A mathematical model relating carotid sinus pressure (CSP) to systemic arterial pressure (SAP) explains the relationship between CSP and SAP with an accuracy of 96 %. The 4 parameters of the model are all physiologically meaningful. They include: the total range of control of SAP (identified as A(l), in mm Hg); the sensitivity of the reflex response (identified as A(2), in mm Hg^-1); the carotid sinus pressure from which equal pressor and depressor responses may be elicited (identified as A(3), in mm Hg), and the lower limit to which SAP may be driven by maximal carotid sinus stimulation (identified as A(4), in mm Hg). Several other physiologically meaningful parameters can be calculated from the model, e.g. threshold, saturation, and set point for carotid sinus pressures. Experimental interventions are shown to effect changes in parameters, and these changes can be used to analyze alterations in the reflex response. For example, from the elevated gain, A(2), of the reflex response after vagotomy it can be deduced that the aortic baroreceptors have a damping effect on the carotid sinus reflex response.

No abstract

This study explored relationships between perceived life satisfaction and physical activity behaviors in a statewide sample of adolescents in South Carolina (n = 4,758) using the CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) and the Brief Multidimensional Student Life Satisfaction Scale (BMSLSS). Adjusted logistic regression analyses and multivariate models constructed separately revealed significant race by gender results. Not exercising for 20 minutes over the past 7 days (sweating and hard breathing), not performing stretching exercising (past 7 days), not exercising to strengthen or tone muscles (past 7 days), spending < 20 minutes actually exercising or playing sports in PE class, not playing on sport teams run by school, and not playing on sport teams run by outside school organizations were associated (p = .05) with reduced life satisfaction for specific race/gender groups. Results suggest implications for school and community-based physical activity programs. Future research should consider measures of life satisfaction as a component of comprehensive assessments of adolescent physical activity behaviors in fieldwork, research, and program evaluation.

To explore risk factors and behaviors associated with aggressive and violent behaviors among adolescents. Methods: A comprehensive review of research literature from various disciplines associated with improving the health and well-being of adolescents. Results: Risk factors and behaviors associated with adolescent aggression and violence are discussed via 6 major factor categories: individual, family, school/