Swarm is a computational model which extends the UNITY model in three important ways: (1) UNITY’s fixed set of variables is replaced by an unbounded set of tuples which are addressed by content rather than by name; (2) UNITY’s static set of statements is replaced by a dynamic set of transactions; and (3) UNITY’s static ‖-composition is augmented by dynamic coupling of transactions into synchron...

BACKGROUND The relationship between annular dilatation caused by atrial fibrillation (AF) and mitral regurgitation (MR) remains controversial. We hypothesized that the small ratio of total leaflet area/annulus area (TLA/AA), reflecting insufficient leaflet remodeling to annular dilatation, is a main component of MR in patients with AF. METHODS AND RESULTS Three-dimensional transesophageal ech...

BACKGROUND Abnormal intercellular communication caused by connexin dysfunction may contribute to atrial fibrillation (AF). The present study assessed the effect of the gap junction conduction-enhancing antiarrhythmic peptide GAP-134 on AF inducibility and maintenance in a dog model of atrial cardiomyopathy. METHODS AND RESULTS Twenty-four dogs subject to simultaneous atrioventricular pacing (...

Pilonidal disease typically presents with an abscess or intermittent pain and drainage in the sacrococcygeal region during the pubertal years. Further examination typically reveals pits in the midline of the sacrococcyx area due to entrapment of hair with recurrent entrapment, infection, and drainage. The following paper describes an unusual presentation of a pilonidal cyst with fissure and per...

BACKGROUND Prolonged atrial fibrillation (AF) results in electrical, structural, and gap-junctional remodeling. We examined the reversibility of the changes in (ultra)structure and gap junctions. METHODS AND RESULTS Four groups of goats were used: (1) sinus rhythm (SR), (2) 4 months' AF (4 mo AF), (3) 2 months' SR after 4 mo AF (2 mo post-AF), and (4) 4 months' SR after 4 mo AF (4 mo post-AF)...

During the past decade, catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has emerged as an important treatment option for patients with symptomatic AF refractory to 1 antiarrhythmic agents. Electric isolation of the pulmonary vein musculature (PVI) has been identified as the primary end point for both catheterand surgical-based AF ablation procedures.1 What is less clear is whether the addition of...

A trial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. The recognition that paroxysmal AF may be initiated by abnormalities in the pulmonary veins (PVs) led to the development of catheter based radiofrequency ablation procedures to isolate the PV and prevent the recurrence of AF. Clinical PV stenosis is recognised as an uncommon but severe complication. Contrast enhanced thr...