bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Deformable Models for Graphics and Vision†
Authors: Goldenstein Siome , Vogler Christian , Velho Luiz 
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACTDeformable models are a powerful tool in both computer graphics and computer vision. The description and implementation of the deformations have to be simultaneously flexible and powerful, otherwise the technique may not satisfy the requirements of all the distinct applications. In this paper, we introduce a new method for the deformable model specification: deformable fields. Deformable fields are conceptually simple, lead to an easy implementation, and are suitable for adaptive models. We apply our new technique to describe an adaptive deformable face, and compare three different adaptation strategies. We show how our technique is suitable to describe different individuals, how to construct a model based on information from a single image, and how it allows the tracking of the deformation parameters over a video sequence.
Parametric Generation of Facial Expressions Based on FACS
Authors: Wojdeł A. , Rothkrantz L. J. M. 
Published: December 2005

Abstract This paper presents a parametric performance‐based model for facial animation that was inspired by Facial Action Coding System (FACS) developed by P. Ekman and F. W. Friesen. The FACS consists of 44 Action Units (AUs) corresponding to visual changes on the face. Additionally, predefined co‐occurrence rules describe how different AUs influence each other. In our model, each facial animation parameter corresponds to one of the AUs as defined in FACS. Implementation of the model is completed with methods for accumulating displacement from separate AUs together, and fuzzy‐logical adaptation of co‐occurrence rules from the FACS. We also describe the method for adapting our model to a specific person.
3D Posture Reconstruction and Human Animation from 2D Feature Points
Authors: Zhao Jianhui , Li Ling , Chee Keong Kwoh 
Published: December 2005

AbstractAn optimal approach is proposed in this paper for posture reconstruction and human animation from 2D feature points extracted from the monocular images containing human motions. Biomechanical constraints are encoded in every joint of the adopted 3D skeletal human model to make sure that each state of the joints represents a physically valid posture. Size of the human model is adjusted to be consistent with the human figure represented by feature points. Energy Function is defined to represent the residuals between the extracted 2D feature points and the corresponding features resulted from projection of the 3D human model. Local Adjustment and Global Adjustment procedures are proposed to place the joints and body segments into proper locations and orientations in 3D space to create the posture with the minimum value of Energy Function. To find the optimal solution of the ill‐posed recovery problem from 2D to 3D, Genetic Algorithm is employed in the high‐dimensional parameter space by considering all the parameters simultaneously. Smooth and continuous changes between consecutive frames are considered in development of the human animation procedure. The proposed approach produces optimal reconstruction results of any possible human postures and movements. It is different from classical kinematics and dynamics formulations, and is an attempt to bridge the gap between computer vision and computer animation in human motion study.
A Survey of Inverse Surface Design From Light Transport Behavior Specification
Authors: Patow Gustavo , Pueyo Xavier 
Published: December 2005

Abstract Inverse surface design problems from light transport behavior specification usually represent extremely complex and costly processes, but their importance is well known. In particular, they are very interesting for lighting and luminaire design, in which it is usually difficult to test design decisions on a physical model in order to avoid costly mistakes. In this survey, we present the main ideas behind these kinds of problems, characterize them, and summarize existing work in the area, revealing problems that remain open and possible areas of further research.
Constrained Visualization Using the Shepard Interpolation Family
Authors: Brodlie K. W. , Asim M. R. , Unsworth K. 
Published: December 2005

Abstract This paper discusses the problem of visualizing data where there are underlying constraints that must be preserved. For example, we may know that the data are inherently positive. We show how the Modified Quadratic Shepard method, which interpolates scattered data of any dimensionality, can be constrained to preserve positivity. We do this by forcing the quadratic basis functions to be positive. The method can be extended to handle other types of constraints, including lower bound of 0 and upper bound of 1—as occurs with fractional data. A further extension allows general range restrictions, creating an interpolant that lies between any two specified functions as the lower and upper bounds.
Algorithms for Interactive Editing of Level Set Models
Authors: Museth Ken , Breen David E. , Whitaker Ross T. , Mauch Sean , Johnson David 
Published: December 2005

Abstract Level set models combine a low‐level volumetric representation, the mathematics of deformable implicit surfaces and powerful, robust numerical techniques to produce a novel approach to shape design. While these models offer many benefits, their large‐scale representation and numerical requirements create significant challenges when developing an interactive system. This paper describes the collection of techniques and algorithms (some new, some pre‐existing) needed to overcome these challenges and to create an interactive editing system for this new type of geometric model. We summarize the algorithms for producing level set input models and, more importantly, for localizing/minimizing computation during the editing process. These algorithms include distance calculations, scan conversion, closest point determination, fast marching methods, bounding box creation, fast and incremental mesh extraction, numerical integration and narrow band techniques. Together these algorithms provide the capabilities required for interactive editing of level set models.
A Family of Inexpensive Sampling Schemes
Authors: Hasselgren Jon , Akenine‐Möller Tomas , Laine Samuli 
Published: December 2005

Abstract To improve image quality in computer graphics, antialiazing techniques such as supersampling and multisampling are used. We explore a family of inexpensive sampling schemes that cost as little as 1.25 samples per pixel and up to 2.0 samples per pixel. By placing sample points in the corners or on the edges of the pixels, sharing can occur between pixels, and this makes it possible to create inexpensive sampling schemes. Using an evaluation and optimization framework, we present optimized sampling patterns costing 1.25, 1.5, 1.75 and 2.0 samples per pixel.
Programmable Multiple Pacing Configurations Help to Overcome High Left Ventricular Pacing Thresholds and Avoid Phrenic Nerve Stimulation
Authors: GUREVITZ OSNAT , NOF EYAL , CARASSO SHEMY , LURIA DAVID , BAR‐LEV DAVID , TANAMI NECHEMYA , ELDAR MICHAEL , GLIKSON MICHAEL 
Published: December 2005

Background: High left ventricular pacing (LVP) thresholds and phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS) are common problems with cardiac resynchronization (CRT). Newer systems capable of multiple LVP configurations may help overcome these problems without the need for reoperation.
Methods: CRT systems capable of multiple LVP configurations (Guidant models H155 and H145) were implanted in 43 patients (study group). An additional 49 patients (control group) received CRT systems (Guidant, Medtronic, Biotronik, St. Jude Medical, various models) lacking this feature.
Results: Overall, acute high (≥2.5 V/0.5 ms) LVP thresholds were encountered in 13 (30%) of the study group, and 25 (50%) of control group patients (P = 0.03). PNS was encountered in 5 (12%) of the study group and 12 (24%) of control group patients (P = 0.13). All cases of high LVP thresholds and PNS in the study group were managed by switching to a different LVP configuration, while high thresholds remained in control group patients, and PNS was managed by replacing the lead. The CS lead was successfully placed in a lateral branch in 95% of study group, compared to only 77% of control group patients (P = 0.004).
Conclusions: Multiple LVP configurations were clinically useful in a significant number of patients undergoing CRT system implantation by helping to overcome high LVP thresholds and PNS, and by providing more flexibility in placing the LV lead.
Does a Gender Difference in Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Exist?
Authors: BLEEKER GABE B. , SCHALIJ MARTIN J. , BOERSMA ERIC , STEENDIJK PAUL , VAN DER WALL ERNST E. , BAX JEROEN J. 
Published: December 2005

Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has a beneficial effect on clinical symptoms, exercise capacity, and systolic left ventricular (LV) performance in patients with heart failure. The aim of the current study was to evaluate whether a gender difference exists in response to CRT.
Methods: Consecutive patients with end‐stage heart failure (New York Heart Association, NYHA, class III–IV), LV ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%, QRS duration >120 ms, and left bundle branch block configuration underwent CRT. At baseline and 6 months post‐CRT, clinical and echocardiographic parameters were evaluated; follow‐up was obtained up to 5 years. The effects of CRT were compared between women and men.
Results: The study population comprised 137 men and 36 women (mean age 66 ± 11 years). No differences in baseline characteristics were observed except that nonischemic cardiomyopathy was more frequent in women than men (67% vs 38%, P < 0.05). In all patients, clinical and echocardiographic parameters improved significantly at 6‐month follow‐up. The magnitude of improvement in different parameters was similar between women and men, e.g., the improvement in NYHA Class was 0.9 ± 0.6 in women and 1.0 ± 0.7 in men (NS) and the increase in LVEF was 8 ± 8% in women as compared to 7 ± 9% in men (NS). The percentage of individual responders was not different between women and men (76% vs 80%, NS) and 2‐year survival was comparable for women and men (84% vs 80%, NS).
Conclusion: No gender differences were observed in response to CRT and long‐term survival after CRT.
The Role of Swab and Tissue Culture in the Diagnosis of Implantable Cardiac Device Infection
Authors: DY CHUA JIMMY , ABDUL‐KARIM AHMAD , MAWHORTER STEVEN , PROCOP GARY W. , TCHOU PATRICK , NIEBAUER MARK , SALIBA WALID , SCHWEIKERT ROBERT , WILKOFF BRUCE L. 
Published: December 2005

Background: The isolation of a pathogen is vital in the diagnosis and treatment of a device infection. A swab culture, despite poor sensitivity, is the most common method used in specimen collection.
Objective: To determine the relative value of swab and tissue specimen cultures in patients with implantable cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators.
Design: Prospective patient cohort study.
Setting: A 1,000‐bed tertiary referral center in Cleveland, Ohio.
Patients: Consecutive patients with implantable cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator presenting for lead extraction from October 1, 2000 to March 31, 2001.
Methods: Tissue and swab cultures were prospectively collected during pacemaker and implantable defibrillator surgeries that required lead extraction. Clinical manifestations, microbiology, and echocardiographic data were recorded in patients with and without a clinical diagnosis of device system infection.
Results: Seventy‐one patients with implantable pacemaker (n = 49, 69%), implantable defibrillator (n = 18, 25%), or both devices (n = 4, 6%) requiring lead extraction had pocket swab and tissue cultures for analysis. Infection was evident clinically in 35 (49%) of the patients and absent in the remainder. The most common bacteria isolated were coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus (37%) and Staphylococcus aureus (10%). Patients with clinical infection had positive cultures more frequently (P = 0.002) by pocket tissue culture (n = 24, 69%) than by swab culture (n = 11, 31%). However, patients without clinical infections had positive cultures at similar rates by pocket tissue culture (n = 10, 28%) and by swab culture (n = 8, 22%; P = 0.48). Patients without clinical infection were not treated with other than perioperative antibiotics, and did not develop clinical infections.
Conclusion: Pocket tissue cultures are more effective than pocket swab cultures for the isolation and identification of the infectious pathogens in cardiac device infections. Positive cultures by pocket swab or tissue cultures in the absence of clinical signs and symptoms of infection does not imply infection or the need for specific therapy.
Usefulness of Atrial Fibrillation Burden as a Predictor for Success of Pulmonary Vein Isolation
Authors: BERKOWITSCH ALEXANDER , GREISS HARALD , VUKAJLOVIC DEJAN , KUNISS MALTE , NEUMANN THOMAS , ZALTSBERG SERGEJ , KURZIDIM KLAUS , HAMM CHRISTIAN , PITSCHNER HEINZ F. 
Published: December 2005

Background: The definition of symptomatic improvement after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is controversial. We assessed primarily the usefulness and predictive accuracy (PA) of AF (atrial fibrillation) burden (AFB) within the first 3 months after the procedure as an early predictor for curative success as well as reduction of symptoms.
Methods: We studied 100 pts (62 men, mean age: 54 ± 9 years, LVEF: 57 ± 9%, paroxysmal AF, 85, persistent AF, 15) who underwent PVI. RF ablation was used in 63 patients. The combination of cryoablation and RF (Hybrid therapy) was used in the remaining 37 patients, in 19 patients of whom additionally linear lesions were performed. All patients were followed up 3 months after PVI (the blanking period) and every 3 months thereafter. The significance of early recurrence of AF (ERAF) was separately analyzed for RF and for hybrid therapy arm. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the physical composite summary score (PCS) and mental composite summary score (MCS). AFB was dichotomized at: 0, 0.5, 1, 6, 12, and 24 hours.
Results: ANOVA revealed significant differences between PCS at baseline and after PVI in patients without recurrence and with those with postablation AFB <12 hours. There was no difference between PCS in patients with AFB ≥12 hours within a 3 months interval and PCS at baseline. ERAF occurred in 35% of patients (16 patients, AFB ≥12 hours). Symptomatic ERAF occurred in 29 patients (17 patients AFB ≥12 hours). After the blanking period, documented AF recurrence was found in 50 patients (17 patients, AFB ≥12 hour). Symptomatic late recurrence was found in 47 patients (31 patients with AFB ≥12 hours). Absence of ERAF was revealed to be predictive for long‐term success and symptomatic ERAF was found to be predictive for symptomatic AF recurrence (P <0.0001).
Conclusion: AF recurrence with AFB ≥12 hours within 3 months is associated with a missed improvement of QoL. Symptomatic ERAF predicts recurrence independently of therapy.
Ten Year Follow‐Up After Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia in the Early Days Forever Cured, or a Source for New Arrhythmias?
Authors: KIMMAN G.P. , BOGAARD M.D. , VAN HEMEL N.M. , VAN DESSEL P.F.H.M. , JESSURUN E.R. , BOERSMA L.V.A. , WEVER E.F.D. , THEUNS D.A.M.J. , JORDAENS L.J. 
Published: December 2005

Background: Radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation is highly effective with a low complication rate. However, lesions created by RF energy are irreversible, inhomogeneous, and therefore potentially proarrhythmic.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the magnitude and importance of long‐term proarrhythmic effects of RF energy.
Methods and Results: Between 1991 and 1995, 120 patients underwent RF ablation for atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). Patient data were collected by contacting patients and/or filling out a questionnaire, and medical files were screened for recurrent, documented arrhythmias, pharmacological treatment, and repeated EP study. Referring cardiologists were asked about recurrences of tachyarrhythmias. Fourteen patients (11%) were lost to follow‐up. During a mean follow‐up of 10 years, six patients died. Recurrences of AVNRT were not any more observed after 3 years after ablation. A total of 29 patients (24%) suffered from new arrhythmias, 6 from type 1 atrial flutter, 6 from atrial tachycardia, 9 from atrial fibrillation, and finally 16 from symptomatic premature atrial contractions (PACs), needing medical treatment or a combination of these arrhythmias. Nine patients underwent pacemaker implantation, 4 after developing procedural atrioventricular (AV) conduction disturbances, 2 after His ablation for permanent atrial fibrillation, 1 patient for sick sinus syndrome, and another 2 patients after developing late AV block, respectively, 7 and 9 years after ablation.
Conclusion: During long‐term follow‐up after RF ablation for AVNRT, no AVNRT recurrences were observed, but 29 patients (24%) suffered from new arrhythmias or late AV block. This potential proarrhythmic effect of RF energy promotes the application of alternative energy sources for ablative therapies for cardiac arrhythmias.
Clinical, biochemical, and electrocardiographic aspects of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in free‐ranging golden lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia)
Authors: Monteiro Rafael Veríssimo , Baldez Jennifer , Dietz James , Baker Andrew , Lisboa Cristiane Varella , Jansen Ana Maria 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackground  Wild golden lion tamarins from the Biological Reserve of Poço das Antas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, have high prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection leading us to clinically assess the disease in this endangered species.Methods  34 tamarins were sampled for the presence of T. cruzi infection (through serology) and clinical evaluation (electrocardiography, blood counts and biochemical analysis).Results  32% of the sampled tamarins were T. cruzi positive, 45% of these displayed cardiac abnormalities. Main cardiac abnormality in infected tamarins was T wave low voltage; R wave low voltage and V3S wave high voltage were also found. The tamarins displaying T wave low voltage had high proportion of seric cardiac creatine kinase. Seric mean total protein was significantly higher in infected tamarins.Conclusions  Sampled tamarins displayed typical signs of T. cruzi infection, similar to experimentally infected primates and human natural infection. Potential risk of T. cruzi infection to this endangered species is discussed.
Abundance and Leaf Damage Caused by Gall‐Inducing Insects in a Mexican Tropical Dry Forest1
Authors: Cuevas‐Reyes Pablo , Quesada Mauricio , Oyama Ken 
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACTWe evaluated the temporal and spatial patterns of abundance and the amount of damage caused by gall‐inducing insects (GII) in deciduous and riparian habitats in a seasonal tropical dry forest in Mexico. Plants occurring in these habitats differ in their phenology and moisture availability. Deciduous habitats are seasonal and xeric, while riparian habitats are aseasonal and mesic. We found 37 GII species and each one was associated with a specific plant species. In total, 19 species (51.3%) were present in deciduous habitats, 13 species (35.2%) in riparian habitats, and only 5 species (13.5%) occurred in both. Abundance and leaf damage by GII were greater in deciduous than in riparian habitats during the wet season. For each GII species that occurred in both habitats, host plant species supported greater abundance and leaf damage by GII in deciduous habitats during the wet season. These results indicate a greater association of GII species with host plants in deciduous than in riparian habitats during the wet season. In riparian habitats, 11 plant species (61.1%) had greater density of GII in the dry than in the wet season. Similarly, leaf damage by GII was significantly greater in the dry than in the wet season in riparian habitats for 12 plant species (66.7%). Dry forest plants of riparian habitats presented two peaks of leaf‐flushing: GII colonized leaves produced in the first peak at the beginning of the wet season, and accumulated or recolonized leaves in the second peak at the beginning of the dry season. The levels of leaf damage by GII detected in this study in the rainy season were considerably higher than those obtained for folivorous insects in other neotropical forests, suggesting that this GII guild might have an important impact on their host plant species in this tropical community.
Myocardial infarction in young adults
Authors: Egred M , Viswanathan G , Davis G K 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Although myocardial infarction (MI) mainly occurs in patients older than 45, young men or women can suffer MI. Fortunately, its incidence is not common in patients younger than 45 years. However, the disease carries a significant morbidity, psychological effects, and financial constraints for the person and the family when it occurs at a young age. The causes of MI among patients aged less than 45 can be divided into four groups: (1) atheromatous coronary artery disease; (2) non-atheromatous coronary artery disease; (2) hyper-coagulable states; (4) MI related to substance misuse. There is a considerable overlap between all the groups. This article reviews the literature and highlights the practical issues involved in the management of young adults with MI.
Dynamic confidence during simulated clinical tasks
Authors: Byrne A J , Blagrove M T , McDougall S J P 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Objective
Doctors’ confidence in their actions is important for clinical performance. While static confidence has been widely studied, no study has examined how confidence changes dynamically during clinical tasks.

Method
The confidence of novice (n = 10) and experienced (n = 10) trainee anaesthetists was measured during two simulated anaesthetic crises, bradycardia (easy task) and failure to ventilate (difficult task).

Results
As expected, confidence was high in the novice and experienced groups in the easy task. What was surprising, however, was that confidence during the difficult task decreased for both groups, despite appropriate performance.

Conclusions
Given that confidence affects performance, it is alarming that doctors who may be acting unsupervised should lose dynamic confidence so quickly. Training is needed to ensure that confidence does not decrease inappropriately during a correctly performed procedure. Whether time on task interacts with incorrect performance to produce further deficits in confidence should now be investigated.