CABG and SCS appear to be equivalent methods in terms of symptom relief in this group of patients. Effects on ischemia, morbidity, and mortality should be considered in the choice of treatment method. Taking all factors into account, it seems reasonable to conclude that SCS may be a therapeutic alternative for patients with an increased risk of surgical complications.

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International audienc

Pimobendan improves exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure who are also on conventional treatment. The balance between benefit and risk of treatment with this compound remains to be established however.

This paper describes two systems using embodied conversational agents (ECAs) for language learning. The first system, called Ville, is a virtual language teacher for vocabulary and pronunciation training. The second system, a dialogue system called DEAL, is a role-playing game for practicing conversational skills. Whereas DEAL acts as a conversational partner with the objective of creating and keeping an interesting dialogue, Ville takes the role of a teacher who guides, encourages and gives feedback to the students.