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Examines how computer technology and the World Wide Web can help enable and motivate students to read in a foreign language. Topics covered include: technology in foreign-language learning; theoretical and pedagogical considerations related to online and computer-based readers; and two examples of electronic readers for low-intermediate-Spanish students. (MES)

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a powerful arteriogenic factor in the hypoperfused rat brain. To test the pathophysiological relevance of this response, the influence of GM-CSF on brain energy state was investigated in a model of hemodynamic stroke. Sprague-Dawley rats were submitted to three-vessel (bilateral vertebral and unilateral common carotid artery) occlusion (3-VO) to induce unilaterally accentuated brain hypoperfusion. One week later, hemodynamic stroke was induced by additional lowering of arterial blood pressure. Experiments were terminated by in situ freezing of the brain. ATP was measured in cryostat sections by using a bioluminescence method. The use of 3-VO, in combination with 15 min of hypotension of 50, 40, or 30 mmHg, did not produce disturbances of energy metabolism, however, focal areas of ATP depletion were unilaterally detected after 3-VO, in combination with 15 min of hypotension of 20 mmHg. Treating such animals with GM-CSF (40 [micro]g*[kg.sup.-1]*[d.sup.-1]) during the 1-week interval between 3-VO and induced hypotension significantly reduced the hemispheric volume of energy depletion from 48.8 [+ or -] 44.2% (untreated group, n = 10) to 15.8 [+ or -] 17.4% (treated group, n = 8, P = 0.033). GM-CSF-induced arteriogenesis is another approach to protect the brain against ischemic injury. collateral circulation | cerebrovascular circulation | prevention of stroke | brain vessels | rat

Carbon monoxide (CO) can occur in numerous situations and ambient conditions, such as fire smoke, indoor fireplaces, silos containing large quantities of wood pellets, engine exhaust fumes, and when using hookahs.Symptoms of CO poisoning are nonspecific and can range from dizziness, headache, and angina pectoris to unconsciousness and death.This guideline presents the current state of knowledge and national recommendations on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with CO poisoning.The diagnosis of CO poisoning is based on clinical symptoms and proven or probable exposure to CO. Negative carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels should not rule out CO poisoning if the history and symptoms are consistent with this phenomenon. Reduced oxygen-carrying capacity, impairment of the cellular respiratory chain, and immunomodulatory processes may result in myocardial and central nervous tissue damage even after a reduction in COHb.If CO poisoning is suspected, 100% oxygen breathing should be immediately initiated in the prehospital setting.Clinical symptoms do not correlate with COHb elimination from the blood; therefore, COHb monitoring alone is unsuitable for treatment management. Especially in the absence of improvement despite treatment, a reevaluation for other possible differential diagnoses ought to be performed.Evidence regarding the benefit of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is scant and the subject of controversy due to the heterogeneity of studies.If required, HBOT should be initiated within 6 h.All patients with CO poisoning should be informed about the risk of delayed neurological sequelae (DNS).