Contrast sensitivity in dyslexia

1995 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 153-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Gross-Glenn ◽  
Bernt C. Skottun ◽  
William Glenn ◽  
Alex Kushch ◽  
Robert Lingua ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
Contrast Sensitivity ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Temporal Summation ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
High Spatial Frequency ◽  
Forward Masking ◽  
Baseline Condition ◽  
Transient System ◽  
Deficit Theory

AbstractContrast sensitivity was determined for dyslexic and normal readers. When testing with temporally ramped (i.e. stimuli with gradual temporal onsets and offsets) gratings of 0.6, 4.0, and 12.0 cycles/deg, we found no difference in contrast sensitivity between dyslexic readers and controls. Using 12.0 cycles/deg gratings with transient (i.e. abrupt) onsets and offsets, we found that dyslexic individuals had, compared to controls, markedly inferior contrast sensitivity at the shortest stimulus durations (i.e. 17, 34, and 102 ms). This deficit may reflect more sluggish temporal summation. There was no difference in sensitivity to 0.6 cycles/deg gratings with transient onsets and offsets. Under these conditions, the two groups showed a consistent and equal increase in sensitivity relative to the ramped baseline condition at 0.6 cycles/deg at the longer stimulus durations. This demonstrates that dyslexic readers have no deficit in their ability to detect stimulus transients, a finding which appears to be inconsistent with a transient system deficit. That detection of the low-frequency stimuli was mediated by the transient system is further indicated by the fact that these stimuli were more susceptible to forward masking than were the high-frequency stimuli. The effects of masking of both high and low spatial-frequency stimuli were about equal for dyslexic readers and controls. This is not in agreement with the transient system deficit theory, according to which one would expect there to be less masking of high spatial-frequency stimuli in the case of dyslexic readers.

Spatial Scale Interactions and Visual-Tracking Performance

Perception ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 1047-1058 ◽  
Author(s):  
Howard C Hughes ◽  
David M Aronchick ◽  
Michael D Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
High Spatial Frequency ◽  
Performance Measure ◽  
High Frequency Component ◽  
Stimulus Velocity ◽  
Spatial Frequencies ◽  
Wide Range

It has previously been observed that low spatial frequencies (≤ 1.0 cycles deg−1) tend to dominate high spatial frequencies (≥ 5.0 cycles deg−1) in several types of visual-information-processing tasks. This earlier work employed reaction times as the primary performance measure and the present experiments address the possibility of low-frequency dominance by evaluating visually guided performance of a completely different response system: the control of slow-pursuit eye movements. Slow-pursuit gains (eye velocity/stimulus velocity) were obtained while observers attempted to track the motion of a sine-wave grating. The drifting gratings were presented on three types of background: a uniform background, a background consisting of a stationary grating, or a flickering background. Low-frequency dominance was evident over a wide range of velocities, in that a stationary high-frequency component produced little disruption in the pursuit of a drifting low spatial frequency, but a stationary low frequency interfered substantially with the tracking of a moving high spatial frequency. Pursuit was unaffected by temporal modulation of the background, suggesting that these effects are due to the spatial characteristics of the stationary grating. Similar asymmetries were observed with respect to the stability of fixation: active fixation was less stable in the presence of a drifting low frequency than in the presence of a drifting high frequency.

scholarly journals Spatial Frequency Tuning and Transfer of Perceptual Learning for Motion Coherence Reflects the Tuning Properties of Global Motion Processing

Vision ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordi Asher ◽  
Vincenzo Romei ◽  
Paul Hibbard
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
Perceptual Learning ◽  
Contrast Sensitivity ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Frequency Tuning ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Motion Processing ◽  
Global Motion ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Motion Coherence

Perceptual learning is typically highly specific to the stimuli and task used during training. However, recently, it has been shown that training on global motion can transfer to untrained tasks, reflecting the generalising properties of mechanisms at this level of processing. We investigated (i) if feedback was required for learning in a motion coherence task, (ii) the transfer across the spatial frequency of training on a global motion coherence task and (iii) the transfer of this training to a measure of contrast sensitivity. For our first experiment, two groups, with and without feedback, trained for ten days on a broadband motion coherence task. Results indicated that feedback was a requirement for robust learning. For the second experiment, training consisted of five days of direction discrimination using one of three motion coherence stimuli (where individual elements were comprised of either broadband Gaussian blobs or low- or high-frequency random-dot Gabor patches), with trial-by-trial auditory feedback. A pre- and post-training assessment was conducted for each of the three types of global motion coherence conditions and high and low spatial frequency contrast sensitivity (both without feedback). Our training paradigm was successful at eliciting improvement in the trained tasks over the five days. Post-training assessments found evidence of transfer for the motion coherence task exclusively for the group trained on low spatial frequency elements. For the contrast sensitivity tasks, improved performance was observed for low- and high-frequency stimuli, following motion coherence training with broadband stimuli, and for low-frequency stimuli, following low-frequency training. Our findings are consistent with perceptual learning, which depends on the global stage of motion processing in higher cortical areas, which is broadly tuned for spatial frequency, with a preference for low frequencies.

Effect of repetitive visual stimuli on behaviour and plasma corticosterone of European starlings

2005 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Temporal Frequency ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
High Spatial Frequency ◽  
Plasma Corticosterone ◽  
European Starlings ◽  
Fluorescent Lamps ◽  
Spatial Frequencies ◽  
Temporal And Spatial

AbstractFlickering light can cause adverse effects in some humans, as can rhythmic spatial patterns of particular frequencies. We investigated whether birds react to the temporal frequency of standard 100 Hz fluorescent lamps and the spatial frequency of the visual surround in the manner predicted by the human literature, by examining their effects on the preferences, behaviour and plasma corticosterone of European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). We predicted that high frequency lighting (> 30 kHz) and a relatively low spatial frequency on the walls of their cages (0.1 cycle cm−1) would be less aversive than low frequency lighting (100 Hz) and a relatively high spatial frequency (2.5 cycle cm−1). Birds had strong preferences for both temporal and spatial frequencies. These preferences did not always fit with predictions, although there was evidence that 100 Hz was more stressful than 30 kHz lighting, as birds were less active and basal corticosterone levels were higher under 100 Hz lighting. Our chosen spatial frequencies had no overall significant effect on corticosterone levels. Although there are clearly effects of, and interactions between, the frequency of the light and the visual surround on the behaviour and physiology of birds, the pattern of results is not straightforward.

Modelling of Polishing Tools for High Spatial Frequency Defect Correction on Aspherical Surfaces

2013 ◽  
Vol 554-557 ◽  
pp. 1232-1241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antoine Goupil ◽  
Ivan Iordanoff ◽  
Jean Luc Charles ◽  
André Rinchet
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Excitation Frequency ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
High Spatial Frequency ◽  
Initial Pressure ◽  
Fused Silica ◽  
Pressure Differential ◽  
Machining Parameters

Nowadays, precision Computer Controlled Optical Surfacing (CCOS) and processes like Ion Beam Finishing (IBF) or Magneto-Rheological Finishing (MRF) allow manufacturing of fused silica optics with nanometer precision. However, High spatial frequency defects remain on the optics and need to be previously smoothed. Full aperture semi-flexible polishing tools can be used, as they can guarantee uniform pressure on low frequency patterns to preserve the pre-formed aspherical shape while maintaining a high pressure differential on high frequency defects, thus smoothing them. That behavior can be obtained with tools that combine a continuous flexible layer for low frequency compliance and a fractionate viscoelastic polishing layer for high frequency defect polishing. The main goals of this study are predicting smoothing efficiency and form control of different tools, and then determining the best tool to achieve a good balance between them. To do this, a multiscale model is developed. First, at the whole tool scale, for a given aspherical shape, the largest misfit between tools and surfaces is mathematically determined, depending on machining parameters. Then a finite-element parametric study is performed and yields for the flexible layer the best mechanical properties and thickness as well as the optimal applied force to achieve pressure homogeneity at the global aspherical shape level. Second, at the viscoelastic polishing layer level, the Discrete Element Method (DEM) is used to investigate the tool – workpiece interface. A model based on the viscoelastic cohesive beam method is developed, thus allowing taking into account the polishing layer’s dynamic response depending on the excitation frequency. The optical surface is also modeled by interpenetrated discrete elements, paving the way for a full-DEM model of the polishing layer – workpiece interface. Smoothing simulations are separated in two steps : the first one is the initial pressure application, leading to an initial state of full tool – surface contact with an homogeneous pressure. Then the tool is moved over the surface and the dynamic pressure is calculated depending on defect and polishing layer properties as well as tool kinematics. By analyzing the pressure differential on defects it becomes possible to calculate the smoothing efficiency of a given polishing layer and therefore optimize its properties depending on the defects that need to be smoothed.

scholarly journals MONOSYNAPTIC REFLEX RESPONSE OF INDIVIDUAL MOTONEURONS AS A FUNCTION OF FREQUENCY

1957 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 435-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
David P. C. Lloyd
Keyword(s):  
High Frequency ◽  
Temporal Summation ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Stimulation Frequency ◽  
Monosynaptic Reflex ◽  
Reflex Response ◽  
High Frequency Stimulation ◽  
Low Frequency Stimulation ◽  
Frequency Stimulation ◽  
Frequency Of Stimulation

An assemblage of individual motoneurons constituting a synthetic motoneuron pool has been studied from the standpoint of relating monosynaptic reflex responses to frequency of afferent stimulation. Intensity of low frequency depression is not a simple function of transmitter potentiality. As frequency of stimulation increases from 3 per minute to 10 per second, low frequency depression increases in magnitude. Between 10 and approximately 60 per second low frequency depression apparently diminishes and subnormality becomes a factor in causing depression. At frequencies above 60 per second temporal summation occurs, but subnormality limits the degree of response attainable by summation. At low stimulation frequencies rhythm is determined by stimulation frequency. Interruptions of rhythmic firing depend solely upon temporal fluctuation of excitability. At high frequency of stimulation rhythm is determined by subnormality rather than inherent rhythmicity, and excitability fluctuation leads to instability of response rhythm. In short, whatever the stimulation frequency, random excitability fluctuation is the factor disrupting rhythmic response. Monosynaptic reflex response latency is stable during high frequency stimulation as it is in low frequency stimulation provided a significant extrinsic source of random bombardment is not present. In the presence of powerful random bombardment discharge may become random with respect to monosynaptic afferent excitation provided the latter is feeble. When this occurs it does so equally at low frequency and high frequency. Thus temporal summation is not a necessary factor. There is, then, no remaining evidence to suggest that the agency for temporal summation in the monosynaptic system becomes a transmitting agency in its own right.

scholarly journals Neuronal basis of perceptual learning in striate cortex

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhen Ren ◽  
Jiawei Zhou ◽  
Zhimo Yao ◽  
Zhengchun Wang ◽  
Nini Yuan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
Perceptual Learning ◽  
Contrast Sensitivity ◽  
Striate Cortex ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
High Spatial Frequency ◽  
Sensitivity Training ◽  
Spatial Frequencies ◽  
Cortex Area ◽  
Adult Cats

Abstract It is well known that, in humans, contrast sensitivity training at high spatial frequency (SF) not only leads to contrast sensitivity improvement, but also results in an improvement in visual acuity as assessed with gratings (direct effect) or letters (transfer effect). However, the underlying neural mechanisms of this high spatial frequency training improvement remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we examined four properties of neurons in primary visual cortex (area 17) of adult cats that exhibited significantly improved acuity after contrast sensitivity training with a high spatial frequency grating and those of untrained control cats. We found no difference in neuronal contrast sensitivity or tuning width (Width) between the trained and untrained cats. However, the trained cats showed a displacement of the cells’ optimal spatial frequency (OSF) to higher spatial frequencies as well as a larger neuronal signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Furthermore, both the neuronal differences in OSF and SNR were significantly correlated with the improvement of acuity measured behaviorally. These results suggest that striate neurons might mediate the perceptual learning-induced improvement for high spatial frequency stimuli by an alteration in their spatial frequency representation and by an increased SNR.

Center/surround relationships of magnocellular, parvocellular, and koniocellular relay cells in primate lateral geniculate nucleus

1993 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 363-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregg E. Irvin ◽  
Vivien A. Casagrande ◽  
Thomas T. Norton
Keyword(s):  
Contrast Sensitivity ◽  
Lateral Geniculate Nucleus ◽  
Light Adaptation ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
High Spatial Frequency ◽  
Visual Response ◽  
Afferent Pathways ◽  
K Cells ◽  
Lateral Geniculate ◽  
P Cells

AbstractAs in other primates, the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of the prosimian primate, bush baby (Galago crassicaudatus), contains three morphologically and physiologically distinct cell classes [magnocellular (M), parvocellular (P), and koniocellular (K)] (Norton & Casagrande, 1982; Casagrande & Norton, 1991). The present study examined quantitatively the center/surround relationships of cells in all three classes. Estimates of receptive-field center size (Rc) and sensitivity (Kc) and of surround size (Rs) and sensitivity (Ks) were obtained from 47 LGN relay cells by fitting a difference of Gaussians function to contrast-sensitivity data. For M and P cells, center size (Rc) increases with eccentricity but is about two times larger for M than for P cells at a given eccentricity. Surround size (Rs) increases with eccentricity for P but not for M or K cells. The center sensitivity (Kc) is inversely related to center size (Rc) and surround sensitivity (Ks) is inversely related to surround size (Rs) for cells in all classes, a result consistent with the sensitivity regulation that is produced by light adaptation. High spatial-frequency cutoff (acuity) is inversely related to center size (Rc). However, the peak contrast sensitivity is relatively independent of Rc. The ratio of the integrated strength (volume) of the surround to the volume of the center remains relatively constant (median, 0.87) across all three cell classes. This ratio is an excellent predictor of a cell’s rolloff in contrast sensitivity at low spatial frequencies: cells with a low surround/center ratio have less low-frequency rolloff. Although M, P, and K cells generally display similar center/surround relationships, differences in center size and the other parameters between the classes distinguish most M, P, and K cells. These findings demonstrate that both similarities and differences in the visual-response properties of primate LGN cells in these three parallel afferent pathways can be explained by basic center/surround relationships.

Disparity Modulation Sensitivity for Narrow-Band-Filtered Stereograms Viewed out of the Plane of Fixation

Perception ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 25 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 94-94
Author(s):  
B Lee ◽  
B J Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Significant Interaction ◽  
Narrow Band ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Frequency Pattern ◽  
Spatial Frequencies ◽  
Size Disparity ◽  
Random Dot Stereograms

Narrow-band-filtered random-dot stereograms were used to determine stereo thresholds for detecting sinusoidal disparity modulations. These stereograms were designed to stimulate selectively channels tuned to luminance and corrugation spatial frequencies (Schumer and Ganz, 1979 Vision Research19 1303 – 1314). Thresholds were determined for corrugation frequencies ranging from 0.125 to 1 cycle deg−1, luminance centre spatial frequencies ranging from 1 to 8 cycles deg−1 and disparity pedestal sizes ranging from −32 to +32 min arc. For small disparity pedestals, lowest modulation thresholds were found around 0.5 cycle deg−1 corrugation frequency and 4 cycles deg−1 luminance centre spatial frequency. For large disparity pedestals (±32 arc min), lowest thresholds were shifted towards the lower corrugation frequencies (0.125 cycle deg−1) and lower luminance frequencies (2 cycles deg−1). There was a significant interaction between luminance spatial frequency and disparity pedestal size. For small pedestals, lowest thresholds were found with the highest luminance frequency pattern (4 cycles deg−1). For large pedestals, best performance shifted towards the low-frequency patterns (1 cycle deg−1). This effect demonstrates a massive reduction in stereo-efficiency for high-frequency patterns in the luminance domain at large disparity pedestals which is consistent with the ‘size-disparity relation’ proposed by previous researchers.

Transfer of Learning in Transformed Random-Dot Stereostimuli

Perception ◽  
1982 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 409-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nigel R Long
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Transfer Of Learning ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Frequency Characteristics ◽  
Frequency Transformations

The transfer of learning between normal and monocularly-transformed small-disparity, random-dot stereostimuli has been examined under extended viewing conditions. When the disparity value was constant, transfer of learning between normal and monocularly-transformed stereostimuli was disrupted by both low-frequency and high-frequency transformations. These results suggest that stereolearning is restricted to disparity units that are selective to the same spatial-frequency characteristics.

Delineating the low and high spatial frequency inputs to face perception using transcranial random noise stimulation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhuvanesh Awasthi
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Response Times ◽  
Random Noise ◽  
Temporal Cortex ◽  
High Spatial Frequency ◽  
Bayesian Approaches ◽  
Frequency Information ◽  
Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation ◽  
The Right

This study used high frequency transcranial Random Noise Stimulation (tRNS) to examine how low and high spatial frequency filtered faces are processed. In a response time behavioral task, healthy young adults categorized male and female faces, presented at fovea and periphery in alternate blocks, while sham and high frequency random noise was applied to occipito-parietal location on their scalp. Both the frequentist and bayesian approaches show that stimulation at the right occipito-temporal cortex significantly reduced response times to peripherally presented low spatial frequency information. This finding points to a possible plasticity in targeted regions induced by non-invasive neuromodulation of spatial frequency information in rapid perception of faces.

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