A handbook for how we can use the power of our hormones to master any stage of life. Joint pain, weight gain, migraines, acne, sleepless nights, loss of libido - all of these and more can be caused by hormone imbalances. Our health is impacted by our hormones all the way through our lives. So why do we often assume they're mainly 'a menopause thing', and wait until hot flushes arrive before we take them seriously? The truth is that many women find that their hormone-related symptoms aren't acknowledged, despite the impact they can have, years before menopause hits, on almost every aspect of their lives. With advances in medical science, however, effective new treatment options are available, including modern hormone replacement therapy (HRT), diet, and exercise. So why don't more of us know that help is at hand? Why are we still being told that we have to put up with these conditions? Our Hormones, Our Health is written by two doctors who draw on their experience as practitioners, and as women. With the aid of pioneering research from epigenetics, stress medicine, nutritional medicine, and modern HRT, they show us how women can live with health and happiness - no matter what their age.

Cellular proteinases and their physiological role in normal and disease states have been the subject of great interest over recent decades. At present, specific protease inhibitors are exploited both as tools in unraveling the role of individual proteinases in particular cellular processes and for the development of chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of various disorders. Proteinase and Peptidase Inhibition presents updated progress reports on the characterization of a wide range of cellular proteinases whose inhibitors may hold the key to the development of new drugs. Introductory chapters deal with the broad enzyme classes, inhibitor types and regulatory mechanisms governing proteinase activity. The target enzymes themselves, together with all aspects of their inhibition and inhibitor design, are comprehensively described. The classification of target enzymes by structural similarity, rather than by pharmacological effects, provides a new and coherent platform for understanding how inhibition of different targets can lead to the same therapeutic outcomes. This is a valuable reference book that will appeal to both academic and industrial researchers in the fields of medicinal chemistry, drug design and development, pharmacology, biochemistry, and molecular and cell biology.

Containing all the new as well as classical methodologies used in the investigation of amino acid and protein metabolism in human and animal models, this book is needed because of the dramatic increase in research in this field. There is no other book currently on the market that covers these methods of investigation. Methods for Investigation of Amino Acid and Protein Metabolism explores areas such as amino acid transfer across tissue membranes, past and new applications using stable isotopes, protein synthesis in organs and tissues, and more. Because of the importance of research methods in the field of amino acid and protein nutrition and metabolism, this book facilitates the reader's integration of the concepts involved in these investigative research methods and their corollaries. In addition to helping any nutrition investigator design and conduct appropriate research protocols in this area of nutrition, this book assists students who are planning to investigate amino acid and protein metabolism in humans or laboratory animals.

The ability to regulate and manipulate the generation or remodeling of blood vessels is key to the successful treatment of many chronic diseases, both oncological and non-oncological. Several bioactive compounds present in human diets are now known to exert an inhibitive effect on the either the signaling or construction of new blood vessels. The identification and characterization of these anti-angiogenic molecules opens a new avenue for the research and production of functional and medicinal foods with far reaching implications for the food-based treatment of chronic degenerative disease. Drawing from an extensive list of esteemed international contributors, Anti-Angiogenic Functional and Medicinal Foods explores the history and scope of the use of conventional foods, nutraceuticals, and health products in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, India, Australia, and New Zealand. Recent advancements in proteomics, genomics, and toxicogenomics give us a far more detailed picture of the molecular basis of nutrition and systems toxicology. Explaining the role of angiogenesis in various chronic diseases, individual chapters consider endothelial cell responses, the mechanism of the angiogenic cascade, and the angiogenic function involved in tumors, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory arthritis, and obesity. A collection of chapters studies specific foods and their functional bioactive compounds such as the effects of edible berry anthocyanins, various Chinese medicinal foods, dietary flavonoids, probiotics, shark cartilage, EPA and DHA, and marine polysaccharides. The book concludes with a discussion of the challenges faced during the development and delivery of anti-angiogenic functional food products. Presenting the current research and state of the science, Anti-Angiogenic Functional and Medicinal Foods provides researchers, scientists, clinical nutritionists, and oncologists with a valuable reference to this important and growing mode of

Blood coagulation and fibrinolysis has been traditionally classed as a part of hematology and the complement system as a part of immunology. An analysis of these two systems at a molecular level, however, has revealed some intriguing evolutionary relationships among some of the macromolecules involved. Evidently, there are similarities in the cascade of reactions that characterize the processes. It is therefore highly suitable that these topics are presented together in one volume. This book presents a thorough explanation and analysis of our current understanding of the proteins and enzymes involved in each of the three processes, and includes a section devoted to special topics of relevance, such as the kinin system, glycosylation, signal peptides, and the serpin family.

This book systematically introduces the bionic nature of force sensing and control, the biomechanical principle on mechanism of force generation and control of skeletal muscle, and related applications in robotic exoskeleton. The book focuses on three main aspects: muscle force generation principle and biomechanical model, exoskeleton robot technology based on skeletal muscle biomechanical model, and SMA-based bionic skeletal muscle technology. This comprehensive and in-depth book presents the author's research experience and achievements of many years to readers in an effort to promote academic exchanges in this field. About the Author Yuehong Yin received his B.E. , M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, in 1990, 1995 and 1997, respectively, all in mechanical engineering. From December 1997 to December 1999, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow with Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China, where he became an Associate Professor in July 1999. Since December 1999, he has been with the Robotics Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China, where he became a Professor and a Tenure Professor in December 2005 and January 2016, respectively. His research interests include robotics, force control, exoskeleton robot, molecular motor, artificial limb, robotic assembly, reconfigurable assembly system, and augmented reality. Dr. Yin is a fellow of the International Academy of Production Engineering (CIRP).

Featuring practical strategies and exciting experiments, Teaching Innovations in Lipid Science addresses lipid education at a range of levels from the novice to the graduate student and teacher. Peer-reviewed contributions from internationally known specialists, describe several methods and approaches designed to create new lipid courses, modify existing courses, and serve as a basis for pursuing novel avenues of instruction. Divided into two sections, the first focuses on teaching strategies and outlines some of the barriers that lipid science specialists face when transmitting accurate information. It emphasizes the development and implementation of creative programs that foster interest in lipid science, and presents novel problem-solving approaches. It discusses strategies for involving and evaluating independent study students and explains the successful use of sample cards to teach oilseed and cereal processing. This section also provides generalized accounts of biotechnology and crop improvement and isoprenoid biochemistry, including improvement of oilseed crops and tips on explaining DNA science and crop biotechnology. The second section begins with simple demonstrations on the physical properties of lipids suitable for middle- and high school students. It follows with more complex experiments on analyzing lipids in food oils, plasma, and milk utilizing thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography, and high performance liquid chromatography. Contributions include information on convenient enzyme test kits with exercises that can translate to a lab course beginning with chromatographic methods for lipid analysis. The final chapter presents theory and experiments for studying lipid metabolism in the plastid by describing preparation methods, studying metabolite uptake, and pathway analysis.

With an ever-expanding array of biomaterials and implant devices appearing in the field, Spinal Reconstruction: Clinical Examples of Applied Basic Science, Biomechanics and Engineering helps surgeons assess and utilize the latest technologies to improve the reconstruction of the spine and enhance the reconstitution of diseased spinal segments. With illustrative descriptions of specific clinical scenarios, this guide helps surgeons select the best devices and materials for reconstructive procedures and considers issues in biocompatibility, biostability, and structure-function relationships for enhanced patient outcomes and mobility. With more than 350 figures and photographs, this book: Details current strategies in minimally invasive spine surgery as currently applied to the lumbar spine Covers the myriad of patient factors, orthobiologic grafting alternatives, and technique-driven mechanical options encountered in spinal care and reconstruction Identifies new surgical techniques for spinal fusion, vertebral compression fractures, and arthroplasty Discusses the basic mechanisms and clinical application of currently available operative treatments Supplies the most up-to-date information on the evaluation, diagnosis, and operative treatment of spinal pain, deformity, and disease

The advances made in vascular biology in the last 25 years have considerably changed the perception that one could have of the endothelial cells. Once considered as a diffusion barrier preventing the access of the blood cells to the vascular matrix, the endothelium is now recognized as playing a major role in the control of blood fluidity, platelet aggregation, and vascular tone, but also in immunology, inflammation, angiogenesis, and for serving as a metabolizing and an endocrine organ. -- from the preface Cardiovascular diseases, so prevalent in the Western world during the twentieth century, could well become the scourge of the twenty-first century in emerging countries as well as the West. Endothelial dysfunction linked to an imbalance in the synthesis and/or release of contracting and relaxing factors is often evoked to explain the initiation of the cardiovascular pathology or its development and perpetuation. Two decades ago, when nitric oxide was demonstrated to mediate endothelium-dependent relaxations, the vascular world seemed convinced that nitric oxide was the ultimate and sole explanation for such relaxations. However not everyone agreed. EDHF: The Complete Story is the work of two leading researchers who did not accept that simple conclusion, but instead continued to search, along with others, for a deeper understanding of the ways in which endothelial cells communicate with the underlying smooth muscle to signal it to hyperpolarize. Now with most, if not all, of those ways, uncovered, the authors offer this summary as way of bringing closure to the quest. This monograph reports on the work of many researchers. It summarizes the significant recent discoveries concerning endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizations, which are likely to play a much more important role in cardiovascular physiology and pathology than was originally foreseen Extensively illustrated with original diagrams and schematics that su

The Resistance Arteries is focused on the general issue of the regulatory pathways in resistance arteries and comprises a selection of timely overviews and up-to-date research studies presented at the 4th International Symposium on Resistance Arteries. These small vessels act as major controllers of blood pressure, blood flow, and its distribution, and are involved in a variety of pathological conditions. Vascular diameter is influenced by a host of factors, some extrinsic to the smooth musc1e cells and some intrinsic. One will find contributions in nearly all of the five themes by which the book is organized; these address intra-and extracellular interactions, and membrane receptor pathways using vascular beds as diverse as the brain, he art, lung, kidney, and skin. Basic physiological studies are inc1uded; these examine: growth fac tors, vasoactive endothelium-derived nitric oxide, the impacts of flow and stretch, myogenic mechanisms, calcium regulation by protein kinase C, and signal transduction pathways of the vascular smooth musc1e cell membrane receptors. Not only are tissues from appropriate animal models exploited in most of these reports, but many reflect the current increase in the use of human tissue to elucidate vascular alterations of function and morphology in hypertension, atherosclerosis, and ischemia. Noteworthy among the many techniques used are: membrane permeabilization with toxins, fura-2 for calcium determination, single cell electrophysiology, and the application of confocal microscopy to isolated, living vessels."

Proceedings of the November 1994 meeting. The 59 contributions cover glucose recognition, the role for K (ATP) channels, intracellular messengers, modulation of islet release, beta-cell metabolism and Ca2+, beta-cell heterogeneity: building a homogeneous response from a heterogeneous population, ISS

Research into the 3D Physiological Human is a very active field focusing on the creation of patient-specific computer models for personalised healthcare. Reporting on how these models can simulate and provide a better understanding of human physiology and pathology, this book also looks at how the evolution and the improvement of technological devices such as scanners, medical instruments, and computer power have helped in our understanding of the human body and its functionalities.

The book contains contributions from leading researchers from a variety of disciplines (including computer graphics, biomechanics, knowledge representation, human-machine interfaces etc) associated with medical imaging, simulation, computer-assisted surgery and 3D semantics.

Divided into three parts: anatomical and physiological modelling, physically-based simulation, and medical analysis and knowledge management, this book provides a clear picture of the most recent advances in this increasingly important area.

This first volume in a projected series contains the proceedings of the first of the Keio University International Symposia for Life Sciences and Medicine under the sponsorship of the Keio University Medical Science Fund. As stated in the address by the President of Keio University at the opening of the 1996 symposium, the fund of Dr. Mitsunada Sakaguchi. The Keio was established by the generous donation University International Symposia for Life Sciences and Medicine constitute one of the core activities of the fund. The objective is to contribute to the international community by developing human resources, promoting scientific knowledge, and encouraging mutual exchange. Every year, the Executive Committee of the Interna tional Symposia for Life Sciences and Medicine selects the most interesting topics for the symposium from applications received in response to a call for papers to the Keio medical community. The publication of these proceedings is intended to publicize and distribute information arising from the lively discussions of the most exciting and current issues during the symposium. Weare grateful to Dr. Mitsunada Sakaguchi, who made the symposium possible, the members of the program committee, and the office staff whose support guaran teed the success of the symposium. Finally, we thank Springer-Verlag, Tokyo, for their assistance in publishing this work. Akimichi Kaneko, M. D. , Ph. D.

The volumes in this authoritative series present a multidisciplinary approach to modeling and simulation of flows in the cardiovascular and ventilatory systems, especially multiscale modeling and coupled simulations. The cardiovascular and respiratory systems are tightly coupled, as their primary function is to supply oxygen to and remove carbon dioxide from the body's cells. Because physiological conduits have deformable and reactive walls, macroscopic flow behavior and prediction must be coupled to nano- and microscopic events in a corrector scheme of regulated mechanisms. Therefore, investigation of flows of blood and air in physiological conduits requires an understanding of the biology, chemistry, and physics of these systems together with the mathematical tools to describe their functioning.

The present volumeis devoted to cellular events that allow adaptation to environmental conditions, particularly mechanotransduction.It begins with cell organization and a survey of cell types in the vasculature and respiratory tract. It then addresses cell structure and functions, especially in interactions with adjoining cells and matrix."

Even before the time of organized scientific investigation, hu mans had begun pondering and attempting to explain the work ing of the brain and the mental and behavioral states it produces. In the last twenty years there has been an almost explosive in crease in brain research. Beginning perhaps with the pioneering efforts of Francis O. Schmitt to establish the Neuroscience Re search Program and the later development of the Society for Neuroscience, there has emerged a large and powerful multi disciplinary research force devoted to understanding even the ru dimentary aspects of brain functioning. Chemists, physicists, and engineers with their special expert ise in quantitative physical measurements have teamed up with the neurobiologists, who best know the texture and design of brains, to produce particularly effective new approaches. No where is this more evident than in the recently developed meth ods like positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging-techniques that allow one to observe on-going brain ac tivity in humans. This volume concerns a considerably more modest approach: the use of microelectrodes to electrochemically monitor certain aspects of chemical dynamics in functioning ani mal brain systems. The method provides signals that can be di rectly related to chemical neurotransmission. It is a relatively new technique, the first practical measurements having been made in the 1970s, and it is continuously undergoing refinement. The organizer of this book, Jay Justice, is eminently qualified for the task."

Clinical Biochemistry Lecture Notes presents the fundamental science behind common biochemical investigations used in clinical practice. Taking a system-based approach, it explores the underlying physiological rationale for tests, with each test explained within the context of disruption by disease. It also explores the value and limitations of biochemical investigations, while helping readers to quickly develop the knowledge and skills required to select the appropriate investigations for diagnosis and management, and to correctly interpret test results. Case studies throughout chapters place the information within a clinical context to further assist readers in the development of test-selection and interpretation skills. Key features include: * A comprehensive, yet concise overview of the science behind common biochemical investigations * Helps readers rapidly acquire a fully integrated, practical understanding of biochemical diagnostics * Full-colour flowcharts and algorithms detailing the rationale for tests, the biochemical processes involved, and test procedures, for quick comprehension and reference * More clinical cases demonstrating application to practice Now in its tenth edition, this classic introductory, reference, and revision text is indispensable to medical students, and all those who want to quickly acquire a practical understanding of the scientific principles underpinning biochemical tests and a working knowledge of test selection, test procedures, and the interpretation of results within a clinical context.

A rapid development in diverse areas of molecular biology and genetic engineering resulted in emergence of variety of tools. These tools are not only applicable to basic researches being carried out world over, but also exploited for precise detection of abnormal conditions in plants, animals and human body. Although a basic researcher is well versed with few techniques used by him/her in the laboratory, they may not be well acquainted with methodologies, which can be used to work out some of their own research problems. The picture is more blurred when the molecular diagnostic tools are to be used by physicians, scientists and technicians working in diagnostic laboratories in hospitals, industry and academic institutions. Since many of them are not trained in basics of these methods, they come across several gray areas in understanding of these tools. The accurate application of molecular diagnostic tools demands in depth understanding of the methodology for precise detection of the abnormal condition of living body. To meet the requirements of a good book on molecular diagnostics of students, physicians, scientists working in agricultural, veterinary, medical and pharmaceutical sciences, it needs to expose the reader lucidly to: Give basic science behind commonly used tools in diagnostics Expose the readers to detailed applications of these tools and Make them aware the availability of such diagnostic tools The book will attract additional audience of pathologists, medical microbiologists, pharmaceutical sciences, agricultural scientists and veterinary doctors if the following topics are incorporated at appropriate places in Unit II or separately as a part of Unit-III in the book. Molecular diagnosis of diseases in agricultural crops Molecular diagnosis of veterinary diseases. Molecular epidemiology, which helps to differentiate various epidemic strains and sources of disease outbreaks. Even in different units of the same hospital, the infections could be by different strains of the same species and the information becomes valuable for infection control strategies. Drug resistance is a growing problem for bacterial, fungal and parasitic microbes and the molecular biology tools can help to detect the drug resistance genes without the cultivation and in vitro sensitivity testing. Molecular diagnostics offers faster help in the selection of the proper antibiotic for the treatment of tuberculosis, which is a major problem of the in the developing world. The conventional culture and drug sensitivity testing of tuberculosis bacilli is laborious and time consuming, whereas molecular diagnosis offers rapid drug resistant gene detection even from direct clinical samples. The same approach for HIV, malaria and many more diseases needs to be considered. Molecular diagnostics in the detection of diseases during foetal life is an upcoming area in the foetal medicine in case of genetic abnormalities and infectious like TORCH complex etc. The book will be equally useful to students, scientists and professionals working in the field of molecular diagnostics.

In recent times, the ASEP (American Society of Exercise Physiologists) leaders have developed and implemented academic standards to promote professionalism in academic programs throughout the U.S. The effort represents a significant change in the scope and the monitoring of the exercise physiologists' accountability. Through these new standards, all academic exercise physiologists are challenged by ASEP to accept responsibility for promoting the professionalization and self-regulation that will lead to lead to improved client and patient care when prescribing exercise medicine. Accreditation helps to reduce unnecessary variation within and between academic programs. Moreover, given the collaborative improvement in academic programs and faculty responsibility to the undergraduate students, the quality of their educational care will be significantly improved. Academic exercise physiologists must take responsibility for where exercise physiology is today and take responsibility to the evolving state of exercise physiology and student market-driven career opportunities in exercise medicine. Advancing the Profession of Exercise Physiology provides understanding and guidance on the importance and the significance of academic leadership in promoting the profession of exercise physiology as a healthcare profession that is founded on professionalism, accreditation, ethical practice, and entrepreneurial skills. This new volume examines the ethical need for professionalism in exercise physiology, which is, in turn, imperative for future growth and sustainability.

In recent times, the ASEP (American Society of Exercise Physiologists) leaders have developed and implemented academic standards to promote professionalism in academic programs throughout the U.S. The effort represents a significant change in the scope and the monitoring of the exercise physiologists' accountability. Through these new standards, all academic exercise physiologists are challenged by ASEP to accept responsibility for promoting the professionalization and self-regulation that will lead to lead to improved client and patient care when prescribing exercise medicine. Accreditation helps to reduce unnecessary variation within and between academic programs. Moreover, given the collaborative improvement in academic programs and faculty responsibility to the undergraduate students, the quality of their educational care will be significantly improved. Academic exercise physiologists must take responsibility for where exercise physiology is today and take responsibility to the evolving state of exercise physiology and student market-driven career opportunities in exercise medicine. Advancing the Profession of Exercise Physiology provides understanding and guidance on the importance and the significance of academic leadership in promoting the profession of exercise physiology as a healthcare profession that is founded on professionalism, accreditation, ethical practice, and entrepreneurial skills. This new volume examines the ethical need for professionalism in exercise physiology, which is, in turn, imperative for future growth and sustainability.

Fatigue is a condition spanning the breadth of human functioning in health and disease and is a central concern in sport and exercise. Even so we are yet to fully understand its causes. One reason for this lack of understanding is that we seldom consider fatigue from an evolutionary perspective - as an adaptation that provided reproductive success. This ground-breaking book outlines the evidence that fatigue is a result of adaptations distinctive to humans. It argues that humans developed adaptations which led to enhanced fatigue resistance compared with other mammals and discusses the implications in the context of exercise, health and performance. Highly illustrated throughout, it covers topics such as defining and measuring fatigue, the emotional aspect of fatigue, how thermoregulation affects the human capacity to resist fatigue, and fatigue in disease. Human Fatigue is essential reading for all exercise scientists as well as graduate and undergraduate students in the broad field of physiology and exercise physiology.

The Physiology of the Joints, conceived and written more than forty years ago by Dr. A. I. Kapandji, deals with biomechanics, a subject until then mentioned only incidentally in textbooks of anatomy. Following his lead, every anatomy textbook nowadays has a large component devoted to the functional aspect of the locomotor system, which has become an essential scientific subject. The seventh edition of this volume deals with the lower limb and has been expanded with the inclusion of new diagrams and text dealing in particular with: Elasticity of the Achilles' tendon Barycentre of the pregnant woman Stance phase Swinging of the upper limbs Different types of gait, ordinary and military Jumping This book is intended for medical and physical therapy students; and for practising physicians and surgeons wishing to increase their knowledge of the functional anatomy of the locomotor system.

What's with the men in menstruation? This is the question Men in Menstruation: A Social Transaction sets out to answer. From earliest times men have been puzzled and perplexed by the menstrual cycle and have constructed elaborate taboos, superstitions, and practices attempting to explain why women have a periodical emission of a fluid that resembles blood but is not the result of an injury or affliction. In other words, men want to know why it is possible to bleed and not die. In order to understand what goes on between men and women in the presence of menstruation, this book examines a variety of encounters, referred to as "menstrual transactions." From the three women in the Bible who are identified as menstruating to contemporary films, advertising, TV programs and literature, the book explores a wide range of transactions, even including Prince Charles's close encounter of a menstrual kind. The book will appeal to anyone interested in gaining insights into the mystery of menstruation as well as students of gender and women's studies or media theory and history.

What's with the men in menstruation? This is the question Men in Menstruation: A Social Transaction sets out to answer. From earliest times men have been puzzled and perplexed by the menstrual cycle and have constructed elaborate taboos, superstitions, and practices attempting to explain why women have a periodical emission of a fluid that resembles blood but is not the result of an injury or affliction. In other words, men want to know why it is possible to bleed and not die. In order to understand what goes on between men and women in the presence of menstruation, this book examines a variety of encounters, referred to as "menstrual transactions." From the three women in the Bible who are identified as menstruating to contemporary films, advertising, TV programs and literature, the book explores a wide range of transactions, even including Prince Charles's close encounter of a menstrual kind. The book will appeal to anyone interested in gaining insights into the mystery of menstruation as well as students of gender and women's studies or media theory and history.

Vascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis, are the most frequent and critical underlying fatal disorders in the industrialized world. Cardiovascular deaths are the leading cause of death in the Western world. Although cancer or malignant neoplasms recently have topped the list of causes of deaths in Japan, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases bring about more deaths than cancer if they are reclassified into a unified category of diseases of the vascular system. The National Cardiovascular Center was established by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Japan to combat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Since the Center was opened, we have continued to support basic and clinical sturlies of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases within as weil as outside the Center. Clinical studies that we have supported in modern diagnostic and therapeutic measures against cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases have made remarkable advances in recent years, especially in medical imaging technology including CT and MRI, and in interventional measures including balloon angioplasty and other catheter-based treatments. We are proud of the significant improvement in the overall survival rate and the quality of life of patients suffering from vascular disorders. However, there are still many essential difficulties remaining in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disorders. Such difficulties necessitate further fundamental studies not only from the practical aspect but also from the integrated perspectives of medicine, biology, and engineering.

Heart Cell Coupling and Impulse Propagation in Health and Disease includes an up-to-date review on how heart cells communicate and impulse propagation under normal as well as under pathological conditions. The complexity of intercellular coupling and impulse propagation is discussed, providing the reader with a broad view of the importance of these processes and how they contribute to the generation of cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure. The different aspects and intricacies of heart cell communication is discussed by different authors, each one an expert in their own field.
The present publication will be of interest to cardiologists, electrophysiologists, heart physiologists, cardiac pharmacologists, biophysicists, and cell or molecular biologists.