scholarly journals Illusory size perception with stimuli from animal experiments of surround modulation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Gramm Kristensen ◽  
Kristian Sandberg
Keyword(s):  
Visual Information ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Visual Illusion ◽  
Animal Experiments ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Size Perception ◽  
Illusion Effect ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Small Set ◽  
Delboeuf Illusion

Visual illusions have long been studied because the illusory effect they induce is believed to tell us something important on how the visual system processes visual information. Here, we modified a classic visual illusion, the Delboeuf illusion, so that it resembled a type of stimulus commonly used in experiments investigating surround modulation. We then performed a small set of psychophysical experiments in order to determine if the classical Delboeuf illusion effect, i.e. a change in the perceived size of an object, could be observed in these altered stimuli. In four conditions, we created stimuli that either had a high or low frequency surround in addition to being presented with a proximal thin surround or a distal thick surround. We found a significant difference in perceived object size for all four conditions compared to control indicating the presence of an illusion, and we discuss these findings in relation to existing literature from electrophysiological animal studies.

Real Ear Sound Pressure Levels Developed by Three Portable Stereo System Earphones

1992 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 52-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gail L. MacLean ◽  
Andrew Stuart ◽  
Robert Stenstrom
Keyword(s):  
High Frequency ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Test System ◽  
Output Frequency ◽  
Frequency Effects ◽  
Adult Men ◽  
Frequency Responses ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Sound Pressure Levels

Differences in real ear sound pressure levels (SPLs) with three portable stereo system (PSS) earphones (supraaural [Sony Model MDR-44], semiaural [Sony Model MDR-A15L], and insert [Sony Model MDR-E225]) were investigated. Twelve adult men served as subjects. Frequency response, high frequency average (HFA) output, peak output, peak output frequency, and overall RMS output for each PSS earphone were obtained with a probe tube microphone system (Fonix 6500 Hearing Aid Test System). Results indicated a significant difference in mean RMS outputs with nonsignificant differences in mean HFA outputs, peak outputs, and peak output frequencies among PSS earphones. Differences in mean overall RMS outputs were attributed to differences in low-frequency effects that were observed among the frequency responses of the three PSS earphones. It is suggested that one cannot assume equivalent real ear SPLs, with equivalent inputs, among different styles of PSS earphones.

Exploring The Effect of Visual Information Degradation on Human Perception and Performance In A Human-Telerobot System

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 1302-1307
Author(s):  
Richard Stone ◽  
Minglu Wang ◽  
Thomas Schnieders ◽  
Esraa Abdelall
Keyword(s):  
Visual Information ◽  
Human Perception ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Hit Rate ◽  
Word Level ◽  
Level Of Automation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Human Operators ◽  
And Performance ◽  
High Level

Human-robotic interaction system are increasingly becoming integrated into industrial, commercial and emergency service agencies. It is critical that human operators understand and trust automation when these systems support and even make important decisions. The following study focused on human-in-loop telerobotic system performing a reconnaissance operation. Twenty-four subjects were divided into groups based on level of automation (Low-Level Automation (LLA), and High-Level Automation (HLA)). Results indicated a significant difference between low and high word level of control in hit rate when permanent error occurred. In the LLA group, the type of error had a significant effect on the hit rate. In general, the high level of automation was better than the low level of automation, especially if it was more reliable, suggesting that subjects in the HLA group could rely on the automatic implementation to perform the task more effectively and more accurately.

scholarly journals Patients in intensive care unit for COVID-19 pneumonia: the lung ultrasound patterns at admission and discharge. An observational pilot study

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Persona Paolo ◽  
Valeri Ilaria ◽  
Zarantonello Francesco ◽  
Forin Edoardo ◽  
Sella Nicolò ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Lung Ultrasound ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Specific Pattern ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Left Hemithorax ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Right ◽  
B Lines

Abstract Background During COVID-19 pandemic, optimization of the diagnostic resources is essential. Lung Ultrasound (LUS) is a rapid, easy-to-perform, low cost tool which allows bedside investigation of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. We aimed to investigate the typical ultrasound patterns of COVID-19 pneumonia and their evolution at different stages of the disease. Methods We performed LUS in twenty-eight consecutive COVID-19 patients at both admission to and discharge from one of the Padua University Hospital Intensive Care Units (ICU). LUS was performed using a low frequency probe on six different areas per each hemithorax. A specific pattern for each area was assigned, depending on the prevalence of A-lines (A), non-coalescent B-lines (B1), coalescent B-lines (B2), consolidations (C). A LUS score (LUSS) was calculated after assigning to each area a defined pattern. Results Out of 28 patients, 18 survived, were stabilized and then referred to other units. The prevalence of C pattern was 58.9% on admission and 61.3% at discharge. Type B2 (19.3%) and B1 (6.5%) patterns were found in 25.8% of the videos recorded on admission and 27.1% (17.3% B2; 9.8% B1) on discharge. The A pattern was prevalent in the anterosuperior regions and was present in 15.2% of videos on admission and 11.6% at discharge. The median LUSS on admission was 27.5 [21–32.25], while on discharge was 31 [17.5–32.75] and 30.5 [27–32.75] in respectively survived and non-survived patients. On admission the median LUSS was equally distributed on the right hemithorax (13; 10.75–16) and the left hemithorax (15; 10.75–17). Conclusions LUS collected in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure at ICU admission and discharge appears to be characterized by predominantly lateral and posterior non-translobar C pattern and B2 pattern. The calculated LUSS remained elevated at discharge without significant difference from admission in both groups of survived and non-survived patients.

scholarly journals Retention Of Cardiac Auscultation Skill Requires Paired Visual And Audio Information In New Learners

2008 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Glenn Nordehn ◽  
Spencer Strunic ◽  
Tom Soldner ◽  
Nicholas Karlisch ◽  
Ian Kramer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Information ◽  
Heart Sound ◽  
Heart Sounds ◽  
Sound Recognition ◽  
Cardiac Auscultation ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Short Time ◽  
Audio Information

Introduction: Cardiac auscultation accuracy is poor: 20% to 40%. Audio-only of 500 heart sounds cycles over a short time period significantly improved auscultation scores. Hypothesis: adding visual information to an audio-only format, significantly (p<.05) improves short and long term accuracy. Methods: Pre-test: Twenty-two 1st and 2nd year medical student participants took an audio-only pre-test. Seven students comprising our audio-only training cohort heard audio-only, of 500 heart sound repetitions. 15 students comprising our paired visual with audio cohort heard and simultaneously watched video spectrograms of the heart sounds. Immediately after trainings, both cohorts took audio-only post-tests; the visual with audio cohort also took a visual with audio post-test, a test providing audio with simultaneous video spectrograms. All tests were repeated in six months. Results: All tests given immediately after trainings showed significant improvement with no significant difference between the cohorts. Six months later neither cohorts maintained significant improvement on audio-only post-tests. Six months later the visual with audio cohort maintained significant improvement (p<.05) on the visual with audio post-test. Conclusions: Audio retention of heart sound recognition is not maintained if: trained using audio-only; or, trained using visual with audio. Providing visual with audio in training and testing allows retention of auscultation accuracy. Devices providing visual information during auscultation could prove beneficial.

scholarly journals Vasopressin at Central Levels and Consequences of Dehydration

2016 ◽  
Vol 68 (Suppl. 2) ◽  
pp. 19-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel G. Bichet
Keyword(s):  
Animal Studies ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential ◽  
Animal Experiments ◽  
Extracellular Fluid ◽  
Receptor Potential ◽  
Circumventricular Organ ◽  
Thermal Perception ◽  
Trpv1 Channel ◽  
Vasopressin Release ◽  
Transient Receptor

Disorders of water balance are a common feature of clinical practice. An understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of central vasopressin release and perception of thirst is the key to diagnosis and management of these disorders. Mammals are osmoregulators; they have evolved mechanisms that maintain extracellular fluid osmolality near a stable value, and, in animal studies, osmoregulatory neurons express a truncated delta-N variant of the transient receptor potential vannilloid (TRPV1) channel involved in hypertonicity and thermal perception while systemic hypotonicity might be perceived by TRPV4 channels. Recent cellular and optogenetic animal experiments demonstrate that, in addition to the multifactorial process of excretion, circumventricular organ sensors reacting to osmotic pressure and angiotensin II, subserve genesis of thirst, volume regulation and behavioral effects of thirst avoidance.

scholarly journals Noise-induced gastric lesions: a light and electron microscopy study of the rat gastric wall exposed to low frequency noise

2012 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Fonseca ◽  
José Martins-dos-Santos ◽  
Pedro Oliveira ◽  
Nuno Laranjeira ◽  
Artur Aguas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Gastric Wall ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Collagen Iv ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Frequency Noise ◽  
Low Frequency Noise ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Significant Difference

CONTEXT: Only a few studies evaluated the digestive alterations caused by low frequency noise (LFN) and most focused only on mucosal alterations. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the morphological injury of LFN-exposed gastric wall, beyond the epithelial layer. METHODS: Wistar rats were exposed to low frequency noise (LFN), during increasing periods, 1 to 13 weeks. A control group was kept in silence. Gastric specimens were studied using: (i) light microscopy with hematoxylin-eosin and immunostaining for collagens; (ii) transmission electron microscopy; (iii) morphometry allowing statistical analysis. RESULTS: Submucosa of all LFN-exposed animals exhibit increased thickness with fibrous proliferation. Transmission electron microscopy showed massive collagen deposition. Immunostaining identified collagen IV as responsible for the increased thickness. Morphometry allowed the demonstration of a significant difference of thickness between control and exposed groups. Vascular alterations included: i) intima proliferation and thickening, rupture of the internal elastic lamina, thrombotic changes; ii) thickening of the media; iii) after 9 weeks of LFN-exposure, we found new formed vessel presenting tortuous and twisted. There is a significant difference of arterial wall thickness between control and exposed groups. CONCLUSIONS: Deeper layers of gastric wall undergo alterations, including fibrosis of the submucosa caused by collagen IV deposition, an early marker of neoangiogenesis. Vascular alterations included thickening and thrombotic phenomena, but also images of newly formed vessels. This study suggests that, at least in the stomach, LFN-induced fibrosis could be linked with neoangiogenesis.

scholarly journals Polymorphisms in Brucella Carbonic anhydrase II mediate CO2 dependence and fitness in vivo

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
JM García-Lobo ◽  
Y Ortiz ◽  
C González-Riancho ◽  
A Seoane ◽  
B Arellano-Reynoso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbonic Anhydrase ◽  
Primary Cultures ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Carbonic Anhydrase Ii ◽  
Carbonic Anhydrases ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Dependent Strain

AbstractSome Brucella isolates are known to require an increased concentration of CO2 for growth, especially in the case of primary cultures obtained directly from infected animals. Moreover, the different Brucella species and biovars show a characteristic pattern of CO2 requirement, and this trait has been included among the routine typing tests used for species and biovar differentiation. By comparing the differences in gene content among different CO2-dependent and CO2-independent Brucella strains we have confirmed that carbonic anhydrase II (CA II), is the enzyme responsible for this phenotype in all the Brucella strains tested. Brucella species contain two carbonic anhydrases of the β family, CA I and CA II; genetic polymorphisms exist for both of them in different isolates, but only those putatively affecting the activity of CA II correlate with the CO2 requirement of the corresponding isolate. Analysis of these polymorphisms does not allow the determination of CA I functionality, while the polymorphisms in CA II consist of small deletions that cause a frameshift that changes the C-terminus of the protein, probably affecting its dimerization status, essential for the activity.CO2-independent mutants arise easily in vitro, although with a low frequency ranging from 10−6 to 10−10 depending on the strain. These mutants carry compensatory mutations that produce a full length CA II. At the same time, no change was observed in the sequence coding for CA I. A competitive index assay designed to evaluate the fitness of a CO2-dependent strain compared to its corresponding CO2-independent strain revealed that while there is no significant difference when the bacteria are grown in culture plates, growth in vivo in a mouse model of infection provides a significant advantage to the CO2-dependent strain. This could explain why some Brucella isolates are CO2-dependent in primary isolation. The polymorphism described here also allows the in silico determination of the CO2 requirement status of any Brucella strain.

scholarly journals Results of the infrasonic array on the Valaam Island primary data processing

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-91
Author(s):  
Vladimir Karpinsky ◽  
Vladimir Asming
Keyword(s):  
Data Processing ◽  
Seismic Station ◽  
Sampling Rate ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Joint Analysis ◽  
Main Task ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Infrasound Signal ◽  
Short Time

The infrasound array VALS developed in Kola Branch GS RAS has been installed in June 2016 on the Valaam Island in addition to the continuously operating seismic station VALR. The array consists of 3 spaced low-frequency microphones. The data with a sampling rate of 100 Hz is stored continuously at the acquisition computer; the timing is carried out using GPS. In addition to the acquisition system, an infrasound signal detector is installed on the computer. It works in near real-time mode and enables us to find signals and compute their back azimuths. At the end of 2018, a new version of the detector was developed at the Kola Branch GS RAS. The detector began to work much faster, which enabled us to carry out data processing for 2.5 years in two frequency ranges in a short time. The main task of the array is acoustic monitoring, the detection of infrasound events, the determination of their parameters, and the selection of events of natural origin. The data are also used (in combination with the VALR seismic station data) to locate near seismic events, especially weak ones. The analysis of the obtained data revealed the prevailing directions to the signal sources. The change of directions to sources in time was investigated, seasonal features were revealed. Acoustic events were detected in the frequency bands 1–5 Hz and 10–20 Hz, and a significant difference was found in the azimuthal distribution of events for these ranges. A joint analysis of acoustic and seismic data showed that the part of events with both acoustic and seismic components is low – it is almost completely exhausted by career explosions. It was also noted that in addition to explosions in nearby quarries (Kuznechnoye, Pitkäranta) located at a distance of 50–60 km, according to acoustic data, events corresponding to explosions at quarries located at a distance of 100 km or more were repeatedly identified.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field and Pulsed Low-Level Laser Therapy in Acute Stroke Treatment

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 127-131
Author(s):  
Farzad Ashrafi ◽  
Amir Rezaei ◽  
Arash Azhideh ◽  
Faraj Tabeie ◽  
Latif Gachkar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electromagnetic Field ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Low Level Laser Therapy ◽  
Stroke Treatment ◽  
Extremely Low Frequency ◽  
Level Laser ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After

Introduction: Stroke is one of the most devastating neurologic conditions in the world. Despite all the efforts that have been made for effective treatment, the prevalence of this medical condition is still high. One of the new methods in the treatment of patients is the use of low power laser and pulsed magnetic fields. The previous studies investigated the effectiveness of these methods individually. However, the present study aimed to investigate their effectiveness in combination. Methods: We divided the patients into control (n=26) and experimental (n=26) groups. The primary variables included the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). The experimental group received extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (EMF-ELF) treatment with 1 mT power and laser in rejection with a wavelength of 840 nm for 5 days and 45 min/d. Results: The variable measured during this study, in addition to comparing the results of the intervention between the control and experimental groups, showed a significant difference in all indicators before and after the intervention. The mean and standard deviations of the modified Rankin scale (mRS), functional status (Barthel’s index), and cognitive status (MMSE) (P<0.001) were signed between 2 groups. Conclusion: Laser and magnetic field combination can be effective in the treatment of stroke. Further studies are recommended to ensure a better comparison.

scholarly journals Influence of production system, age an sex on carcass parameters and some biochemical meat quality characteristics of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.)

Rangifer ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabine Sampels ◽  
Jana Pickova ◽  
Eva Wiklund
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Class ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Fat Content ◽  
Carcass Composition ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Lipid Class Composition ◽  
Class Composition ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Carcass Parameters

Carcass composition in reindeer is affected by feed intake and the age and sex of the animal. Studies have also shown that age, sex, carcass trim fat content and total intramuscular fat content (IMF) influence lipid class composition. The aim of this study was to compare lipid class composition and IMF in relation to carcass weight, conformation and trim fat content, and to investigate how these parameters are affected by age, sex and different feed sources. Five groups of reindeer were studied. Two groups of calves were fed two grain-based pelleted feeds with different lipid compositions for approximately two months before slaughter. One of these groups was fed with conventional pellets, and the other with pellets enriched with linseed cake to increase the amount of n-3 fatty acids in the diet. Three groups of grazing reindeer were also included in the study, consisting of adult males, adult females or calves. Reindeer calves fed pellets had higher slaughter weights, higher trim fat content and better carcass conformation scores compared to the grazing calves. However, there was no significant difference in IMF between pellet-fed and grazing calves. Adult female reindeer had the highest and grazing calves the lowest slaughter weights, trim fat and IMF. There was no difference in lipid class composition in meat from calves fed with the two pelleted feeds, whereas grazing calves had a higher amount of phospholipids. Squalene was identified and quantified as a component of intramuscular lipids in reindeer meat. Effekt av produktionssystem, ålder och kön på slaktkroppskvalitet och några biokemiska egenskaper hos renköttAbstract in Swedish / Sammandrag: Slaktkroppssammansättningen hos renar påverkas av både foderintag, fodersammansättning och djurens ålder och kön. Tidigare har vi visat att renens kön, ålder, mängden intramuskulärt fett (IMF) och putsfett på slaktkroppen påverkar sammansättningen av lipidklasser. Syftet med denna studie var att jämföra lipidklassammansättningen och IMF i relation till slaktkroppens vikt, form och mängden putsfett och att undersöka hur dessa parametrar påverkas av renarnas kön, ålder och olika typer av foder (bete och pellets). Fem grupper renar ingick i studien (totalt 38 djur). Två grupper kalvar utfodrades med två sorters pellets med olika fettsammansättning under två månader före slakt. Den ena gruppen fick normala pellets (CPD) (Renfor Bas) medan den andra gruppen fick pellets som hade en tillsats av linfrökaka (LPD) för att öka mängden n-3 fettsyror i fodret. Dessutom ingick tre grupper betesdjur i studien: vajor, sarvar och kalvar. Utfodring med pellets gav slaktkroppar med bättre klassning, högre slaktvikter och mer putsfett jämfört med slaktkroppar från betande kalvar. Vajorna hade de högsta och betande kalvar de lägsta slaktvikterna, minst putsfett och lägst halt av IMF. Utfodringen med pellets gav ingen signifikant skillnad i IMF mellan betande och utfodrade renkalvar. Vi fann ingen skillnad i lipidklassammansättning mellan de två utfodrade kalvgrupperna, men köttet från de betande kalvarna hade en högre halt av fosfolipider. Vi kunde också identifiera och kvantifiera squalen som en komponent i intramuskulärt fett i renkött.

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