Interpretation Of Previous Studies Research Articles

Does the Presence of Multinational Corporations Affect a Country’s Gross Domestic Product?

This article investigates how using different measures of GDP can lead to conflicting development policies when it comes to industrial recruitment. The results suggest that often-employed policies of competing for inward FDI may not benefit GDP annual growth. A distinction is made between official exchange rate (OER) GDP and purchasing power parity (PPP) GDP. Both measures are employed as dependent variables in separate cross-sectional, time-series regression analyses of 60 nations. A measure of multinational corporation (MNC) concentration per nation is developed and included in the model to examine whether the investing nations benefit from the outward FDI of their firms. The data analysis shows that to be true particularly for developing nations that had top-ranked MNCs incorporated within their borders between 2005 and 2009. The findings challenge industrial recruitment policies and suggest that FDI outflows may be more contributive to GDP growth than FDI inflows. The findings also show conflicting results as to which factors contribute to GDP annual growth when both GDP measures are examined, thus raising questions about metrics fit and interpretations of previous studies.

Comparison of Untreated Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis With Normal Controls

Review and statistical analysis of studies evaluating health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescents with untreated adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) using Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) outcomes. To apply normative values and minimum clinical important differences for the SRS-22r to the literature. Identify whether the HRQOL of adolescents with untreated AIS differs from unaffected peers and whether any differences are clinically relevant. The effect of untreated AIS on adolescent HRQOL is uncertain. The lack of published normative values and minimum clinical important difference for the SRS-22r has so far hindered our interpretation of previous studies. The publication of this background data allows these studies to be re-examined. Using suitable inclusion criteria, a literature search identified studies examining HRQOL in untreated adolescents with AIS. Each cohort was analyzed individually. Statistically significant differences were identified by using 95% confidence intervals for the difference in SRS-22r domain mean scores between the cohorts with AIS and the published data for unaffected adolescents. If the lower bound of the confidence interval was greater than the minimum clinical important difference, the difference was considered clinically significant. Of the 21 included patient cohorts, 81% reported statistically worse pain than those unaffected. Yet in only 5% of cohorts was this difference clinically important. Of the 11 cohorts included examining patient self-image, 91% reported statistically worse scores than those unaffected. In 73% of cohorts this difference was clinically significant. Affected cohorts tended to score well in function/activity and mental health domains and differences from those unaffected rarely reached clinically significant values. Pain and self-image tend to be statistically lower among cohorts with AIS than those unaffected. The literature to date suggests that it is only self-image which consistently differs clinically. This should be considered when assessing the possible benefits of surgery.

Mass spectrometric characterization of recombinant rat 5‐hydroxytryptamine receptor 1A (5‐HT1AR) expressed in tsA201 human embryonic kidney cells

The 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A receptor (serotonin 1A receptor; 5-HT(1A) R) is involved in a large series of brain functions, and roles in anxiety, depression, and cognition have been reported. So far, published information on mass spectrometrical characterization of 5-HT(1A) R is limited to the presence of two 5-HT(1A) R peptides in rat's whole brain as observed by in-solution digestion followed by LC-MS/MS. Knowledge about the protein sequence and PTMs, however, would have implications for generation of specific antibodies and designing studies on the 5-HT(1A) R at the protein level. A rat recombinant 5-HT(1A) R was extracted from the tsA201 cell line, run using several gel-based principles with subsequent in-gel digestion with several proteases, chymotrypsin, trypsin, AspN, proteinase K, and pepsin followed by nano-LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis on a high capacity ion trap and an LTQ Orbitrap Velos. Using two search engines, Mascot and Modiro™, the recombinant 5-HT(1A) R was identified showing 94.55% sequence coverage. A single phosphorylation at S301 was identified and verified by phosphatase treatment and a series of amino acid substitutions were detected. Characterization of 5-HT(1A) R, a key player of brain functions and neurotransmission, was shown and may enable generation of specific antibodies, design of future, and interpretation of previous studies in the rat at the protein level.

Defining the magnitude of measurement variability in the virtual histology analysis of acute coronary syndrome plaques

Previous intravascular ultrasound-based virtual histology (IVUS-VH) measurement variability studies have been confined to single-frame or short-segment analysis in stable patients with minimal disease. We sought to determine the magnitude of human measurement variability in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) plaques. Prior to percutaneous coronary intervention, we performed IVUS-VH analysis in troponin-positive ACS culprit lesions. A total of 3840 IVUS-VH frames were analysed by two operators to determine intra- and inter-observer variability. The plaque constituent area and volumes were compared using intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC); within-subjects standard deviation (WSSD, mm(2) or mm(3)) and the repeatability coefficient (RCO) to quantify the magnitude of operator error that 95% of future measurements should not exceed. The majority of intra- and inter-observer measurements had ICC of >0.92 confirming excellent agreement. Only the fibrous area (0.86), fibro-fatty (FF) area (0.72) and FF volume (0.87) had ICC levels suggesting an operator error >10%. However, the mean RCO and the percentage this represents in single-frame analysis (area error) varied across the plaque subtypes: fibrous area = 1.64 mm(2) (59%); FF area = 0.49 mm(2) (140%); necrotic core (NC) area = 0.39 mm(2) (21.3%); dense calcium (DC) area = 0.29 mm(2) (33.7%). For full lesion pullbacks (volume error): fibrous volume = 8.14 mm(3) (9.9%); FF volume = 5.63 mm(3) (53.8%); NC volume = 3.78 mm(3) (6.9%) and DC = 2.4 mm(3) (9.6%) As in previous studies, intra- and inter-observer ICC suggests good agreement between observers. However, this can still represent large measurement error values and percentages. These findings could impact on the interpretation of previous studies and influence future studies using IVUS-VH measurements as endpoints.

THE FIRST SYSTEMATIC SURVEY FOR Lyα EMITTERS ATz= 7.3 WITH RED-SENSITIVE SUBARU/SUPRIME-CAM

We have performed deep imaging surveys for LyA emitters (LAEs) at redshift ~7.3 in two blank fields, the Subaru Deep Field (SDF) and the Subaru/XMM-Newton Deep survey Field (SXDF), using the Subaru/Suprime-Cam equipped with new red-sensitive CCDs and a new narrow-band filter, NB1006 (lambda_c=10052 Ang, FWHM=214 Ang). We identified four objects as LAE candidates that exhibit luminosity excess in NB1006. By carrying out deep follow-up spectroscopy for three of them using Subaru/FOCAS and Keck/DEIMOS, a definitively asymmetric emission line is detected for one of them, SXDF-NB1006-2. Assuming this line is LyA, this object is a LAE at z=7.215 which has luminosity of 1.2^{+1.5}_{-0.6} x 10^43 [erg s-1] and a weighted skewness S_w=4.90+-0.86. Another object, SDF-NB1006-2, shows variable photometry and is thus probably a quasar (QSO) or an active galactic nucleus (AGN). It shows an asymmetric emission line at 10076 Ang, which may be due to either LyA at z=7.288 or [OII] at z=1.703. The third object, SDF-NB1006-1, is likely a galaxy with temporal luminosity enhancement associated with a supernova explosion, as the brightness of this object varies between the observed epochs. Its spectrum does not show any emission lines. The inferred decrease in the number density of LAEs toward higher redshift is n_LyA(z=7.3)/n_LyA(z=5.7) = 0.05^+0.11_-0.05 from z=5.7 to 7.3 down to L(LyA)=1.0 x 10^43 [erg s-1]. The present result is consistent with the interpretation in previous studies that the neutral hydrogen fraction is rapidly increasing from z=5.7 to 7.3.

Survival of a submarine canyon during long-term outbuilding of a continental margin

Net-depositional submarine canyons are common in continental slope strata, but how they survive and prograde on constructional margins is poorly understood. In this study we present field evidence for the coevolution of a submarine canyon and the adjacent continental slope. Using a three-dimensional seismic data cube that images the Ebro margin (northwest Mediterranean), we identify a preserved canyon on a middle Pleistocene paleosurface and relate it directly to its expression on the present-day seafloor. A subparallel stacking pattern of seismic reflectors, similar to that seen between prograding clinoforms in intercanyon areas, is observed between the modern and paleocanyon thalwegs. The concavity of the modern long profile differs from the convex-concave long profile on the middle Pleistocene surface, suggesting a long-term change in canyon sedimentation. We interpret this change as a shift to a canyon dominated by turbidity currents from one strongly influenced by the pattern of sedimentation that built the open-slope canyon interfluves. We find support for our interpretation in previous studies of the Ebro margin.

The Measurement of Creativity: From Definitional Consensus to the Introduction of a New Heuristic Framework

The scientific study of creativity has proven a difficult undertaking. Researchers have employed a diversity of definitions and measurement methods. As a result, creativity research is underrepresented in the literature and the findings of different studies often prove difficult to draw into a coherent body of understanding. A heuristic framework to explicate the different methods by which creativity may be studied forms the basis of this article. Drawing upon existing conceptions of the creativity construct and previous efforts to provide structure to creativity research, the new taxonomic framework examines creativity from 3 primary perspectives in the form of a 3-dimensional matrix. The implications of the taxonomic framework for creativity research are examined. The new taxonomic framework contributes to the understanding of creativity research through the introduction of a comprehensive heuristic to guide future research and the interpretation of previous studies.

The Relationship Between Reading and Intelligence in Primary School Aged Children: Implications for Definitional Models of Dyslexia

The validity of definitional models of development dyslexia (DD) derived from the difference between intelligence and reading quotients, is challenged by the failure of these models to consider expected developmental changes in the relationship between these constructs. The purpose of this study was to examine age-related changes in the correlations between verbal and nonverbal intelligence and reading ability. One hundred and twenty six children aged between 7 11 years of age were administered the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test Third Edition (PPVT-III, a measure of verbal intelligence) the Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM, as a measure of non-verbal intelligence) and various measures of reading ability (the Neale Analysis of Reading Ability Revised, NARA, and selected subtests from the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of AchievementRevised, WJ-Ach). The PPVT-III had significantly stronger correlations than the CPM with reading rate, single word reading, and a measure of text comprehension. Both measures correlated poorly with pseudo-word reading. Despite differences between the two intelligence measures, both correlated more strongly with measures of reading comprehension than with traditionally defined measures of decoding ability. These results are discussed in the context of the validity of current definitions of DD. The need for greater consideration of the appropriateness of certain assessment measures at various ages both in testing and in the interpretation of previous studies,

Cannabinoid Receptor Blockade Reveals Parallel Plasticity Mechanisms in Different Layers of Mouse Visual Cortex

The ocular dominance (OD) shift that occurs in visual cortex after brief monocular deprivation (MD) is a classic model of experience-dependent cortical plasticity. It has been suggested that OD plasticity in layer 2/3 of visual cortex precedes and is necessary for plasticity in the thalamocortical input layer 4. Here, we show in mouse visual cortex that rapid OD plasticity occurs simultaneously in layers 2/3 and 4. Remarkably, pharmacological blockade of cannabinoid receptors completely prevents the OD shift in layer 2/3, leaving plasticity intact in layer 4. Thus, experience-dependent cortical modifications in layers 2/3 and 4 can occur in parallel, via distinct mechanisms. These findings simplify the mechanistic description of plasticity in layer 4, force a revision in the interpretation of previous studies in which laminar differences in OD plasticity mechanisms were unrecognized, and have important implications for the therapeutic use of cannabinoid receptor antagonists in humans.

The hippocampal protein machinery varies over the estrous cycle

Information about estrous cycle (EC) and sex-dependent protein levels is limited. Cognitive functions vary over the EC and the aim of this study was to investigate rat protein fluctuations in the hippocampus, the main cognitive brain area for learning and memory, in the individual phases of the EC and in males and indeed protein fluctuations may reflect functional variation over the EC. Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the studies and estrous phases were determined. Hippocampi were taken, proteins extracted, run on 2-DE, and identified using MALDI-TOF/TOF and nano-LC-ESI-MS/MS; protein levels were quantified using Proteomweaver software. Levels of protein synthetic machinery components transcriptional activator protein PUR(α,β), elongation factor 2, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K, chaperones 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein, heat shock cognate 71 kDa protein, Hsp 105, stress-70 protein, peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase A, prefoldin subunit 2, T-complex protein 1 subunit alpha and subunit delta, and degradation principle proteasome subunit alpha type 1 and ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase isozyme L1, were different between sex and phase of the EC. We suggest that differences in the protein synthetic, chaperoning, and degradation machinery indicate different function in the individual EC phases. Results herein are relevant for further design of studies in the hippocampus at the protein level and interpretation of previous studies because EC phases will have to be respected and taken into account.

Time at V·O2max during Intermittent Treadmill Running: Test Protocol Dependent or Methodological Artefact?

Effects of methodological differences on the determination of time at VO (2max) (t (VO2max)) during intermittent treadmill running were investigated. Subjects performed three incremental tests to volitional exhaustion: a continuous protocol with 1-min stages (Cont-INC ([1-min])), and two discontinuous protocols of 2-min (Dis-INC ([2-min])) and 3-min (Dis-INC ([3-min])) stage durations. For each test, VO (2max) and the running velocity associated with V.O (2max) (vVO (2max)) were determined. On a fourth visit, subjects performed an intermittent test with 30-s work and relief intervals run at 105 % and 60 %, respectively, of the vV. (2max) determined during Cont-INC ((1-min)). The t (VO2max) during the intermittent test was determined using three different criteria: VO (2) data points > or = 100 % VO (2max) determined in Cont-INC ((1-min)) (t (VO2max[100 %])), > or = 95 % VO (2max) (t (VO2max[95 %])) and > or = VO (2max) minus 2.1 ml . kg (-1) . min (-1) (t (VO2max[- 2.1])). The V.O (2max) means (SD) for Cont-INC ((1-min)), Dis-INC ((2-min)) and Dis-INC ((3-min)) were 4093 (538), 4096 (516), and 3980 (488) mL . min (-1), respectively. The t (VO2max) means (SD) were: t (VO2max(100 %)) 163 (227) s, t (VO2max(95 %)) 418 (439) s, and t (VO2max(- 2.1)) 358 (395) s. All differences in t (V.O2max) were significantly different (p < 0.05). Differences in t (VO2max) due to using V.O (2max) values derived from using different V.O (2) time-averages were significantly different (p < 0.05). Methodological differences should be considered during interpretation of previous studies.

The effect of sodium and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition on the classic circulating renin–angiotensin system in autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease patients

It has been suggested that inappropriate stimulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is responsible for the increase in blood pressure that occurs in autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) before the development of renal failure. However, the interpretation of previous studies in ADPKD patients is confounded by inadequate matching with control populations for blood pressure and renal function, or failure to control the sodium intake of participants. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of two different sodium intakes (350 and 50 mmol/day for 5 days) in a group of 11 hypertensive ADPKD patients and eight matched control subjects with essential hypertension. In addition, blood pressure and hormonal responses were measured after the administration of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril for 3 days. Blood pressure and hormonal responses of the RAS after a reduction in sodium intake and after the administration of enalapril were identical in ADPKD patients and controls. Activation of the classic circulating RAS is no greater in hypertensive ADPKD patients than in individuals with essential hypertension.

Subaru Near Infrared Coronagraphic Images of T Tauri

Abstract High angular resolution near-infrared (JHK) adaptive optics images of T Tau were obtained with the infrared camera Coronagraphic Imager with Adaptive Optics (CIAO) mounted on the 8.2 m Subaru Telescope in 2002 and 2004. The images resolve a complex circumstellar structure around a multiple system. We resolved T Tau Sa and Sb as well as T Tau N and S. The estimated orbit of T Tau Sb indicates that it is probably bound to T Tau Sa. The $K$ band flux of T Tau S decreased by $\sim 1.7 \,\mathrm{Jy}$ in 2002 November compared with that in 2001 mainly because T Tau Sa became fainter. The arc-like ridge detected in our near-infrared images is consistent with what is seen at visible wavelengths, supporting the interpretation in previous studies that the arc is part of the cavity wall seen relatively pole-on. Halo emission is detected out to $\sim 2^{\prime\prime}$ from T Tau N. This may be light scattered off the common envelope surrounding the T Tauri multiple system.

Relational Spatial Reasoning by a Nonhuman: The Example of Capuchin Monkeys

The authors review spontaneous manipulation and spatial problem solving by capuchin monkeys to illuminate the nature of relational reasoning (wherein two or more elements of a problem or situation are considered together to arrive at a course of action) that these monkeys use in goal-directed activity. Capuchin monkeys master problems with one, two, or three spatial relations, and if more than one relation, at least two relations may be managed concurrently. They can master static and dynamic relations and, with sufficient practice, can produce specific spatial relations through both direct and distal action. Examining capuchins' spatial problem-solving behavior with objects in the framework of a spatial relational reasoning model leads to new interpretations of previous studies with these monkeys and other nonhuman animals. The model produces a variety of testable predictions concerning the contribution of relational properties to spatial reasoning. It also provides conceptual linkages with neurological processes and cognitive analyses of physical reasoning. Understanding relational spatial reasoning, including tool use, in a wider view is vital to informed, principled comparison of problem solving and the use of technology across species, across ages within species, and across eras in human prehistory.

Cognitive Outcomes Three Years After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Comparison of On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery and Nonsurgical Controls

Coronary artery bypass grafting has been associated with both early and late postoperative cognitive decline, but interpretation of previous studies has been limited by lack of appropriate control groups. We compared changes in cognitive performance from baseline to 3 years in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with those of a control group of patients with known risk factors for coronary artery disease but without surgery. Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 140) and a demographically similar nonsurgical control group with coronary artery disease (n = 92) completed baseline neuropsychological assessment and were followed up prospectively at 3, 12, and 36 months. Cognitive performance was assessed with a battery of neuropsychological tests, measuring the cognitive domains of attention, language, verbal and visual memory, visuospatial, executive function, and psychomotor and motor speed. The statistical analyses were performed in two ways: using data from all tested individuals, and using a model imputing missing observations for individuals lost to follow-up. Both the coronary artery bypass grafting and nonsurgical control groups improved from baseline to 1 year, with additional improvement between 1 and 3 years for some cognitive tests. The coronary artery bypass grafting group had statistically significantly greater improvement than the nonsurgical controls for some subtests, and had a comparable longitudinal course for the remainder of the subtests. Both study groups had a trend toward nonsignificant decline at 3 years on some measures, but the overall differences between groups over time were not statistically significant. Prospective longitudinal neuropsychological performance of patients with coronary artery bypass grafting did not differ from that of a comparable nonsurgical control group of patients with coronary artery disease at 1 or 3 years after baseline examination. This finding suggests that previously reported late cognitive decline after coronary artery bypass grafting may not be specific to the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, but may also occur in patients with similar risk factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.

Absence of Epstein-Barr virus in anaplastic large cell lymphoma: a study of 64 cases classified according to World Health Organization criteria

The frequency of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) has been controversial. The interpretation of previous studies is complicated by the use of nonuniform EBV detection methods and the inclusion of cases of CD30-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and so-called “ALCL, Hodgkin-like,” as defined in the Revised European-American Lymphoma classification scheme. In the current World Health Organization (WHO) classification system, both of these tumors are excluded from the ALCL category. Also, recently developed antibodies (eg, the antibody specific for PAX-5/B-cell-specific activator protein [BSAP]) provide new, sensitive tools for identifying neoplasms of B-cell lineage that can morphologically resemble ALCL. In this study we evaluated 64 cases of ALCL of T- or null-cell lineage, defined according to the WHO classification system, for the presence of EBV. All tumors were negative for B-cell antigens, including PAX-5/BSAP and CD20 or CD79a. The study group included 27 (42%) anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive (18 T-cell and 9 null-cell) and 37 (58%) ALK-negative (30 T-cell and 7 null-cell) tumors analyzed by in situ hybridization for EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) or immunohistochemistry for EBV-latent membrane protein type 1. All 64 cases were negative for EBV. We conclude, based on the current definition of ALCL in the WHO classification, there is no role for EBV in ALCL arising in Western patients. We suggest that published reports of EBV in a small proportion of ALCL cases in Western patients can be explained by the inclusion of tumors no longer considered to be in the current classification of ALCL, such as CD30-positive anaplastic tumors of B-cell origin.

Hydrolysis of pyridoxal isonicotinoyl hydrazone and its analogs

An orally available iron chelator is desirable for the treatment of secondary iron overload. Pyridoxal isonicotinoyl hydrazone (PIH) and its analogs effectively mobilize iron in vivo and in vitro, and are therefore promising candidates for this purpose. PIH analogs undergo significant amino acid-catalyzed hydrolysis in cell culture medium and in serum, achieving equilibrium with their corresponding aldehydes and hydrazides with half-times of 1–8 h. The extent of hydrolysis in RPMI is significant, even in experiments of a few hours' duration, although the half-life of PIH in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) is approximately 24 h. Therefore, the biological effects (e.g., 59Fe mobilization, toxicity) of these iron chelators have been underestimated in previous studies. Measurement of the affinity of PIH analogs for Fe 3+ under conditions in which hydrolysis is minimal resulted in conditional affinity constants of 10 26 to 10 27 M, which are much lower than predicted by the overall formation constants determined under conditions that likely allowed extensive hydrolysis. These data indicate the importance of hydrolysis of PIH analogs in the interpretation of previous studies, and the importance of designing clinically useful analogs whose efficacies are not limited by hydrolysis.

Short-range order and strain in SiGeC alloys probed by phonons

We report a detailed study of the dependence of the vibrational modes in rapid thermal chemical vapor deposition grown Si1−x−yGexCy samples on substitutional carbon concentration. The difficulty in incorporating substitutional carbon in these alloys with concentrations higher than a few tenths of an atomic percent is well known. We show that simultaneous analysis of x-ray diffraction, infrared absorption, and Raman scattering measurements can be used to determine the fraction of substitutional carbon from the total carbon content. We claim that the uncertainty in defining this fraction led to the discrepancies between the interpretations of previous studies. The frequency shifts of the C local modes and the Si–Si mode are studied, in addition to the intensity dependence of the former. The evolution of C satellite peaks and their dependence on total C concentration are presented. There is a large frequency change of these modes, indicating a very large local bond distortion induced by the presence of carbon in the lattice. We show that the shifts of the Si–Si mode frequencies due to the Ge and C content are not simply the addition of each contribution separately. The rate at which they shift with changing C concentration depends on the Ge content in the alloy. The probability of creating ordered substitutional C–C pairs, rather than randomly distributed C atoms in the crystal lattice, increases nonlinearly as a function of the carbon content.

Dose-dependence of 4-aminopyridine plasma concentrations and electrophysiological effects in dogs : potential relevance to ionic mechanisms in vivo.

Previous investigators have administered 4-aminopyridine (4AP) to dogs to evaluate the role of transient outward current (I(to)) in vivo; however, plasma concentrations of 4AP were not measured, and it is therefore uncertain which cardiac ion channels were blocked at the concentrations achieved. We applied high-performance liquid chromatography to measure 4AP concentrations produced by intravenous 4AP administration to dogs. A previously described dose regimen produced plasma concentrations that increased during the maintenance infusion but never exceeded 250 micromol/L and caused significant mortality. Whole-cell patch-clamp experiments on isolated canine myocytes showed that even the maximum 4AP concentrations achieved in vivo failed to alter ventricular I(to) and had very small effects on atrial I(to); however, concentrations achieved in vivo had a strong inhibitory effect on the dog ultrarapid delayed rectifier (I(Kur.d)), present only in atrial cells. We designed a loading and maintenance infusion regimen to produce stable 4AP plasma concentrations. At concentrations in the range of 25 and 50 micromol/L, 4AP had no effect on ventricular refractory period but increased atrial refractoriness significantly, consistent with the results of voltage clamp studies. The interpretation of previous studies using intravenous 4AP administration to inhibit I(to) in dogs in vivo needs to be reevaluated in light of the fact that the infusion regimens used produce plasma concentrations that are inadequate to affect ventricular I(to). Our findings also support the concept that selective inhibition of ultrarapid delayed rectifier current can prolong atrial refractory periods without affecting ventricular refractoriness.

Excited state formation in studies of electron capture by state prepared doubly charged atomic ions

Electron capture by slow ( v < 1 a.u.) partially stripped ions in atomic and molecular targets results in the selective formation of only a few excited states of either target or projectile and is highly sensitive to the internal energy carried by the projectile. This article describes a new experimental system employing the technique of double translational energy spectroscopy to study these state selective electron capture processes. Recent results involving slow C 2+, N 2+, and O 2+ primary ions in prepared ground or metastable states, in collisions with simple atomic and molecular targets, are discussed. The results highlight the difficulties involved in the interpretation of previous studies where the projectile primary ion beams contained unknown mixtures of ions in both ground and metastable states.