Microstructural Evolution of Nanocrystalline Diamond Films Due to CH4/Ar/H2 Plasma Post-Treatment Process.

Plasma post-treatment process was observed to markedly enhance the electron field emission (EFE) properties of ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) films. TEM examinations reveal that the prime factor which improves the EFE properties of these films is the coalescence of ultrasmall diamond grains (∼5 nm) forming large diamond grains about hundreds of nanometers accompanied by the formation of nanographitic clusters along the grain boundaries due to the plasma post-treatment process. OES studies reveal the presence of large proportion of atomic hydrogen and C2 (or CH) species, which are the main ingredients that altered the granular structure of the UNCD films.

Diagnostic Performance of 64- versus 256-Slice Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography Compared with Conventional Coronary Angiography in Patients with Suspected Coronary Artery Disease.

Pupose: The newer 256-slice computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) has the capability of improving diagnostic performance in the detection of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) compared to 64-slice CTCA. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of 64- versus 256-slice CTCA in two similar populations.

Methods: Our study included 120 consecutive patients who were referred for CTCA and subsequently underwent conventional coronary angiography (CCA).

Gastrointestinal bleeding and outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Background: Gastrointestinal bleeding is a hemorrhagic complication after primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Objectives: To determine predictors of gastrointestinal bleeding and the impact of gastrointestinal bleeding on outcomes in STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods And Results: Gastrointestinal bleeding occurred in 18 (3.

Incidence, predictors and outcomes of subacute stent thrombosis following primary stenting for ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Background/purpose: Knowledge concerning subacute stent thrombosis (SST) following primary stenting for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is not widely available. We studied the incidence, predictors, and clinical outcomes of SST following STEMI.

Methods: We analyzed data from 455 consecutive patients who underwent primary stenting for STEMI.

Acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction in young patients: 15 years of experience in a single center.

Background: There have been few studies done regarding young patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and coronary angiographic features in young patients with STEMI.

Methods: We collected data on 849 consecutive patients with STEMI from 1992 to 2006.

Significance of left circumflex artery-related acute myocardial infarction without ST-T changes.

Introduction: Left circumflex (LC)-related acute myocardial infarction (AMI) presenting without ST-T changes has been underdiagnosed in the emergency department. There is little information on its clinical features and significance.

Aims: The aims of the study were to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of LC-related AMI without ST-T changes.