W. KUPPER Coronary artery vasoconstriction is not only the mechanism responsible for Prinzmetal's variant angina, but may also be involved in stable angina pectoris and myocardial infarction. However, the underlying patho-physiological mecha nisms and the importance of coronary vasoconstriction in these syndromes is still largely unknown. Several hypotheses have been proposed. Sympathetic nervous activity plays a key role in the regulation of coronary blood flow, but mechanical or humoral constrictive factors may be active as well. a-adrenergic tone Adrenergic nerve fibers accompany coronary...

To accomplish these objectives, the book is Body surface electrocardiographic mapping is not a new technique. It is one initially de- divided into five sections. In Part I, the deve- veloped many decades ago, but it has only lopment of electrocardiographic leads as well as recently matured into a powerful tool for surface mapping is viewed from an historical studying the cardiac electrical field. This book perspective. This is followed in Part II by a is intended to review, both critically and in review of the fundamental physiologic and detail, the applications of this unique method...

In 1989 the European Parliament called for the elaboration of a European Civil Code and although the European Commission has not yet shown much enthusiasm for this idea, many legal scholars consider it to be a great challenge.

For a period of some fifteen years following completion of my internship training in clinical psychology (1950-1951) at the Washington University School of Medicine and my concurrent successful navigation through that school's neuroanatomy course, clinical work in neuropsychology for me and the psychologists of my generation consisted almost exclusively of trying to help our physician colleagues differentiate patients with neurologic from those with psychiatric disorders. In time, experience led all of us from the several disciplines involved in this enterprise to the conclusion that the...

This volume aims at bringing together the results of extensive research done during the last fifteen years on the interfacial photoelectronic properties of the inorganic layered semiconducting materials, mainly in relation to solar energy conversion. Significant contributions have been made both on the fundamental aspects of interface characteristics and on the suitability of the layered materials in photoelectrochemical (semiconductor/electrolyte junctions) and in solid state photovoltaic(Schottky and p-n junctions) cells. New insights into the physical and chemical characteristics of the...

In May 1990, the First International Symposium on Congenital Heart Disease in Adolescents and Adults was organized in Rotterdam. During these three days' Symposium an overview of the many new problems facing the adult and pediatric cardiologist as well as the cardiac surgeon in this rapidly increasing subgroup of the adolescent and adult cardiac population was given. Chal- lenges, controversies, uncertainties and questions were presented and discussed with great enthusiasm. We are greatful that most speakers who participated in this symposium, were willing to write a chapter on their...

Interstitial Fibrosis in Heart Failure, edited by Francisco J. Villarreal, M.D., Ph.D., provides a timely and integrative review of the basics of cardiac extracellular matrix structure. Topics covered include how cardiac remodeling influences its disposition, abundance and function; possible non-invasive techniques for diagnosis; and potential drug-based or molecular therapeutic strategies that may interrupt or even reverse the course of the development of cardiac fibrosis.

This resource for both clinicians and scientists aims to cover state-of-the-art findings...

Since its birth with the creation of the international Red Cross in 1863, international humanitarian assistance has developed considerably since World War II. In accordance with the Red Cross principle of humanity, it aims at preventing and alleviating human suffering wherever it may be found, protecting life and health and ensuring respect for the human being. International humanitarian assistance involves a complex network of government agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, and individual volunteers: it has been labelled a non-system'. While governments and...

For over a quarter of a century, echocardiography has made an unparalleled contribution to clinical cardiology as a major tool for real-time imaging of cardiac dynamics. Echocardiography is widely used to assess cardiac function, and provides noninvasive information which is invaluable for the diagnosis of various disease states. In spite of its numerous advantages, in the clinical arena echocardiography has remained mostly qualitative and subjective. However, continued progress in our understanding of the interactions between ultrasound and tissue characteristics have brought about several...

In the era of instant global communication, medicine is an international discipline characterized by a wide range of patient referral systems, world-wide discussion of clinical and research findings, and an explosion in the medical literature. Perhaps no field has progressed more than cardiology in the past few years.
Contemporary Concepts in Cardiology has been conceived as a supplement to the classic cardiology textbooks for the use of practicing physicians, cardiologists-in-training, medical students, and research investigators. This volume focuses on associations between...