BACKGROUND The identification of the molecular-genetic substrate underlying the various forms of the congenital long-QT syndrome (LQTS) has sparked studies into possible genotype-phenotype correlations with the aim of developing genotype-tailored therapy. The onset of torsade de pointes (TdP) may differ among LQTS patients, being pause dependent in some but not all. This disparity may point to ...

Fracture repair is influenced by the mechanical environment, particularly when cyclic loads are applied across the fracture site. However, the specific mechanical loading parameters that accelerate fracture healing are unknown. Intact bone adaptation studies show enhanced bone formation with pauses inserted between loading cycles. We hypothesized pause-inserted noninvasive external loading to m...

A feature of neurons in the mammalian superior colliclus (SC) is the robust discharge of action potentials preceding the onset of rapid eye movements called saccades. The burst, which commands ocular motoneurons, is often preceded by persistent, low-level activity, likely reflecting neuronal processes such as target selection, saccade selection and preparation. Here, we report on a transient pa...

Because of its simplicity, blinking is a prominent model system in analysis of adaptation and conditioning with the cerebellum. Nevertheless, data on the role of the cerebellum in modulation of normal reflex blinks are limited. We correlated the discharge of interpositus (IP) neurons with normal trigeminal reflex blinks and blink adaptation in urethane-anesthetized rats. Two groups of IP neuron...

Gymnotiform weakly electric fish find their way in the dark using a continuously operating active sensory system. An electric organ generates a continuous train of discharges (electric organ discharges, EODs), and tuberous high-frequency electroreceptors monitor the pattern of transcutaneous current flow associated with each EOD. Here, I report that a prior interruption to the continuous train ...

The effects of a single premature contraction (PC) on left ventricular diastolic distensibility was studied in man, in the conscious chronically instrumented dog, and in the isolated (isovolumic) blood perfused dog heart. In the isolated dog heart at a constant volume, there was no difference in end-diastolic pressure when control diastolic pressure was compared to that following a PC. In man a...