Showing papers by "Cardiff University published in 1994"

Laparoscopic surgical instrument

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical instrument which may be in the form of forceps or a cutter has, at the end of a hollow tube for introduction through the body cavity wall, a housing, a pair of pivotally mounted metallic jaws, a reciprocable control rod in the tube, and an actuator secured to the control rod. The actuator has a pair of guide grooves which are oppositely inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis of the instrument, and each jaw has a lug which fits in a respective groove, the lugs being spaced from the jaw pivots so that reciprocation of the control rod causes opening and closing of the jaws. The housing and the actuator are electrically insulating and the jaw pivots are spaced apart to achieve electrical isolation of one jaw from the other, for applying a radio frequency voltage across the jaws for bipolar electrosurgery.

Stereotypes as energy-saving devices: A peek inside the cognitive toolbox.

Abstract: By use of a dual-task paradigm, 3 studies investigated the contention that stereotypes function as resource-preserving devices in mental life. In Study 1, Ss formed impressions of targets while simultaneously monitoring a prose passage. The results demonstrated a significant enhancement in Ss' prose-monitoring performance when stereotype labels were present on the impression-formation task. To investigate the intentionality of this effect, in Study 2, the procedures used in Study 1 were repeated using a subliminal priming procedure to activate stereotypes. Subliminal activation of stereotypes produced the same resource-preserving effects as supraliminal activation did. This effect, moreover, was replicated in Study 3 when a probe reaction task was used to measure resource preservation. These findings, which generalized across a range of social stereotypes, are discussed in terms of their implications for contemporary models of stereotyping and social inference. Human adaptation to the challenging and complex environment has often taken the form of developing tools that facilitate the execution of mundane but necessary tasks, leaving more time and energy available for other, perhaps more interesting or rewarding activities. It is reasonable to suppose, as some contemporary psychologists have, that the development of physical tools, such as plows or printing presses, has been paralleled by the development of cognitive "tools," or routine strategies of inference and evaluation (cf. Tooby & Cosmides, 1990) that permit a sufficiently effective analysis of the social environment to be accomplished in an efficient fashion. The benefit of such mental tools presumably lies in the fact that they free up limited cognitive resources for the performance of other necessary or desirable mental activities. Social psychologists have frequently characterized stereotypes as energy-saving devices that serve the important cognitive function of simplifying information processing and response generation (e.g., Allport, 1954; Andersen, Klatzky, & Murray, 1990; Bodenhausen & Lichtenstein, 1987; Brewer, 1988; Fiske & Neuberg, 1990; Tajfel, 1969). Building on this tradition, Gilbert and Hixon (1991) aptly characterized stereotypes as "tools that jump out" of a metaphorical cognitive toolbox "when there is a job to be done" (p. 510). Anyone who has ever succumbed to the temptation to evaluate others in terms of their social group membership would doubtlessly recognize the power of this contention. Individuation, in its many guises, is a rather

The Relationship Between the Comprehensiveness of Corporate Annual Reports and Firm Characteristics in Spain

Abstract: Not much information exists in the international accounting literature on Spanish accounting. Spain is selected as a subject of study because it is different from those countries that are subjects of the research concerned with investigating the multivariate impact of firm characteristics on disclosure in annual reports and accounts. The conceptual model underlying our empirical tests is based on economic and political incentives for providing greater detail in corporate annual reports and accounts. The paper provides evidence that the amount of detail in Spanish corporate annual reports and accounts is increasing in firm size and stock exchange listing, and decreasing in liquidity.

Electrosurgical apparatus for laporoscopy and similar interventions

Abstract: An electrode assembly (12) for an electrosurgical instrument has an elongate tubular shaft (12S) with electrodes (12E) mounted on a distal end and, on a proximal end of the shaft, means (12M) for detachably mounting the assembly in a handpiece (10) of the instrument. Electrical conductors (20) pass through the shaft (12S) from the electrodes (12E) to contacts on the mounting means (12M) which are located so as to make a connection with a radio frequency source. The mounting means (12M) takes the form of a housing (12H) shaped for attachment to the handpiece (10) in a non-rotational relationship and, rotatably located within the housing, a sleeve (12SL) which is fixed to the shaft (12S). The conductors (20) terminate in contact portions (20C) secured in the housing (12H) of the mounting means (12M) and are so formed as to allow the electrodes (12E), the shaft (12S), parts of the conductors (20) in the distal end portions, the shaft (12S), and the sleeve (12SL) to rotate with respect to the housing (12H) and the contact portions (20C) about the axis of the shaft (12S).

Out of mind but back in sight: Stereotypes on the rebound

Abstract: For a variety of reasons, social perceivers may often attempt to actively inhibit stereotypic thoughts before their effects impinge on judgment and behavior. However, research on the psychology of mental control raises doubts about the efficacy of this strategy. Indeed, this work suggests that when people attempt to suppress unwanted thoughts, these thoughts are likely to subsequently reappear with even greater insistence than if they had never been suppressed (i.e., a ''rebound'' effect). The present research comprised an investigation of the extent to which this kind of rebound effect extends to unwanted stereotypic thoughs about others. The results provided strong support for the existence of this effect. Relative to control subjects (i.e., stereotype users), stereotype suppressors responded more pejoratively to a stereotyped target on a range of dependent measures. We discuss our findings in the wider context of models of mind, thought suppression, and social stereotyping.

Differences in Perceptions of Exporting Problems Based on Firm Size and Export Market Experience

Abstract: There is a lacuna of empirical research in the international marketing literature pertaining to problems and issues encountered by exporting firms, particularly in relation to the Western European context. In addressing this gap, reports the findings of an ethnocentric study, which focused on the problems confronting the ongoing export activities of indigenous Greek manufacturing firms within the trading sphere of the European Community. Examines specifically the extent to which there are significant differences in perceptions of exporting problems based on the organizational characteristics of firm size and export market experience. Tests two hypotheses, and identifies a number of such differences. Provides conclusions and implications, which furnish both managers and public policy makers with an awareness of scenarios where exporting problems may arise. Considers the research limitations, and also appends suggestions for avenues of future research on which these have some influence.

Criteria for Identifying Wound Infection.

Abstract: Criteria used to identify infection may often be restricted to the presence of pus, or pus with inflammation1. Traditional criteria have been used in many surveys and their advantage is that they are simple, reproducible and easily recognised by different observers. However, identification of infection may be difficult in some circumstances, and identifying patients who are likely to develop infection is rare.

The Preferential Formation of High-Mass Stars in Shocked Interstellar Gas Layers

Abstract: Gravitationally unstable, shocked layers of interstellar gas are produced by cloud-cloud collisions and by expanding nebulae around massive stars. We show that the resulting fragments are likely to be of high mass, and initially well separated (i.e. weakly bound to one another, if at all). This result may explain why dynamically active regions tend to have a high efficiency of massive star formation, and why they tend to relax quickly into a self-propagating mode which generates sequences of OB subgroups. These tendencies are manifested on many scales, from local star-forming regions like Orion, through regions like 30 Doradus in the LMC, to the most IR-luminous starburst galaxies. We also show that, for a wide range of input parameters, gravitational fragmentation of a shocked layer occurs when the column density of hydrogen nuclei through the accumulating layer reaches a value. This may be one reason for the mass-radius relation for molecular cloud clumps first noted by Larson.

Vero cytotoxin‐producing Escherichia coli O157 in beefburgers linked to an outbreak of diarrhoea, haemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic uraemic syndrome in Britain

Abstract: Vero cytotoxin (VT)-producing Escherichia coli O157 (0157 VTEC) were isolated from a raw beefburger obtained from a retail source linked to a small community outbreak of 0157 VTEC infection in Wales. Strains from the meat and from seven of eight patients belonged to phage type 49 and were indistinguishable by their VT-type, plasmid content and hybridization with DNA of a VT-encoding phage from an 0157 VTEC strain. This first report of the isolation of 0157 VTEC from a beef product in Britain supports the view that there is a bovine reservoir for this organism.

Immunocytochemical localization of fos protein in human breast cancers and its relationship to a series of prognostic markers and response to endocrine therapy

Abstract: The protein product of the bcl-2 gene is thought to be involved in inhibition of apoptosis; it may therefore be important in the modulation of hormonal/anti-hormonal responsiveness exhibited by tumours. This study immunocytochemically investigates (i) relationships between bcl-2 protein expression in primary breast cancers and other markers of prognostic and therapeutic value and (ii) associations of the bcl-2 protein with breast cancer responsiveness to endocrine therapy. The bcl-2 protein was found within the tumour epithelial cell cytoplasm of 32/46 breast cancer specimens; inter-patient staining was heterogeneous. Immunostaining for steroid hormone receptors was strongly associated with that for the bcl-2 protein, and it is thus possible that this protein, like progesterone receptor, is under oestrogen regulation via oestrogen receptor. The protein was inversely related to 2 markers of endocrine insensitivity, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and c-erbB-2 oncoprotein, while no associations were observed with either transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha or Ki-67 proliferative status. A highly significant relationship was observed between response to endocrine therapy and the presence of bcl-2 protein. Indeed, bcl-2 immunostaining proved to be a more accurate predictor of response than oestrogen receptor status. Patients with elevated bcl-2 immunostaining (particularly those who co-expressed high oestrogen receptor levels) appeared to derive the greatest benefit from endocrine therapy. Our results are paradoxical since it was expected that the bcl-2 protein would counteract the tumour inhibitory effects of endocrine therapies as it is thought to prevent programmed cell death.

Tamoxifen blocks chloride channels. A possible mechanism for cataract formation.

Abstract: Tamoxifen is an antiestrogen frequently used in the treatment of breast cancer and is currently being assessed as a prophylactic for those at high risk of developing tumors. We have found that tamoxifen and its derivatives are high-affinity blockers of specific chloride channels. This blockade appears to be independent of the interaction of tamoxifen with the estrogen receptor and therefore reflects an alternative cellular target. One of the clinical side effects of tamoxifen is impaired vision and cataract. Chloride channels in the lens of the eye were shown to be essential for maintaining normal lens hydration and transmittance. These channels were blocked by tamoxifen and, in organ culture, tamoxifen led to lens opacity associated with cataracts at clinically relevant concentrations. These data suggest a molecular mechanism by which tamoxifen can cause cataract formation and have implications for the clinical use of tamoxifen and related antiestrogens.

Follow‐up of a report of a potential linkage for schizophrenia on chromosome 22q12‐q13.1: Part 2

Abstract: A collaboration involving four groups of investigators (Johns Hopkins University/Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Medical College of Virginia/The Health Research Board, Dublin; Institute of Psychiatry, London/University of Wales, Cardiff; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris) was organized to confirm results suggestive of a schizophrenia susceptibility locus on chromosome 22 identified by the JHU/MIT group after a random search of the genome. Diagnostic, laboratory, and analytical reliability exercises were conducted among the groups to ensure uniformity of procedures. Data from genotyping of 3 dinucleotide repeat polymorphisms (at the loci D22S268, IL2RB, D22S307) for a combined replication sample of 256 families, each having 2 or more affected individuals with DNA, were analysed using a complex autosomal dominant model. This study provided no evidence for linkage or heterogeneity for the region 22q12-q13 under this model. We conclude that if this region confers susceptibility to schizophrenia, it must be in only a small proportion of families. Collaborative efforts to obtain large samples must continue to play an important role in the genetic search for clues to complex psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia

The development of gender differentiation in young children

Abstract: A sample of 128 boys and girls in four age groups (three, five, seven, nine years) undertook tasks designed to assess their ability to categorize by gender, gender constancy, evaluations of gender groups, and gender discrimination in the allocation of prizes in a task performance setting. Results indicated that all children could categorize accurately by gender although nine-year-olds tended to adopt more complex criteria. Gender constancy increased with age, although not monotonically--seven-year-olds displayed less constancy than five-year-olds. Gender differentiation in attitudes was very marked from five years upwards, and even earlier in girls (both groups viewed their own gender more favourably). This greater own gender favouritism among girls was even clearer in the discrimination task: girls awarded girls' groups more desirable toys even when they had ostensibly performed less well than the boys' group. The boys attended more to performance information. Girls also made more negative comments about boys than vice versa.

Edge-region-based segmentation of range images

Abstract: In this correspondence, we present a new computationally efficient three-dimensional (3-D) object segmentation technique. The technique is based on the detection of edges in the image. The edges can be classified as belonging to one of the three categories: fold edges, semistep edges (defined here), and secondary edges. The 3-D image is sliced to create equidepth contours (EDCs). Three types of critical points are extracted from the EDCs. A subset of the edge pixels is extracted first using these critical points. The edges are grown from these pixels through the application of some masks proposed in this correspondence. The constraints of the masks can be adjusted depending on the noise present in the image. The total computational effort is small since the masks are applied only over a small neighborhood of critical points (edge regions). Furthermore, the algorithm can be implemented in parallel, as edge growing from different regions can be carried out independently of each other. >

Origin and diagenesis of Quaternary travertine shrub fabrics, Rapolano Terme, central Italy

Abstract: Millimetre to centimetre sized arborescent shrub-like calcite precipitates are common constituents of hot water travertine shallow pool deposits of Quaternary age at Rapolano Terme, Tuscany, Italy. In the presently forming travertines, the shrubs consist of apparently random associations of (i) micrite aggregates and (ii) subhedral to euhedral rhombic spar crystal aggregates. In thin section, the micrite aggregates appear dark and the spar-rhomb aggregates light, giving the shrubs a mottled appearance. Travertines are basically produced by CaCO3 precipitation due to degassing and evaporation of the spring waters, although biological influence may also stimulate precipitation. The formation of masses of erect shrubs, rather than dense crystal crusts that form on slopes, is probably due to limited water flow in the pool environments. Microbes, including bacteria and diatoms, are important influences on shrub microfabric and external shape. The micrite aggregates are associated with bacteriform bodies, seen as tiny rods and spheres. The micrite precipitates around these bodies and in adjacent biofilm. Spar-rhomb precipitation appears to be external to the biofilm, and may be related to the presence of diatoms which are locally closely associated with the spar-rhombs, although an essentially inorganic origin, particularly for the more euhedral rhombs, cannot be ruled out. In the older Quaternary travertines, the original microfabric of the shrubs has been diagenetically altered. The original mottled appearance of the shrubs has become uniformly dark and micritic, and the evidence for the dual micritic and spar-rhomb origin of the shrubs is obscured or destroyed. Spar-micritization of the shrubs is probably due to abiotic, and locally biotic, dissolution. Previous studies did not recognize the diagenetic micritization and attributed shrub formation entirely to bacterial activity.

Biocompatibility of potential wound management products: fungal mycelia as a source of chitin/chitosan and their effect on the proliferation of human F1000 fibroblasts in culture.

Abstract: Aspergillus oryzae, Mucor mucedo, and Phycomyces blakesleeanus cultures were examined as sources of chitin/chitosan. The nitrogen content of the alkali-treated mycelia/sporangiophores of A. oryzae, M. mucedo, and P. blakesleeanus was 2.52, 3.61, and 6.27% w/w, which relates to an estimated chitin content of 37, 52, and 91%, respectively. The effect of these fungal materials on the rate of proliferation of human F1000 fibroblasts in culture was examined. At 0.01% w/v, all three materials exhibited significant (P<.05) proproliferant activity over a period of 13 days. However, at 0.05% w/v, P. blakesleeanus further enhanced cell proliferation, whereas A. oryzae and M. mucedo produced a significant (P<.05) antiproliferant effect. Higher concentrations of P. blakesleeanus (0.1 and 0.5%) caused marked inhibition of F1000 cell proliferation when measured on days 3 and 6. Only the proproliferant effect of these fungal materials appears to correlate to their chitin content. Furthermore, the cytomorphology of the fibroblasts indicated that P. blakesleeanus, and to a lesser extent M. mucedo, possessed cell attractant properties, again correlating with chitin content. If developed for use as wound management materials, the sporangiophores of P. blakesleeanus and the mycelium of M. mucedo could possibly promote the growth of fibroblasts and provide a matrix for their anchorage, thus contributing to the granulation phase of the healing cascade. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

A model for the enantioselective hydrogenation of pyruvate catalysed by alkaloid-modified platinum†

Abstract: A LEED and XPS study of the adsorption of naphthalene, quinoline, and 10,11-dihydrocinchonidine on Pt(111) at 300K has shown that only naphthalene forms an ordered ad-layer, and that quinoline and the alkaloid adsorb in a disordered state and without decomposition. These experiments do not support the hypothesis of ordered adsorption of alkaloid that forms the basis of the template model for the interpretation of enantioselectivity in Pt-catalysed pyruvate hydrogenation. The model is accordingly reviewed. Molecular modelling studies show that a highly specific 1:1 interaction between cinchonidine (or cinchonine) and pyruvate interprets the observed sense of the enantioselectivity, provided relative energy relationships derived for purely inter-molecular interactions are valid for the same molecules in the adsorbed state. Moreover, the ‘product’ of this 1:1 interaction is a satisfactory precursor to the H-bonded state considered responsible for the greatly enhanced rate that always accompanies enantioselective reaction over cinchona-modified Pt. The previously published dependencies of optical yield on (a) surface concentration of adsorbed cinchonidine modifier, and (b) modifier composition for mixtures of quinine and quinidine, are shown to be in quantitative agreement with the proposed 1:1 interaction model and at variance with the ordered adsorption model. Catalysts modified and used under strictly anaerobic conditions show negligible activity and enantioselectivity demonstrating that oxygen plays a crucial role in successful catalyst preparation. XPS experiments confirm that adsorption of cinchonidine from air-saturated ethanolic solution on Pt(111) provides an adlayer containing both alkaloid and adsorbed oxygen. (S)-(-)-1-benzyl-pyrrolidine-2-methanol, various configurations of ephedrine, D-and L-histidine and the methyl esters of D- and L-tryptophan have been examined as modifiers for supported Pt. Although there is evidence that these compounds can provide chiral direction to pyruvate hydrogenation, rate enhancement is slight and enantioselectivity is correspondingly low.

World Class Manufacturing: Further Evidence in the Lean Production Debate1

Abstract: SUMMARY This paper reports the results of a study into the performance and management practices of 18 autocomponents plants, nine of which were located in the UK and nine in Japan. The study compared the performance of these plants and used quantitative measures to test the use of lean production techniques among the high performers. Five plants displayed high performance on measures of both productivity and quality. All of these were located in Japan. Several measures of management practice provided some support for the lean production model, particularly in the area of process discipline and control; measures of human resource management policy and work organization proved less significant. Contextual factors pointed to the conditions necessary to support lean production; higher performing plants had more stable demand and lower absenteeism.

regional innovation system in Baden-Wurttemberg

Abstract: Baden–Wurttemberg has one of Germany's strongest regional economies. The robustness of the economic system rests on three key elements: dynamic vertical and horizontal networks between firms; a rich institutional system of vocational training; and substantial public and private investment in R&D, innovation and technology transfer. The paper analyses each of these in depth. It is concluded that networks of innovative economic activity between business and government are of key importance to the development process. Learning, monitoring and evaluation are crucial to the enhancement of the Baden–Wurttemberg innovation networks and lessons, suitably adapted, can be learned for application to less developed economies. Currently, the Land government and other key actors are engaged in a new round of learning which may lead to the further improvement of a system assailed by problems of global competition.

Financial development and economic growth in Singapore: demand-following or supply-leading?

Abstract: Two competing hypotheses regarding financial development and economic growth are empirically investigated, in the context of supply-leading and demand-following finance. The focus is on Singapore as a country which has implemented financial restructuring strategies that, arguably, amount to a ‘supply-leading finance’ experiment. By drawing on some developments in economic theory over the last three decades, hypotheses are formulated within a statistical framework, namely a bivariate vector autoregressive (BVAR) model. A battery of econometric techniques are applied to test for stationarity, cointegration, exogeneity and Granger-causality. The evidence largely supports the supply-leading hypothesis only when broad monetary aggregates and a monetization variable are used as surrogates for financial development. It is concluded that there is a plausible case for those economies which intend to adopt a financial restructuring strategy driven by a supply-leading policy stance that involves enhanced monetizatio...

Patient attitude towards waiting in an outpatient clinic and its applications.

Abstract: Patient waiting time in outpatient clinics is often the major reason for patients' complaints about their experiences of visiting outpatient clinics. Therefore, patient satisfaction with waiting time plays a crucial role in the process of health quality assurance or quality management. This paper reports the results of a survey on patient attitude towards waiting in an outpatient surgery clinic. Generally patients appear reasonably satisfied if they wait no more than 37 minutes when arriving on time, and no more than 63 minutes when late for appointments. Patients coming up to 15 minutes early are prepared to take full responsibility for the extra waiting caused, but the patients coming even earlier intend to be seen earlier and are only prepared to wait 15 minutes longer than otherwise. The potential applications of patient attitude towards waiting in the quality assurance process, ie setting up waiting time limits and designing patient dispatching rules, are also discussed.

Export Competitive Advantages: The Relevance of Firm Characteristics

Abstract: In drawing attention to certain important gaps in the exporting literature, reports on a systematic study of the export competitive advantages of indigenous manufacturers in a small European country The focus is on the examination of potential differences in perceptions of export competitive advantages with regard to firms′ size, export involvement and export market experience The research findings suggest the existence of significant differences in perceived export competitive advantages between different exporter groups in terms of company size and degree of export involvement However, no relationship is established between perceptions of competitive advantages and export market experience Discusses managerial and public policy implications of these findings and outlines directions for future research

Helium isotopes as tracers of trapped hydrothermal fluids in ocean-floor sulfides

Abstract: Helium isotopes have been measured in fluids trapped in minerals from three mid-ocean ridge hydrothermal systems at bare-rock sites and at the sediment-covered site at Middle Valley, northern Juan de Fuca Ridge. Fluid-inclusion 3 He/ 4 He ratios from the bare-rock sites are indistinguishable from those of the vent fluids and are close to the local basalt values. Values for δ 34 S of the host sulfide are consistent with variable contributions of seawater sulfate S to the basalt-derived S in the hydrothermal fluids. This does not affect inclusion-hosted 3 He/ 4 He because of the high He concentration of the hydrothermal fluids relative to seawater. Fluid-inclusion 3 He/ 4 He ratios from Middle Valley are a mixture of basalt-derived He and radiogenic He acquired from pore fluids in the overlying Pleistocene turbidite sediments after seawater-basalt interaction. The radiogenic He accompanies isotopicalty heavy S, demonstrating that He isotopes may be used to distinguish pore fluids from seawater in hydrothermal systems.

Observations on Experimental, Nonchannelized, High-Concentration Turbidity Currents and Variations in Deposits Around Obstacles

Abstract: The influence of sea-floor topography on the deposits and flow paths of high-density, coarse-grained turbidity currents was investigated in experiments that concentrated on simple, wedge-shaped obstacles, representing tilted fault blocks, with heights of the same order as the thickness of the flows on a flat tank floor. Particle size, initial particle concentration, and tank floor configuration were varied independently, and the flow paths, sediment distribution, and surface features were recorded. These small topographic features significantly alter sediment distribution. Stationary mixing vortices (standing billows) formed near the obstacles, and the variations in flow thickness and velocity around the obstacle caused local, rapid deposition and resulted in very abrupt thickness var ations across the tank floor. Although the amplitude of thickness variations around obstacles is dependent on grain size and concentration (because of differences in settling velocity), the position of thickness variations is controlled strongly by the obstacle and flow characteristics and is largely independent of grain size.

The forgotten employees? The experiences of expatriate staff returning to the UK

Abstract: This article reports on the experiences of a group of expatriate UK managers and professionals who have recently returned to the UK from foreign assignments. A brief review of the literature in this field is presented and the findings of a questionnaire survey of 124 ‘returnees’. The data show that many expatriates face difficulties upon their return in terms of their career prospects, psychological well-being and general adaptation to life back home. The paper goes on to suggest ways in which these transitions can be managed more effectively by organizations and individual employees. It concludes by proposing directions for future research.

Myocardial relaxant effect of exogenous nitric oxide in isolated ejecting hearts.

Abstract: In isolated myocytes and papillary muscles, both nitric oxide, acting through guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), and cGMP analogues exert a novel effect on myocardial contraction, influencing mainly the onset of relaxation. We studied the effect of the exogenous nitric oxide donor, sodium nitroprusside (0.1-10 microM), in isolated ejecting guinea pig hearts at constant filling pressure, afterload, and heart rate to identify its direct myocardial effects in the whole heart. Sodium nitroprusside induced concentration-dependent increases in coronary flow as well as premature and faster early left ventricular (LV) pressure decline, but did not change end-diastolic or peak LV pressure or peak rate of rise of LV pressure. There was no correlation between changes in coronary flow and LV pressure decline. Sodium nitroprusside effects were inhibited by hemoglobin, which inactivates nitric oxide. The cGMP-independent vasodilator nicardipine also increased coronary flow but did not influence early LV pressure fall. Thus exogenous nitric oxide exerts novel direct myocardial relaxant effects in the isolated ejecting heart, independent of its known vasodilator activity, and without compromising systolic function.