Feedback on ability in counseling, self-efficacy, and persistence on task

Self-efficacy in counseling varied with randomly manipulated feedback on ability, such that the 29 college students who received negative feedback on their ability reported lower self-efficacy than those 16 who received positive feedback. Persistence on task, however, was not related to the type of feedback received.

The continuum of pulmonary developmental anomalies

The classic features of six common pulmonary developmental anomalies have been presented. In addition, several overlap cases, each demonstrating features of more than one anomaly, have been illustrated. Such cases serve to emphasize that pulmonary developmental anomalies exist as a continuum, often frustrating our attempts at discrete classification. Future advances in pulmonary embryology may further elucidate the pathogenesis of these entities.

Pathways of tumor spread through the lung: radiologic correlations with anatomy and pathology

The pathways of tumor spread through the lung are described and their significance for radiographic interpretation is illustrated. A key to understanding the spread of bronchogenic carcinoma is the realization that although the normal flow of lymph in the pulmonary lymphatics is centripetal, lymphatic obstruction can cause reversal of flow. As a result, tumor cells are commonly carried centrifugally to the periphery in lymphatics or the connective tissue around them, and remote pleural involvement, secondary parenchymal masses, or satellite nodules may develop. Failure to appreciate peripheral spread of tumor has negative consequences for tumor staging, surgery, and radiotherapy. In the absence of hilar node involvement causing obstruction, long line shadows more than 0.5 inch (1.25 cm) in length proximal to a peripheral mass very infrequently represent tumor.

Radiographic anatomy of the interlobar fissures: a study of 100 specimens

A review of the anatomy of the interlobar fissures is based on a detailed study of 100 fixed and inflated lung specimens (50 right and 50 left lungs). The upper part of the fissural surface of the right lower lobe almost always faces in a slightly lateral direction and is usually concave; the lower part typically faces laterally but is usually convex. The upper part of the left major fissure also almost always faces laterally and is concave; but unlike the right side, the lower part usually faces medially and is convex. The minor fissure is typically oriented so that the anterior part is lower than the posterior part and the lateral margin is lower than the medial margin. Incompleteness of the fissures (fusion between lobes) is common; this study revealed a 70% incidence of fusion across the upper right major fissure, 47% across the lower right major fissure, 40% across the upper left major fissure, 46% across the lower left major fissure, and 94% across the minor fissure. The fissural complex is a term used to describe the variable anatomic relation of the major and minor fissures. Some comments are offered concerning fissural anatomy relative to collateral air drift, the visualization and position of interlobar fissures on chest radiographs, and the appearance of inferior interlobar fluid on the lateral radiograph.

350 kVp chest radiography: review and comparison with 120 kVp

High kilovoltage radiography had its beginning with super-voltage technique and is presently accomplished with the 350 KV chest x-ray system. The physical reasons to explain the improved visibility with this technique are: (1) absorption coefficients of bone and soft tissue, (2) more uniform bone visibility, (3) x-ray spectrum, (4) visual responses, and (5) depth resolution. In this study, 350 kV and 120 kV chest x-ray techniques were compared by evaluating 15 parameters. Based on our data and the results of previous large clinical studies, a list of disadvantages and advantages is offered. The entrance dose for an average 350 kV posteroanterior chest radiograph is 8 mR, or about one-third that with 90 kV technique.

Air in the esophagus: a frequent radiographic finding

While the radiologic literature discusses the presence of air in the esophagus on chest radiographs, this has almost always been reported as a finding associated with other radiologic abnormalities. In a retrospective study, esophageal air was noted on 36% of normal posteroanterior chest radiographs. The radiologic anatomy of the esophagus and the typical locations of air within it are discussed.

Visualization of differences in soft-tissue densities. The liver in ascites

The lateral liver border was demonstrated on the plain radiograph in 54 of 100 proved cases of ascites. The etiology of ascites, the density of the fluid, and the total protein content were similar whether the border was visualized or not. Tomography of the right upper quadrant indicated that the lateral liver margin is visualized in ascites as a result of contact between the liver and the surrounding fluid. Radiography of autopsied livers submerged in fluid demonstrated distinguishable differences in object density, and photodensitometry of the plain radiographs revealed a difference in blackness where the fluid and liver made contact. Comparison of mean liver density and mean ascitic fluid density showed a difference of 5%. These findings indicate that differences in soft-tissue densities (excluding fat) can be distinguished on the plain radiograph.

Mach bands and density perception

Perception of a roentgen image is greatly influenced by the production of Mach bands by the retinal neural networks. The mechanism of their production and contributing factors such as lateral inhibition, projection, contour, film density, object density, and background are discussed. Although Mach bands often facilitate perception of roentgen density, misinterpretation of their significance may lead to errors in diagnosis.

The radiology of the superior intercostal veins

The superior intercostal veins define the pleural reflections of the caudad extent of the posterior junction line. They are paired structures which drain the first three intercostal spaces and join the azygous on the right and the accessory hemiazygous on the left. Because of their location posterior and lateral to the esophagus and trachea, their pleural reflections may be altered early in the course of a focal nodal disease of the posterior mediastinum.

A new concept of ascitic fluid distribution

Of 26 patients with ascites examined by B-mode ultrasonography, 14 had scans appropriate for evaluating the presence of fluid within the abdominal cavity. These studies demonstrate localization of fluid anteriorly around the tip of the liver and emphasize the importance of such factors as density relationships and the "pliability" of the anterior abdominal wall in the distribution of ascitic fluid. A reveiw of the literature is presented.

Who presses the elevator button after someone else: dominance/deference, sex, and authority figure determinants

The present study analyzed personality and situational determinants of elevator button-pressing following a press by another person. 88 undergraduates participated to test the hypotheses: (a) males are more likely than females to engage in redundant button-pressing, (b) persons who score high on the Dominance subscale of the EPPS are more likely to engage in redundant pressing than persons who score high on the Deference subscale, and (c) the presence of an authority figure (Security Policeman) decreases the likelihood of redundant pressing more than the presence of a male peer. All three hypotheses were confirmed. The results were discussed in terms of socialization of sex roles, the effect of personality traits on behavior, and the respect commanded by an authoritative figure.

Radiological evaluation of the aortic-pulmonic window

Knowledge of the roentgen anatomy of the aortic-pulmonic window will minimize confusion of pathologic and normal radiographic appearances. When deep intrusion of lung into the window is seen or when the window is outlined by far within it, gross enlargement of ductus nodes or masses in this area can be excluded with a reasonable degree of certainty. If masses or lymph nodes are present in the window, the mediastinal pleura "closing" on its lateral side will show on abnormal configuration with convexity directed laterally. Medial extension of masses or enlarged lymph nodes may cause impression on the left lateral wall of the esophagus and may compromise the left recurrent laryngeal nerve.