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PubMed2002

Efficacy of treatment for convergence insufficiency using vision therapy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if vision therapy (VT), as practised within the constraints of UK optometric practice, employing graded routine eye exercises, is as an effective method for treatment of convergence insufficiency (CI) as previously published data suggest. The study also evaluates the associated symptoms before and after therapy. METHODS: As many optometrists diagnose CI solely on the basis of near point of convergence (NPC) and treat only when symptoms are present (Letourneau et al., 1979; Rouse et al., 1997), in this study CI was defined as NPC of 10 cm or greater (either with or without the presence of asthenopic symptoms for near work) accompanied by exophoria greater at near than at distance. The effect of treatment by optometric vision therapy (OVT) on the NPC and number of symptoms was investigated for 92 patients by retrospectively reviewing the clinical records. Success was defined as the restoration of NPC to normal values and significant reduction in the presenting symptoms. RESULTS: The effect of treatment on the NPC was shown to be highly significant (t = 14.61, p < 0.001). Although treatment times were slightly longer, the success rates were higher than reported by other authors. Post-treatment values for NPC were: <10 cm (98.9%), <8.5 cm (95.7%) and <6.5 cm (80.4%). Longer treatment times were noted for patients who complained that the text appeared to move (chi2, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Vision therapy is an effective method for treatment of CI.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Regulatory punctuated equilibrium and convergence in the evolution of developmental pathways in direct-developing sea urchins.

We made hybrid crosses between closely and distantly related sea urchin species to test two hypotheses about the evolution of gene regulatory systems in the evolution of ontogenetic pathways and larval form. The first hypothesis is that gene regulatory systems governing development evolve in a punctuational manner during periods of rapid morphological evolution but are relatively stable over long periods of slow morphological evolution. We compared hybrids between direct and indirect developers from closely and distantly related families. Hybrids between eggs of the direct developer Heliocidaris erythrogramma and sperm of the 4-million year distant species H. tuberculata, an indirect developer, restored feeding larval structures and paternal gene expression that were lost in the evolution of the direct-developing maternal parent. Hybrids resulting from the cross between eggs of H. erythrogramma and sperm of the 40-million year distant indirect-developer Pseudoboletia maculata are strikingly similar to hybrids between the congeneric hybrids. The marked similarities in ontogenetic trajectory and morphological outcome in crosses of involving either closely or distantly related indirect developing species indicates that their regulatory mechanisms interact with those of H. erythrogramma in the same way, supporting remarkable conservation of molecular control pathways among indirect developers. Second, we tested the hypothesis that convergent developmental pathways in independently evolved direct developers reflect convergence of the underlying regulatory systems. Crosses between two independently evolved direct-developing species from two 70-million year distant families, H. erythrogramma and Holopneustes purpurescens, produced harmoniously developing hybrid larvae that maintained the direct mode of development and did not exhibit any obvious restoration of indirect-developing features. These results are consistent with parallel evolution of direct-developing features in these two lineages.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Primary headaches: a convergence hypothesis.

After reviewing the historic differentiation between migraine and tension-type headache, the authors note that the similarities between these two types of primary headaches outweigh the differences, and so hypothesize that these headaches share a common pathophysiology. The convergence hypothesis for primary headaches links the clinical features of an evolving headache to current pathophysiological models. The authors suggest that successive symptoms experienced clinically reflect an escalating pathophysiological process, beginning with the premonitory period and progressing into tension-type headache and, if uninterrupted, finally into migraine. The clinical manifestations of other headache types, such as so-called sinus headache or temporomandibular headache, may also be explained by this model. A convergence hypothesis for primary headaches has important implications for earlier recognition, diagnosis, and treatment.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

PubMed1998

Comparison of the proximal flow convergence method and the jet area method for the assessment of the severity of tricuspid regurgitation.

AIMS: To compare the value of the proximal flow convergence method and the jet area method for the determination of the severity of tricuspid regurgitation. METHODS AND RESULTS: The proximal isovelocity surface area radius and the jet area/length were measured in 71 consecutive patients with angiographically graded (grade 0/I-III) tricuspid regurgitation. Rank correlation coefficients with the angiographic grade were 0.71 (P < 0.001) for the proximal isovelocity surface area radius (aliasing border of 28 cm.s-1), 0.66 (P < 0.001) for the jet area, and 0.63 (P < 0.001) for the jet length. The proximal isovelocity surface area radius was significantly correlated with the jet area/length (correlation coefficients 0.82/0.77, P < 0.001). Correct differentiation between mild to moderate (grade I-II) and severe (grade III) tricuspid regurgitation was achieved in 62 of 71 patients (87%) by means of the proximal isovelocity surface area radius, in 61 of 71 (86%) by the jet area, and in 62 of 71 (87%) by the jet length. Grade III tricuspid regurgitation was not identified in five of 21 patients (24%) by means of the proximal isovelocity surface area radius, in six of 21 (29%) by the jet area, and in seven of 21 (33%) by the jet length. CONCLUSION: The flow convergence method and the jet area method are of similar value for the determination of the severity of tricuspid regurgitation. Both methods differentiated mild to moderate from severe tricuspid regurgitation in most patients. However, underestimation of severe tricuspid regurgitation in 20-30% of the cases represents a serious limitation of both methods.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Data convergence in a brain model.

Assuming the existence of encoding synapses that record presynaptic axonal 'on-off' pattern as the content of memory, the author has presented a brain model. In this brain model, the synapses of a neuron work like a static random access memory (RAM) that may encode 2 the power of 10,000 'on-off' patterns, the cell body like a central processing unit (CPU) that produces a signal of 1 or 0 in response to different presynaptic axonal 'on-off' patterns, and the axon like a data bus to form synapse with another neuron. Accordingly, the brain is analogous with a computer made of serial static RAMs amid 14 billions of parallel processing CPUs. Such a brain model converges data with each tier of computation, because there are always more input presynaptic 'on-off' patterns than output axonal 'on-off' patterns in a cortical area. The more computations of the data from the primary perceptive cortices, the more likely the data involving the synapses of central cortices, and the more abstract the content of the memory--hence, in the retrieval of memory, parts of the 'on-off' patterns of the original stimulus may lead to the converged, abstract memory. This can be the mechanism of pattern recognition in the brain.

Brain↗

PubMed2003

Regularities unseen, randomness observed: levels of entropy convergence.

We study how the Shannon entropy of sequences produced by an information source converges to the source's entropy rate. We synthesize several phenomenological approaches to applying information theoretic measures of randomness and memory to stochastic and deterministic processes by using successive derivatives of the Shannon entropy growth curve. This leads, in turn, to natural measures of apparent memory stored in a source and the amounts of information that must be extracted from observations of a source in order for it to be optimally predicted and for an observer to synchronize to it. To measure the difficulty of synchronization, we define the transient information and prove that, for Markov processes, it is related to the total uncertainty experienced while synchronizing to a process. One consequence of ignoring a process's structural properties is that the missed regularities are converted to apparent randomness. We demonstrate that this problem arises particularly for settings where one has access only to short measurement sequences. Numerically and analytically, we determine the Shannon entropy growth curve, and related quantities, for a range of stochastic and deterministic processes. We conclude by looking at the relationships between a process's entropy convergence behavior and its underlying computational structure.

Markov Chains↗

PubMed2004

Basis set and electron correlation effects on initial convergence for vibrational nonlinear optical properties of conjugated organic molecules.

Using three typical pi-conjugated molecules (1,3,5-hexatriene, 1-formyl-6-hydroxyhexa-1,3,5- triene, and 1,1-diamino-6,6-dinitrohexa-1,3,5-triene) we investigate the level of ab initio theory necessary to produce reliable values for linear and nonlinear optical properties, with emphasis on the vibrational contributions that are known to be important or potentially important. These calculations are made feasible by employing field-induced coordinates in combination with a finite field procedure. For many, but not all, purposes the MP2/6-31+G(d) level is adequate. Based on our results the convergence of the usual perturbation treatment for vibrational anharmonicity was examined. Although this treatment is initially convergent in most circumstances, a problematic situation has been identified.

Electrons↗

PubMed2004

Converged quantum dynamics calculations of vibrational energies of CH4 and CH3D using an ab initio potential.

Exact variational calculations of vibrational energies of CH4 and CH3D are carried out using a two-layer Lanczos algorithm based on the ab initio potential energy surface of D. W. Schwenke and H. Partridge, Spectrochim. Acta, Part A 57, 887 (2001). The convergence of the calculated vibrational energies is discussed in detail. In addition, we report all well converged vibrational energy levels up to 6600 cm(-1) for CH4, and those up to 5000 cm(-1) for CH3D, respectively. These results clearly outperform previous theoretical calculations. And a comparison with experimental results available is also made.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Convergence of triples energy in CCSD(T) and CC3 calculations with correlation-consistent basis sets.

The convergence behavior of connected triples correlation energy in CCSD(T) and CC3 calculations with (aug-)cc-pVXZ basis sets has been accurately described in terms of a power law of the type E(X)=E(infinity)+AX(-4). Calculations ranging from double-Z through septuple-Z attest the validity of this X(-4) convergence model. Extrapolations generated from (X-1,X)-Z calculations yield energies of nearly (X+1)-Z quality. Typically, the fraction of triples correlation energy recovered is 0.92+/-0.05 in (D,T) extrapolations; 0.98+/-0.01 in (T,Q) extrapolations; 1.0002+/-0.0012 in (Q,5) extrapolations; and 0.9995+/-0.0005 in (5,6) extrapolations.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

Convergence behavior of the density-matrix renormalization group algorithm for optimized orbital orderings.

The density-matrix renormalization group algorithm has emerged as a promising new method in ab initio quantum chemistry. However, many problems still need to be solved before this method can be applied routinely. At the start of such a calculation, the orbitals originating from a preceding quantum chemical calculation must be placed in a specific order on a one-dimensional lattice. This ordering affects the convergence of the density-matrix renormalization group iterations significantly. In this paper, we present two approaches to obtain optimized orderings of the orbitals. First, we use a genetic algorithm to optimize the ordering with respect to a low total electronic energy obtained at a predefined stage of the density-matrix renormalization group algorithm with a given number of total states kept. In addition to that, we derive orderings from the one- and two-electron integrals of our test system. This test molecule is the chromium dimer, which is known to possess a complicated electronic structure. For this molecule, we have carried out calculations for the various orbital orderings obtained. The convergence behavior of the density-matrix renormalization group iterations is discussed in detail.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

Systematically convergent basis sets for transition metals. I. All-electron correlation consistent basis sets for the 3d elements Sc-Zn.

Sequences of basis sets that systematically converge towards the complete basis set (CBS) limit have been developed for the first-row transition metal elements Sc-Zn. Two families of basis sets, nonrelativistic and Douglas-Kroll-Hess (-DK) relativistic, are presented that range in quality from triple-zeta to quintuple-zeta. Separate sets are developed for the description of valence (3d4s) electron correlation (cc-pVnZ and cc-pVnZ-DK; n = T,Q, 5) and valence plus outer-core (3s3p3d4s) correlation (cc-pwCVnZ and cc-pwCVnZ-DK; n = T,Q, 5), as well as these sets augmented by additional diffuse functions for the description of negative ions and weak interactions (aug-cc-pVnZ and aug-cc-pVnZ-DK). Extensive benchmark calculations at the coupled cluster level of theory are presented for atomic excitation energies, ionization potentials, and electron affinities, as well as molecular calculations on selected hydrides (TiH, MnH, CuH) and other diatomics (TiF, Cu2). In addition to observing systematic convergence towards the CBS limits, both 3s3p electron correlation and scalar relativity are calculated to strongly impact many of the atomic and molecular properties investigated for these first-row transition metal species.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

The convergence of complete active space self-consistent-field energies to the complete basis set limit.

Examination of the convergence of full valence complete active space self-consistent-field energies with expansion of the one-electron basis set reveals a pattern very similar to the convergence of single determinant Hartree-Fock energies. Calculations on 26 molecular examples with the sequence of ntuple-zeta augmented polarized (nZaP) basis sets (n=2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) are used to evaluate complete basis set extrapolation schemes. The most effective extrapolation reduces the rms one-electron basis set truncation errors from 3.03, 0.58, and 0.12 mhartree to 0.23, 0.05, and 0.014 mhartree for the 3ZaP, 4ZaP, and 5ZaP basis sets, respectively.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2006

A convergent multipole expansion for 1,3 and 1,4 Coulomb interactions.

Traditionally force fields express 1,3 and 1,4 interactions as bonded terms via potentials that involve valence and torsion angles, respectively. These interactions are not modeled by point charge terms, which are confined to electrostatic interactions between more distant atoms (1,n where n>4). Here we show that both 1,3 and 1,4 interactions can be described on the same footing as 1,n (n>4) interactions by a convergent multipole expansion of the Coulomb energy of the participating atom pairs. The atomic multipole moments are generated by the theory of quantum chemical topology. The procedure to make the multipole expansion convergent is based on a "shift procedure" described in earlier work [L. Joubert and P. L. A. Popelier, Molec. Phys. 100, 3357 (2002)].

Journal Article↗

PubMed2006

The convergence of complete active space self-consistent-field configuration interaction including all single and double excitation energies to the complete basis set limit.

Examination of the convergence of full valence complete active space self-consistent-field configuration interaction including all single and double excitation (CASSCF-CISD) energies with expansion of the one-electron basis set reveals a pattern very similar to the convergence of single determinant energies. Calculations on the lowest four singlet states and the lowest four triplet states of N(2) with the sequence of n-tuple-zeta augmented polarized (nZaP) basis sets (n=2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) are used to establish the complete basis set limits. Full configuration-interaction (CI) and core electron contributions must be included for very accurate potential energy surfaces. However, a simple extrapolation scheme that has no adjustable parameters and requires nothing more demanding than CAS(10e(-),8orb)-CISD/3ZaP calculations gives the R(e), omega(e), omega(e)X(e), T(e), and D(e) for these eight states with rms errors of 0.0006 Angstrom, 4.43 cm(-1), 0.35 cm(-1), 0.063 eV, and 0.018 eV, respectively.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

CD40 and adenosine A2 receptor agonist-cyclic adenosine monophosphate rescue B-cell antigen receptor-induced apoptosis through independent pathways and converge to prevent caspase activation.

BACKGROUND: Antigen receptor ligation induces apoptosis of B lymphocytes, but the molecular mechanisms underlying induction of apoptosis remain unclear, although the growing family of IL-1beta-converting enzyme cysteine proteases (caspases) are recognized to be major effectors of cellular death. OBJECTIVE: We sought to delineate and compare the rescue of B-cell apoptosis through CD40 ligand-CD40 interaction and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase A in human B cells. METHODS: By using tonsillar B cells and the B-lymphoblastoid cell line Ramos, rescue from B-cell apoptosis was compared, as were signaling pathways after activation of cells through CD40 and the adenosine A2 receptor. RESULTS: Both CD40 ligand-CD40 interaction and activation of intracellular cAMP rescue B cells from apoptosis after antigen receptor ligation. Although these pathways do not overlap, they converge by preventing the anti-IgM-induced activation of CPP32 (caspase 3), a member of the IL-1beta-converting enzyme protease family. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that the cAMP-protein kinase A-dependent and CD40-signaling pathways regulate B-cell survival and converge at a common point, the inhibition of antigen receptor-induced activation of caspases.

Antibodies↗

PubMed2001

Effects of blood viscosity on proximal flow convergence calculations of regurgitant flow rate and jet dimensions as evaluated by color Doppler flow mapping: an in vitro study.

There are limited data on the potential influence of blood viscosity on the quantification of valvular regurgitation by color Doppler in the clinical setting. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of blood viscosity on jet dimensions and the proximal flow convergence (proximal isovelocity surface area, PISA) method of estimating valvular insufficiency severity. We used an in vitro flow model filled with human blood at varying hematocrits (15%, 35%, and 55%) and blood viscosity (blood/water viscosity: 2.6, 4.8, 9.1) in which jets were driven through a known orifice (16 mm(2)) into a 110-mL compliant receiving chamber (compliance: 2.2 mL/mm Hg) by a power injection pump. Blood injections (2 and 4 mL) at flow rates of 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 mL/s were performed. Proximal flow convergence and spatial distribution of jets were imaged by a 3.5-MHz transducer. Pressure and volume in the flow model were kept constant before each injection. Ultrasound settings were the same for all experiments. Jet area decreased significantly with increasing blood viscosity, but the difference in jet dimensions was much larger for lower than for higher flow rates and for highest blood viscosity. Estimation of flow rate by the PISA method was not significantly influenced by blood viscosity. Blood viscosity has a major influence in jet area, especially for lower flow rates, but did not change significantly the grading of regurgitation by the PISA method. Thus this factor should be considered for determining the method of choice when quantification of valvular regurgitation is performed in patients with anemia or polycythemia.

Blood Viscosity↗

PubMed1992

Convergent and divergent perspective.

Use of divergent (or inverse) perspective in pictures is often regarded as arbitrary or even as erroneous in spite of the fact that entire schools of art exist in which this kind of perspective is regularly used. An experiment is reported which shows that a significant trend towards divergent perspective is experienced by subjects viewing laterally displaced three-dimensional arrays. Centrally viewed arrays show the expected perceptual convergence. It is therefore argued that divergent perspective, under appropriate conditions, is as perceptually legitimate an experience as convergent perspective.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Convergent evolution of chemical defense in poison frogs and arthropod prey between Madagascar and the Neotropics.

With few exceptions, aposematically colored poison frogs sequester defensive alkaloids, unchanged, from dietary arthropods. In the Neotropics, myrmicine and formicine ants and the siphonotid millipede Rhinotus purpureus are dietary sources for alkaloids in dendrobatid poison frogs, yet the arthropod sources for Mantella poison frogs in Madagascar remained unknown. We report GC-MS analyses of extracts of arthropods and microsympatric Malagasy poison frogs (Mantella) collected from Ranomafana, Madagascar. Arthropod sources for 11 "poison frog" alkaloids were discovered, 7 of which were also detected in microsympatric Mantella. These arthropod sources include three endemic Malagasy ants, Tetramorium electrum, Anochetus grandidieri, and Paratrechina amblyops (subfamilies Myrmicinae, Ponerinae, and Formicinae, respectively), and the pantropical tramp millipede R. purpureus. Two of these ant species, A. grandidieri and T. electrum, were also found in Mantella stomachs, and ants represented the dominant prey type (67.3% of 609 identified stomach arthropods). To our knowledge, detection of 5,8-disubstituted (ds) indolizidine iso-217B in T. electrum represents the first izidine having a branch point in its carbon skeleton to be identified from ants, and detection of 3,5-ds pyrrolizidine 251O in A. grandidieri represents the first ponerine ant proposed as a dietary source of poison frog alkaloids. Endemic Malagasy ants with defensive alkaloids (with the exception of Paratrechina) are not closely related to any Neotropical species sharing similar chemical defenses. Our results suggest convergent evolution for the acquisition of defensive alkaloids in these dietary ants, which may have been the critical prerequisite for subsequent convergence in poison frogs between Madagascar and the Neotropics.

Alkaloids↗