bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Generation and visualization of emotional states in virtual characters
Authors: Arellano Diana , Varona Javier , Perales Francisco J. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis paper presents an affective model that determines the emotional state of a character according to the personality traits and the experienced emotions. We consider an emotional state as the layer between personality and emotion. The proposed affective model offers a mapping between emotions and emotional states. To evidence emotional states of a virtual character, we can attribute them facial expressions based on their associated emotions. Facial expressions for intermediate emotions are generated automatically from expressions for universal emotions. The experiments show coherent emotional states produced by a simulated story. They also present how the corresponding emotions were represented through dynamic and static facial expressions. Finally, the obtained results demonstrate the satisfactory recognition by a group of people unfamiliar with the work described. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coronary pressure never lies
Authors: Koolen Jacques J. , Pijls Nico H.J. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractFractional Flow Reserve (FFR), calculated by coronary pressure measurement, is the invasive gold standard to assess the hemodynamic significance of a coronary stenosis. FFR reliably indicates whether a stenosis is responsible for inducible ischemia and if percutaneous coronary intervention is appropriate. False positive or negative FFR is rare. Occasionally, however, a clinical or angiographic condition is encountered in which in first instance the FFR measurement contradicts the intuitive feeling of the interventionalist. Further examination in such cases, however, often reveals a clear physiologic explanation and in this manner FFR “lifts the veil”. Two such patients are presented in this case report and the reasons for apparent or actual false positive or negative FFR are discussed. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The revascular active percutaneous interventional device for coronary total occlusions study
Authors: Chamié Daniel , Abizaid Alexandre , Júnior José Ribamar Costa , Feres Fausto , Abizaid Andréa , Staico Rodolfo , Costa Ricardo , Mattos Luiz Alberto P. , Sousa Amanda G.M.R. , Sousa J. Eduardo 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground. Despite the well‐documented benefit of recanalization of an occluded vessel in some symptomatic patients, attempt is only performed in a minority of them. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of CTO is associated with high incidence of complications and unsuccessful procedure, mainly due to inability to cross the lesion. We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the novel RVT CTO Guidewire Device™ (RVT‐GDW™, ReVascular Therapeutics, Sunnyvale, CA) in this complex scenario. Methods. The RAPID‐CTO study is a non‐randomized, single center, first‐in‐man evaluation of a new guidewire system for treatment of CTO. The RVT‐GDW is a new device designed to provide enhanced penetration and positioning control for crossing CTO via: (1) an 0.014 “guidewire with a mechanically active distal end; (2) a handle attached proximally to the guidewire, with an adjustable torquer, and interfaced to (3) a non‐disposable, battery‐operated, control unit, that provides activation control and audio feedback during the CTO crossing procedure. Per protocol, the RVT‐GDW device was only used after at least 5 min (fluoroscopy time) of attempt with commercially available conventional guidewires to cross the target lesion. Results. A total of 16 patients (16 lesions) were treated with the RVT‐GDW. Mean age was 56.25 years, 56.2% were men, and 25% diabetics. The average duration of occlusion was 4.7 ± 2.1 months. The mean vessel reference diameter was 2.76 ± 0.31 mm and the mean lesion length was 16.64 ± 7.70 mm (range 4.37–35.0 mm). Thirteen patients (81.2%) had “tapered stump” morphology at the proximal end of the occlusion, and a side branch was involved in 12 (75.0%). All lesions had contralateral circulation; bridging collaterals were seen in three (18.7%). Procedural success was achieved in 10 lesions (62.5%), with an average procedural time of 111.43 ± 35.76 min. There were no major adverse cardiac events at both in‐hospital and 30‐day clinical follow‐up. Conclusions. The first‐in‐man RAPID‐CTO study suggests that the novel RVT‐GDW device is technically feasible, safe and effective in crossing chronically occluded coronary arteries. Larger studies are warranted. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transradial approach for coronary angiography and interventions in patients with coronary bypass grafts: Tips and tricks
Authors: Burzotta Francesco , Trani Carlo , Hamon Martial , Amoroso Giovanni , Kiemeneij Ferdinand 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAmong patients undergoing coronary procedures, patients with coronary artery bypass grafts represent an important, high risk subgroup. Routine transradial approach may be successfully adopted in these patients to reduce access‐site complications. However, transradial cannulation of the grafts may result technically demanding. In this article we discuss the specific technical issues and we present a series of tips and tricks which may facilitate angiography and interventions on both internal mammary and aorto‐coronary grafts. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Localized left atrial administration of tPA for the treatment of mechanical mitral valve thrombosis
Authors: Desai Sapna , Kavinsky Clifford 
Published: July 2008

AbstractProsthetic valve thrombosis is a dangerous and unfortunately not uncommon medical situation, often seen as a medical emergency. Patients with previously unseen and more confounding medical problems are presenting, making the decision regarding therapeutic options even more complicated. In this case report, we describe a complicated patient with mechanical mitral valve prosthesis placed secondary to rheumatic heart disease, with multiple co‐morbidities including severe left ventricular dysfunction, permanent artrial fibrillation, left femoral deep vein thrombosis, and non‐sustained ventricular tachycardia, who presented with acute valve thrombosis. The patient' history of hemorrhagic stroke and multiple acute ischemic strokes represented an absolute contraindication to more conventional forms of therapy such as intravenous systemic thrombolytics. In the following case report, we present an unprecedented approach to prosthetic valve thrombosis in this seemingly no‐option patient. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
First percutaneous transcatheter aortic valve‐in‐valve implant with three year follow‐up
Authors: Ruiz Carlos E. , Laborde Jean C. , Condado Jose F. , Chiam Paul T.L. , Condado Jose A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectives: This study was conducted to report the clinical, hemodynamic, and iconographic outcomes of the longest survivor of the global CoreValve experience. Background: Early results of percutaneous heart valve (PHV) implantation for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) have been encouraging, with mid term survival up to 2 years; however longer durability term is unknown. Although a PHV has been implanted in a degenerated surgical bioprosthesis, the feasibility of a PHV‐in‐PHV has not been demonstrated. Methods: A patient with severe refractory heart failure due to severe aortic regurgitation (AR) and moderate AS, underwent CoreValve prosthesis implantation. The PHV was deployed too proximal into the left ventricular outflow tract, resulting in severe AR through the frame struts. Using the first PHV as a landmark, a second CoreValve was then deployed slightly distal to the first, with trivial residual paravalvular leak. Results: The second CoreValve expanded well with proper function. Transvalvular gradient was 8 mmHg. Both coronary ostia were patent. New mild to moderate mitral regurgitation occurred due to impingement of the anterior mitral leaflet by the first PHV. NYHA functional class improved from IV to II, maintained over the past 3 years. Echocardiography at 3 years showed normal functioning CoreValve‐in‐CoreValve prostheses, without AR or paravalvular leaks. Transvalvular gradient was 10 mmHg. Cardiac CT showed stable valve‐in‐valve protheses with no migration. Conclusion: The CoreValve prosthesis has maintained proper function up to 3 years, with no structural deterioration or migration. Treating mixed aortic valve disease with predominant AR is feasible. The concept as well as durability of the first PHV‐in‐PHV has also been demonstrated. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Successful revascularization of re‐stenosis of lower extremity arteries with localized delivery of paclitaxel
Authors: Latif Faisal , Hennebry Thomas A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractRestenosis after percutaneous revascularization techniques is a challenging issue in patients with severe peripheral arterial disease. We report two cases where multiple revascularization techniques had been used previously, but restenosis occurred. We used an irrigation balloon to deliver paclitaxel locally into the tissues to obtain better results. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long‐term clinical, angiographic, and intravascular ultrasound outcomes of biodegradable polymer‐coated sirolimus‐eluting stents
Authors: Han Yaling , Jing Quanmin , Chen Xuezhi , Wang Shouli , Ma Yingyan , Liu Haiwei , Luan Bo , Wang Geng , Li Yi , Wang Zulu , Wang Dongmei , Xu Bo , Gao Runlin 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground: The residual drug carriers on drug‐eluting stents (DES) surfaces are considered to be one of the most significant reasons causing late thrombosis. There is no documented data currently available on the safety/benefit profile beyond 6 months of EXCEL stent, a novel sirolimus‐eluting stent with biodegradable polymer coating, in treating patients with coronary artery disease (CHD). Objective: To evaluate the long‐term efficacy and safety of EXCEL stent on treating CHD patients. Methods: Between February and March 2006, a consecutive cohort of complex patients treated with the EXCEL stent was prospectively enrolled in this single‐center registry. Antiplatelet protocol was 6‐month dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin followed by aspirin alone indefinitely. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included in‐segment and in‐stent late lumen loss and binary restenosis rate measured by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) analysis at 8 months postindex PCI procedure. Results: A total of 100 patients with 153 lesions were included in this analysis. Most lesions (83.0%) were classified as complex (B2/C). At 12 months, four patients (4.0%) experienced MACE, which were four target‐lesion revascularizations due to in‐stent restenosis (ISR). All patients received follow‐up up to 24 ± 0.4 months and no cardiac death, MI, and in‐stent thrombosis occurred during the 6 months of dual antiplatelet therapy or the subsequent 15 months of aspirin treatment alone. QCA analysis of 112 lesions from 75 patients showed 3.6% (4/112) in‐stent lesion restenosis, 5.4% (6/112) in‐segment lesion restenosis, 0.12 ± 0.34 mm in‐stent late lumen loss, and 0.08 ± 0.35 mm in‐segment late lumen loss. Conclusions: In this single‐center experience with complex patients and lesions, the EXCELTM stent implantation with 6‐month dual antiplatelet treatment proved to markedly reduce the incidence of 24‐month ISR and MACE. These preliminary findings require further validation by large scale, randomized trials. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Does the 3‐gene diagnostic assay accurately distinguish benign from malignant thyroid neoplasms?
Authors: Shibru Daniel , Hwang Jimmy , Khanafshar Elham , Duh Quan‐Yang , Clark Orlo H. , Kebebew Electron 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND.A 3‐gene (PCSK2, PLAB, CCND2) assay has been reported to have high accuracy for distinguishing benign from malignant thyroid tumors that are often indeterminate on fine–needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. The aim of the current study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the 3‐gene assay in thyroid tissue and in FNA biopsy for distinguishing benign from malignant thyroid neoplasms.METHODS.The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression level of 3 genes (PCSK2, PLAB, CCND2) was analyzed by real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction in 261 frozen thyroid tissue samples (138 benign and 123 malignant), and prospectively, in 144 clinical thyroid FNA samples. To determine the diagnostic accuracy of the 3‐gene assay, the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve for each gene individually and in combination was determined.RESULTS.PCSK2 and CCND2 mRNA expression levels were found to be significantly different between benign and malignant thyroid tissue samples (P < .0001 and P = .0007, respectively), but PLAB mRNA expression level was not (P = .099). In the thyroid tissue samples, the AUC was 0.67 for PCSK2 and 0.62 for CCND2. In the thyroid FNA samples, PCSK2 and CCND2 were significantly differentially expressed between benign and malignant samples (P = .039 and P = .023, respectively). The AUC was 0.59 for PCSK2 and 0.61 for CCND2.CONCLUSIONS.Although PCSK2 and CCND2 were significantly differentially expressed between benign and malignant thyroid tumors both in tissue and in FNA samples, the diagnostic accuracy of the 3‐gene assay was low. These findings demonstrate that it is essential for studies to validate the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of emerging candidate diagnostic thyroid cancer markers if they are to be translated into clinically useful markers for making patient care decisions. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Performance status and cytoreductive nephrectomy
Authors: Shuch Brian , La Rochelle Jeff C. , Wu Jon , Klatte Tobias , Riggs Stephen B. , Kabbinavar Fairooz , Belldegrun Arie S. , Pantuck Allan J. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND.An Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) of 2/3 can quantify cancer patients' well being and may be used to select patients for treatment. The objective of the current study was to investigate the outcomes of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) for patients who have an impaired performance status (ECOG PS 2/3).METHODS.Patients who underwent CN for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) between 1989 and 2006 were identified. Patient records were reviewed for age, symptoms, ECOG PS, tumor size, stage, grade, histology, sarcomatoid features, lymph node metastasis, site of metastasis, and the presence of bone metastases (BM) in weight‐bearing structures. The relation of ECOG PS to outcome variables was evaluated.RESULTS.Four hundred eighteen patients underwent CN, including 117 patients who had an ECOG PS of 0, 274 patients who had an ECOG PS of 1, and 27 patients who had an ECOG PS of 2/3. Patients who had a worse ECOG PS were younger, had higher tumor classification and grade, and more frequently demonstrated anemia and BM. Only 37.5% of patients who had an ECOG PS of 2/3 experienced an improvement in performance in the postoperative period, and only 57.5% went on to receive systemic therapy, of whom none attained an objective responses. The median disease‐specific survival for patients who had an ECOG PS of 0, 1, and 2/3 was 27 months, 13.8 months, and 6.6 months, respectively (P<.001). Patients who had an ECOG PS of 2/3 could be stratified further by the presence or absence of BM into 2 groups (median disease‐specific survival: 17.7 months and 2.1 months, respectively; P = .006).CONCLUSIONS.Surgery in patients who have a poor performance may serve a palliative function but should be performed with caution because of the poor outcome of such patients. ECOG PS is influenced strongly by BM. A subset of patients with an ECOG PS of 2/3 that are symptomatic specifically from BM may derive greater benefit from CN than patients who hare symptomatic because of visceral metastases. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Successful management of severe L‐asparaginase–associated pancreatitis by continuous regional arterial infusion of protease inhibitor and antibiotic
Authors: Morimoto Akira , Imamura Toshihiko , Ishii Rumiko , Nakabayashi Yoshinobu , Nakatani Takuya , Sakagami Junichi , Yamagami Takuji 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND.L‐asparaginase is a key drug in the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL). However, L‐asparaginase can cause a fatal complication of pancreatitis, and an effective treatment for L‐asparaginase–associated pancreatitis (AAP) has not been developed to date. The authors investigated whether rapidly treating children with AAP by continuous regional arterial infusion (CRAI) of protease inhibitor and antibiotic would quickly resolve AAP.METHODS.Between 2000 and 2007, 104 pediatric patients with ALL or LBL were treated at the authors' affiliated hospitals with intensive regimens that included Escherichia coli‐derived L‐asparaginase. Six of 104 patients developed severe AAP. One patient was treated with intravenous infusion of protease inhibitor, and the remaining 5 patients received CRAI of protease inhibitor and antibiotic within 48 hours of the onset of AAP.RESULTS.The patient who received intravenous protease inhibitor had pseudocyst formation and developed a subsequent leukemic recurrence after the interruption of chemotherapy for 4.5 months. In the other patients, AAP subsided within 2 to 6 days after the start of CRAI, and serious complications did not emerge. Significantly, chemotherapy could be resumed within 4 weeks (range, 12‐23 days) afterthe onset of AAP, and the patients were in complete remission from 4 months to 44 months with further chemotherapy that excluded L‐asparaginase.CONCLUSIONS.The current results indicated that early introduction of CRAI of protease inhibitor and antibiotic is suitable for treating severe AAP. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Synthesis, conversion and comparison of the photocatalytic and electrochemical properties of ZnSe·N2H4 and ZnSe microrods
Authors: Ni Yonghong , Zhang Lei , Zhang Li , Wei Xianwen 
Published: July 2008

AbstractNovel ZnSe·N2H4 complex microrods with ∼2 μm in length and 100∼200 nm in diameter were successfully prepared by the solvothermal method at 110°C for 10 h, employing ZnAc2·2H2O and Se powders as the reactants, N2H4·H2O as the reductant and medium. Experiments showed that the as‐obtained complex could be further converted into pure hexagonal ZnSe in an ethanol medium at 180 °C for 10 h, and the morphology hardly changed. The as‐prepared products were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), Energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), IR spectrum, Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Also, their photocatalytic degradation and electrochemical property were compared. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of surface tension anisotropy on interfacial instability in directional solidification
Authors: Wang Zhijun , Wang Jingcheng , Yang Gencang 
Published: July 2008

AbstractEffects of surface tension anisotropy on the planar interfacial stability are studied with asymptotic analysis method in both the solidification from undercooled pure melts and the unidirectional solidification of binary alloys. The asymptotic approach developed by Xu is adopted to study the interfacial stability here, which is different from that used by other investigators previously in their works. A simple linear analysis result is obtained, i.e., the surface tension anisotropy may compete to determine interfacial stability near some critical conditions in unidirectional solidification of binary alloys. The exsitstence of the surface tension anisotropy enlarges the instability region of disturbed wave number. And the threshold of instability is strongly affected by surface tension anisotropy, especially at high pulling velocity or high temperature gradient. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Morphology and photoluminescence properties of ZnO nanostructures fabricated with different given time of Ar
Authors: Wang D. D. , Yang J. H. , Yang L. L. , Zhang Y. J. , Lang J. H. , Gao M. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractZnO nanostructures were grown on Au‐coated Si (100) substrates by carbonthermal reduction method with the help of Ar at the beginning of growth. The structural and optical properties of ZnO nanostructures strongly depended on the supply time of Ar. When the given time of Ar gas current was 90s, sample was ZnO nanowires with hexagonal morphology. The Raman spectroscopy revealed the low level of oxygen vacancies and Zn interstitials in samples. Room temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra exhibited the intensity of green emission increased on the condition of rich oxygen (decrease given time of Ar) and the nanowire had strongest intensity of UV emission compared with other nanostructures. Green emission is ascribed to the electron transition from the bottom of the conduction band to the antisite defect OZn level. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Microstructure investigation of equal channel angular pressed aluminium by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Korchef A. , Njah N. , Kolsi A. W. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIn the present work, investigations on the microstructure of a commercial purity 1100 aluminum that had been subjected to moderate to strong deformation (strains of 1 to 4) by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) were carried out using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microcopy (SEM). A significant grain refinement and development of heterogeneous microstructure after ECAP were observed. High precision XRD and SEM investigations provided useful results on the dissolution of coherent iron rich precipitates, previously formed in the aluminium matrix, by ECAP deformation process. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Crystal structure and optical properties of 4‐nitrophenyl 4‐butoxybenzoate
Authors: Franklin S. , Balasubramanian T. , Padmini V. , Sulochana N. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe title compound, C17H17N1O5, has been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X‐ray analysis and UV‐Vis spectra. The crystals are monoclinic, P 21/c, a = 17.994 (5) Å, b = 4.0592 (9) Å, c = 21.625 (5) Å, β = 99.634 (5)°, V = 1557.2 (6) Å3 and Z = 4. The molecule has an almost stretched form with a molecular length of 17.505 Å and an imbricated structure known for liquid crystals. The structure contains no direction‐specific intermolecular interactions like aromatic π‐π stacking and C‐H… π(arene) other than two weak C‐H…O hydrogen bonds. Good optical transmittance in the entire visible region of the UV‐Vis spectrum suggests that it is a potential candidate for optoelectronic applications. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A solvothermal route to tellurium based thin films
Authors: Ma Jianmin , Liu Xiaodi , Wu Liyan , Zheng Wenjun 
Published: July 2008

AbstractTellurium thin film was prepared via a solvothermal route on glass substrates modified by exchaning the positive charge with high charge. It was characterized by SEM and XRD. The possible growth of tellurium thin film was proposed. It is expected that this method would be extended to other functional thin films. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)