing climate change, yet few studies address how climate alters species interactions and other population drivers. We use a long‐term, broad‐scale data set of relative abundance to examine the influence of climate, predators, and density dependence on the population dynamics of declining scaup (Aythya) species within the core of their breeding range. The state‐space modeling approach we use applies to a wide range of wildlife species, especially populations monitored over broad spatiotemporal extents. Using this approach, we found that immediate snow cover extent in the preceding winter and spring had the strongest effects, with increases in mean snow cover extent having a positive effect on the local surveyed abundance of scaup. The direct effects of mesopredator abundance on scaup population dynamics were weaker, but the results still indicated a potential interactive process between climate and food web dynamics (mesopredators, alternative prey, and scaup). By considering climate variables and other potential effects on population dynamics, and using a rigorous estimation framework, we provide insight into complex ecological processes for guiding conservation and policy actions aimed at mitigating and reversing the decline of scaup.
Telomerase Expression in Individuals With Chronic and Aggressive Periodontitis
Authors: Katarkar Atul , Saha Arindam , Mukherjee Sanjit , Kundu Debabrata , Bandyopadhyay Prasanta , Chaudhuri Keya
Published: February 2015

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the expression of human telomerase reverse transcription (hTERT) enzyme in chronic periodontitis (CP) and aggressive periodontitis (AgP) compared with healthy individuals.

Methods: A total of 79 individuals consented to participate in the study. The study sample comprised healthy individuals (n = 30), patients with CP (n = 30), and patients with AgP (n = 19). Gingival tissue was collected and evaluated for hTERT expression by Western blot and immunohistochemical methods. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed using the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples.

Results: The hTERT messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression was significantly higher in AgP compared with CP (P <0.001). In GCF, 53.33% of patients with CP and 68.42% of patients with AgP were showing hTERT mRNA expression, but it was not detected in the control group. The AgP tissue showed higher hTERT expression compared with CP (P <0.001). The hTERT mRNA expression did not show a correlation with gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment loss (AL) in patients with AgP, whereas hTERT protein expression was strongly correlated with GI, PI, PD, and AL in patients with AgP. The protein expression of hTERT shows significant but moderate correlation with GI and AL in patients with CP.

Conclusion: High expression of hTERT might be associated with periodontal disease progression, suggesting that hTERT could be a potential prognostic marker.
The Gran San Bernardo nappe in the Aosta valley (western Alps): a composite stack of distinct continental crust units
Authors: Malusà Marco G. , Polino Riccardo , Martin Silvana
Published: February 2015

In the Aosta Valley, the Gran San Bernardo nappe, which comprises the basement sequences classically referred to as Ruitor Massif and Zona Interna, appears to be a stack of distinct basement units with distinct lithological features and contrasting tectono-metamorphic evolution piled up during the Eocene. In the former Zona Interna, two different units (Gran Nomenon and Leverogne) have been distinguished. The Gran Nomenon unit is a polymetamorphic basement unit, with a pre-Alpine epidote-amphibolite facies metamorphic imprint, intruded by granitoid rocks during the early Mississippian. It bears the evidence of a pervasive Alpine metamorphic overprint under greenschist facies conditions, and does not share common characters with any other basement sequence exposed in the Gran San Bernardo nappe. The Leverogne unit is a monometamorphic basement unit, with some analogies with the Mont Pourri basement sequence, intruded by granophyric rocks of Middle Cambrian age. It suffered epidote-blueschist and greenschist facies metamorphism during the Alpine orogenesis, and shows a deformation history partly different with respect to the Gran Nomenon unit. These units are bounded by tectonic melanges that represent Alpine shear zones, and have been juxtaposed under greenschist facies conditions during the late stages of exhumation of the belt. The Gran Nomenon unit, which does not show a significant HP/LT overprint, was probably not as deeply buried as the Leverogne and the Ruitor units during Alpine orogenesis.
Palynofacies and calcareous nannofossils in the Upper Kimmeridgian, southeastern Paris basin (France)
Authors: Giraud Fabienne , Courtinat Bernard , Garcia Jean-Pierre , Baudin François , Guillocheau François , Dromart Gilles , Atrops François , Collete Claude
Published: February 2015

The Upper Kimmeridgian Members “Calcaires blancs supérieurs” and the “Marnes à exogyres supérieures” of the southeastern Paris basin were investigated for their palynofacies and calcareous nannofossils. These members display alternating limestone-marl lithotypes and represent shallow marine palaeoenvironments. The lower carbonate member is interpreted as a proximal palaeoenvironment (palaeobathymetry = 5 to 10 m), where storm and swell deposits were prevalent and the salinity was occasionally weak. The relative richness of brown phytoclasts in this part is favoured by good preservation related to restricted conditions. These conditions would explain the dominance of the nannofossil Cyclagelosphaera margerelii in the nannofossil assemblages. The palynological data as those of the nannofossil assemblages show variations in the shift from carbonate member to marly member. The dominance of brown phytoclasts over black phytoclasts, the presence of amorphous organic matter (AOM), and the highest abundance and diversity observed within the nannofossil assemblages suggest that the maximum of distality occurred during this transition, at the basal part of the Marnes à Exogyres supérieures. The upper part of the section (marly member) characterized by storm deposits and storm-coquina beds is deeper (palaeobathymetry probably between 10 and 40 m depth) than the lower part. Oxidizing depositional conditions prevailed and explained the abundance of black particles found in this upper part, while proximate cysts and elevated non-placolith coccolith abundances indicate that relationships with the open sea were probably more significant compared to the lower part. Towards the top of the section, recurrences of restricted conditions are reflected by relatively elevated amounts of AOM and the abundance peak of the nannofossil Biscutum ellipticum. This study shows that micropalaeontological signals can be well recorded in vast lagunal domains. We speculate that salinity, nutrient supply, and oxygenation of the waters control microfossil associations. In shallow environments, these parameters are particularly fluctuating, especially when freshwater dilutes marine waters in surface, on the occasion of rainy periods or of intense arrival of continental waters.
Design and Evaluation of Gravel and Frac Packs With a Fully Three-Dimensional Wellbore Simulator
Authors: Klein H.H. , Cooper G.D. , Nelson S.G.
Published: February 2015

During the gravel packing and fracturing processes in deviated wells the flows can follow complicated three-dimensional paths in the treating string. In this paper we present the formulation of a three-dimensional numerical model of fluid and solids transport for evaluation and design of these completion events. The simulator tracks the slurry flow from the surface, throughout the wellbore, and into the perforations. It treats fluid return and loss into the formation. The model simulates fluid displacement, gravel settling, dune formation, bridging, fluid flow through packed solids and flow into and out of screens.

We present validation results against laboratory and field data for various fluids, deviations, pumping rates, and solids loading.
Reduction in Fatigue Failures through Crack Detection by Alternating Current Field Measurement
Authors: Gaynor T. M. , Roberts D. L. , Homan E. , Dover W.
Published: February 2015

Once a crack is initiated by cyclic stress in a drill string component it will grow under further service loading and will fail when insufficient uncracked material remains to carry the applied load. Because the levels of cyclic and subsequent stress in drilling may be unknown – or unknowable – the drilling equipment supplier's main defence against component fatigue failure (after design) is detection of the initial crack, conventionally by Magnetic Particle or Dye Penetrant Inspection.

A clean bill of health from conventional inspection means no more than that no crack indications were found. The likely locations of cracks (e.g. thread roots in box connections) are often difficult to examine. Detection and interpretation are subjective, and depend on the skill of the inspector. A crack and a surface defect may be indistinguishable. No re-viewable evidence of component inspection is left to allow an audit of inspection previously performed.

Alternating Current Field Measurement (ACFM) induces a current in the surface of a component. If ACFM detects a perturbation in the magnetic field created in the free space above the surface, a surface break is present. ACFM is able to determine length and depth, and hence the severity of any defect. It does not require a clear line of sight between operator and crack location. Because all data is recorded electronically, operator interpretation of results may be eliminated completely and any inspection revisited.

The paper describes the theory of the technique, the equipment used and practical results from the first application of ACFM to downhole motor components. The tests, conducted in the Middle East, allowed complete confidence that an ACFM clean bill of health meant "no cracks" and not "no cracks discovered". Components laid down on hours or MPI crack indications were returned to service when ACFM reinspection found no cracks. During the period of the pilot test, no downhole motor fatigue failures occurred.
Early Complications Following Cemented Modular Hip Hemiarthroplasty
Authors: Sullivan Niall P.T , Hughes Andrew W , Halliday Ruth L , Ward Abigail L , Chesser Tim J.S
Published: February 2015

Introduction :

Hemiarthroplasty is the recommended treatment for displaced, intracapsular, femoral neck fractures. This study aimed to evaluate the early complications following insertion of the JRI Furlong cemented hemiarthroplasty, a contemporary, modular, double tapered, polished prosthesis.

Method :

A series of 459 consecutive patients (May 2006 - June 2009) treated with a JRI hemiarthroplasty with a minimum of one-year (1-4years) follow-up were evaluated. Data collected retrospectively from clinical records and hospital databases included patient demographics, mortality, deep infection, dislocation, periprosthetic fracture, and any requirement for revision or complications related to the prosthesis.

Results :

Full data were available for 429 of 459 (93%), partial data for 30 (7%). Average age was 83 years (52-100), 76% were female. One-year mortality was 24%. Intraoperative fractures occurred in 17 patients (3.7%). There were two intraoperative deaths. There were nine early deep wound infections (2%). There were two revisions to total hip replacement (THR), four patients required conversion to THR and one underwent an excision arthroplasty procedure.

Discussion :

Early surgical outcomes for the JRI hemiarthroplasty prosthesis are equivalent or superior to other major hemiarthroplasty prostheses previously reported however, there was a high intraoperative fracture rate of 3.7%. We recommend using a stem one size smaller than the final broach in fragile, osteoporotic bone. No patients re-presented with aseptic loosening or stem failure.
Dirichlet-to-Robin maps on finite networks
Authors: Araúz Cristina , Carmona Ángeles , Encinas Andrés
Published: February 2015

Our aim is to characterize those matrices that are the response matrix of a
semi-positive definite Schr?dinger operator on a circular planar network. Our
findings generalize the known results and allow us to consider both
nonsingular and non diagonally dominant matrices as response matrices. To
this end, we define the Dirichlet-to-Robin map associated with a Schr?dinger
operator on general networks, and we prove that it satisfies the alternating
property which is essential to characterize the response matrices.
Coefficient estimates for certain subfamilies of close-to-convex functions of complex order
Authors: Ul-Haq Wasim , Nazneen Attiya , Rehman Nasir
Published: February 2015

Motivated from the recent work of Srivastava et al. (H.M. Srivastava, O.
Alt?ntas?, S. K. Serenbay, Coefficient bounds for certain subclasses of
starlike functions of complex order, Appl. Math. Lett. 24(2011)1359-1363.),
we aim to determine the coefficient estimates for functions in certain
subclasses of close-to-convex and related functions of complex order, which
are here defined by means of Cauchy-Euler type non-homogeneous differential
equation. Several interesting consequences of our results are also observed.
A new factor theorem for generalized Cesàro summability
Authors: Bor Hüseyin
Published: February 2015

In [6], we proved a theorem dealing with an application of quasi-f-power
increasing sequences. In this paper, we prove that theorem under less and
weaker conditions. This theorem also includes several new results.
Comparison of strong and statistical convergences in some families of summability methods
Authors: Seletski Anna , Tali Anne
Published: February 2015

The paper deals with certain families {A?}(?>?0) of summability methods.
Strong and statistical convergences in Ces?ro- and Euler-Knopp-type families
{A?} are investigated. Convergence of a sequence x = (xn) with respect to the
different strong summability methods [A?+1]t (with positive exponents t =
(tn)) in a family {A?} is compared, and characterized with the help of
statistical convergence. A convexity theorem for comparison of three strong
summability methods [A?+1]t, [A?+1]t and [A?+1]t (? > ? > ? > ?0) in a
Ces?ro-type family {A?} is proved. This theorem can be seen as a
generalization of some convexity theorems known earlier. Interrelations
between strong convergence and certain statistical convergence are also
studied and described with the help of theorems proved here. All the results
can be applied to the families of generalized N?rlund methods (N, p?n, qn).
Fixed points of generalized contractive mappings in ordered metric spaces
Authors: Amini-Harandi A.
Published: February 2015

Existence theorem for fixed point of mappings satisfying a new generalized
contractive condition, involving some well-known contractive conditions of
rational type, in ordered metric spaces is proved. Some examples are given
which illustrate the value of the obtained results in comparison to some of
the existing ones in literature.
Are There Relationships between Perceived and Actual Measures of Physical Fitness and Health for Healthy Young Women?
Authors: Brewer Wayne A. , Olson Sharon L.
Published: February 2015

The purposes were to assess the bivariate and multivariate relationships among the subdomains of physical self-concept, self-esteem, and objective measures of physical fitness in young healthy female graduate students. Nineteen participants were recruited from a local university and completed the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire-Short Form (PSDQ-S) to assess each individual's perceptions of her global physical self-concept, self-esteem, and physical fitness. Subsequently, a maximal aerobic capacity and muscular strength tests were completed, and moderate and significant correlations were found between these measures and the corresponding subdomains of the PSDQ-S. Multivariate analyses revealed that age and height but not the physical fitness tests were significant predictors of physical self-concept, while none of the variables predicted self-esteem.