Automatic quantitation of multiple sclerosis lesions on MR images

A two-pronged approach for the automatic quantitation of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions on magnetic resonance (MR) images has been developed. This method includes the design and use of a pulse sequence for improved lesion-to-tissue contrast (LTC) and seeks to identify and minimize the sources of false lesion classifications in segmented images. The new pulse sequence, referred to as AFFIRMATIVE (Attenuation of Fluid by Fast Inversion Recovery with MAgnetization Transfer Imaging with Variable Echoes), improves the LTC, relative to spin-echo images, by combining Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) and Magnetization Transfer Contrast (MTC). In addition to acquiring fast FLAIR/MTC images, the AFFIRMATIVE sequence simultaneously acquires fast spin-echo (FSE) images for spatial registration of images, which is necessary for accurate lesion quantitation. Flow has been found to be a primary source of false lesion classifications. Therefore, an imaging protocol and reconstruction methods are developed to generate "flow images" which depict both coherent (vascular) and incoherent (CSF) flow. An automatic technique is designed for the removal of extra-meningeal tissues, since these are known to be sources of false lesion classifications. A retrospective, three-dimensional (3D) registration algorithm is implemented to correct for patient movement which may have occurred between AFFIRMATIVE and flow imaging scans. Following application of these pre-processing steps, images are segmented into white matter, gray matter, cerebrospinal fluid, and MS lesions based on AFFIRMATIVE and flow images using an automatic algorithm. All algorithms are seamlessly integrated into a single MR image analysis software package. Lesion quantitation has been performed on images from 15 patient volunteers. The total processing time is less than two hours per patient on a SPARCstation 20. The automated nature of this approach should provide an objective means of monitoring the progression, stabilization, and/or regression of MS lesions in large-scale, multi-center clinical trials. ^

Barry Saltzman and the Theory of Climate

Barry Saltzman was a giant in the fields of meteorology and climate science. A leading figure in the study of weather and climate for over 40 yr, he has frequently been referred to as the "father of modern climate theory." Ahead of his time in many ways, Saltzman made significant contributions to our understanding of the general circulation and spectral energetics budget of the atmosphere, as well as climate change across a wide spectrum of time scales. In his endeavor to develop a unified theory of how the climate system works, lie played a role in the development of energy balance models, statistical dynamical models, and paleoclimate dynamical models. He was a pioneer in developing meteorologically motivated dynamical systems, including the progenitor of Lorenz's famous chaos model. In applying his own dynamical-systems approach to long-term climate change, he recognized the potential for using atmospheric general circulation models in a complimentary way. In 1998, he was awarded the Carl-Gustaf Rossby medal, the highest honor of the American Meteorological Society "for his life-long contributions to the study of the global circulation and the evolution of the earth's climate." In this paper, the authors summarize and place into perspective some of the most significant contributions that Barry Saltzman made during his long and distinguished career. This short review also serves as an introduction to the papers in this special issue of the Journal of Climate dedicated to Barry's memory.

Frolockender Glücks-Wunsch und freudiges Jubel-Geschrey bey dem wohlverwahrten Auszuge des fameusen Juden und Ertz-Land-Betriegers Joseph Süß Oppenheimer von Stuttgard nach Hohen-Neuffen und Asperg, und von daher den 4ten Febr. 1738 zum Galgen und denen Teuffeln, in einem kurzgefaßten Carmine, worinnen dessen vornehmste Verbrechen und Schindereyen angemercket

entworffen von den hart beträngt gewesenen Würtenbergischen Unterthanen

Kurtze und deutliche Lebens-Beschreibung der eingefleischten Teufels-Bruth Juden Joseph Süß Oppenheimers, worinnen dessen Geburth, Erziehung, fast unglaubliches Glück und wohl verdienter Fall auf das deutlichste beschrieben wird

von Veramando

Histoire et la réligion des Juifs depuis Jésus-Christ jusqu'à présent ... : pour servir de suplément & de continuation à l'Histoire de Joseph

par Basnage

Jüdischer Tauf-Betrug : aufgedeckt mit 7 Cautelen, u. einem christl. Vorschlag, wie zu mehrer Vermeidung d. Mißbrauchs dieses Heil. Sacraments u. d. Unkosten, ein zur Taufe sich angebender Jude aufzunehmen ; bey Gelegenheit eines gebohrnen Judens, Isaac Joseph Leib, von Salzköten, bey Federborn ...

entworffen u. dem Druck übergeben von Johann Helwig Engerer