INTRODUCTION Computer simulations suggest that intercellular coupling is more robust than membrane excitability with regard to changes in and safety of conduction. Clinical studies indicate that SCN5A (excitability) and/or Connexin43 (Cx43, intercellular coupling) expression in heart disease is reduced by approximately 50%. In this retrospective study we assessed the effect of reduced membrane ...

BACKGROUND Spatially discordant alternans (SDA) has been linked to life-threatening arrhythmias. The mechanisms underlying SDA development in cardiac tissue remain unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS We investigated the role of conduction velocity (CV) restitution and short-term memory in the organization and evolution of alternans in action potential duration using high-resolution optical mapping o...

Jeremy Waldron argues that claims to reparation for historic injustices can be superseded by the demands of justice in present. For example, justified Maori resulting from wrongful appropriation their land European settlers may claim a just distribution resources possessed world’s existing inhabitants. However, if we distinguish between reparative and restitutive claims, see while restitution c...