Differences in Our Sensory Worlds

2005 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 122-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda M. Bartoshuk ◽  
Katharine Fast ◽  
Derek J. Snyder
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Errors ◽  
Taste Perception ◽  
Perceived Intensity ◽  
The Absolute ◽  
Group Comparisons

People use intensity descriptors to compare sensory differences: “This tastes strong to me; is it strong to you?” These comparisons are deceptive because they assume that intensity descriptors like strong denote the same absolute perceived intensities to everyone. This assumption is false. Visual-analogue and category scales are labeled with intensity descriptors, and whenever there are systematic differences across groups in the absolute perceived intensity denoted by these descriptors, across-group comparisons will be invalid. We have explored this problem using studies of taste perception. When intensity descriptors are falsely assumed to have universal meaning, real differences can be blunted, abolished, or reversed. One solution to this problem is to express sensations of interest relative to an unrelated standard; any variation in this standard will be equivalent across groups, allowing valid group comparisons. The importance of detecting and correcting these measurement errors is not limited to sensory comparisons, but applies to hedonic comparisons as well.

Interferometry-based measurements of oil-film thickness

2001 ◽  
Vol 215 (3) ◽  
pp. 243-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
O Marklund ◽  
L Gustafsson
Keyword(s):  
Film Thickness ◽  
Measurement Errors ◽  
Phase Measurement ◽  
Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication ◽  
Oil Film ◽  
Interferometric Phase ◽  
Experimental Apparatus ◽  
Colour Parameters ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
The Absolute

Measurement of the thickness of thin lubricant films separating rotating surfaces in elastohydrodynamic experiments presents some challenging problems. The nature of the experimental apparatus inhibits the use of most commonly applied interferometric phase measurement methods. Also the absolute thickness of the separating film must be determined, as opposed to relative distances that would be sufficient in most other measurement scenarios where interferometry methods are used. In this paper, computer-based analysis of interferograms recorded using an elastohydrodynamic lubrication Fitzeu interferometer (a so-called ball-and-disc apparatus) is discussed, the main objective being to extract the absolute oil-film thickness. Intensity based methods (most importantly, calibration look-up procedures where colour parameters from recorded dynamic interferograms are compared with table values corresponding to known film thicknesses, but also a phase measurement approach based on multi-channel interferometry using trichromatic light) are described. A discussion regarding compensation for measurement errors due to the pressure dependence of the refractive index of the lubricant is also included.

scholarly journals Sweet and Umami Taste Perception Differs with Habitual Exercise in Males

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Feeney ◽  
Laura Leacy ◽  
Mark O’Kelly ◽  
Niamh Leacy ◽  
Abbie Phelan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Eating Behaviour ◽  
Sweet Taste ◽  
Taste Perception ◽  
Taste Intensity ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Umami Taste ◽  
Perceived Intensity ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Habitual Exercise

Taste is influenced by several factors. However, whether habitual exercise level is associated with differences in taste perception has received little investigation. The aim of this study was to determine if habitual exercise is associated with differences in taste perception in men. Active (n = 16) and inactive (n = 14) males, between ages 18–55, underwent two days of sensory testing, using prototypical taste stimuli of high and low concentrations for sweet, salt, bitter, sour, umami, and carbohydrate (maltodextrin). Mean perceived intensity and hedonic ratings were recorded. Eating behaviour was assessed by the three factor eating questionnaire and food intake by EPIC food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). There were moderate to large differences between the two groups in perceived intensity for sweet taste at the high concentration and umami taste at both high and low concentrations, with active males recording a higher perceived intensity (p < 0.05 for all). The active group also recorded a greater dislike for umami low and carbohydrate low concentration (p < 0.01). Salt, bitter and sour perception did not significantly differ between the two groups. FFQ analysis showed no difference in % energy from macronutrients between the groups. Eating behaviour traits correlated with sweet taste intensity and umami taste liking, independent of activity status. Results indicated that sweet and umami taste perception differ in active compared to inactive males. Habitual exercise level should be considered in taste perception research and in product development. Whether differences in taste perception could be one factor influencing food intake and thus energy balance with habitual exercise warrants further investigation.

Analytical Reconstruction of the Running Surfaces of Gear Teeth. Part 2: Combining Tooth Spacing Measurements with Profile and Lead Measurements

1987 ◽  
Vol 109 (2) ◽  
pp. 268-274
Author(s):  
W. D. Mark
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Errors ◽  
Legendre Polynomials ◽  
Tooth Surface ◽  
Rectangular Array ◽  
Gear Teeth ◽  
Surface Deviations ◽  
Geometric Deviations ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Analytical Reconstruction ◽  
The Absolute

Methods are developed for analytically reconstructing the absolute geometric deviations of the running surfaces of all teeth on a gear or pinion from perfect equispaced involute surfaces. Two of the methods utilize a rectangular array of tooth spacing deviation point measurements optimally located at the zeros of Legendre polynomials in the axial and radial directions where profile and lead deviation measurements are assumed to have been made. Each of these two methods utilizes the multiple tooth spacing deviation measurements to determine the absolute spacing deviations of the mean planes of the deviations of the tooth running surfaces determined from profile and lead measurements. A convergent two-dimensional Legendre polynomial representation of tooth surface deviations that interpolates between point measurements of tooth surface deviations located in rectangular arrays at the aforementioned zeros of Legendre polynomials is described. A discussion of the general relationships between adjacent and accumulated tooth spacing deviations is provided. The noninsignificant measurement errors that typically arise in profile, lead, and tooth spacing deviation measurements are taken into account at each step in the work.

scholarly journals Bitter Taste Perception of the Human Tongue Mediated by Quinine and Caffeine Impregnated Taste Strips

2020 ◽  
Vol 129 (8) ◽  
pp. 813-820
Author(s):  
David T. Liu ◽  
Gerold Besser ◽  
Florian Oeller ◽  
Christian A. Mueller ◽  
Bertold Renner
Keyword(s):  
Taste Perception ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Taste Strips ◽  
Visual Analog Scales ◽  
Human Tongue ◽  
Perceived Intensity ◽  
Gustatory Function ◽  
Quinine Hydrochloride ◽  
Magnitude Scales ◽  
Age Range

Objectives: Tests for gustatory function have become increasingly important in diagnosis and treatment of patients with taste disorders. While caffeine and quinine hydrochloride solutions have been used for global testing of bitter perception, only quinine has been used to test regional bitter perception by means of taste strips. The aim of the present study was to validate caffeine impregnated taste strips as an alternative to quinine taste strips for assessment of regional bitter perception. Methods: A total of 46 healthy volunteers (mean age/range, 23/19-27 years) were included in this study. Quinine and caffeine impregnated taste strips were pairwise presented at different parts of the tongue. Perceived intensity and hedonic dislike were evaluated using labeled magnitude scales. Additionally, gustatory function was assessed using the taste strips test and overall sense of taste was rated using visual analog scales. Results: Assessment of gustatory function demonstrated scores within the normogeusic range in most included subjects (mean/SD, 13.1/2.5). Notably, equally concentrated quinine and caffeine impregnated taste strips placed on different regions of the tongue did not lead to significant differences in perceived intensity or hedonic dislike, whereas quinine and caffeine impregnated taste strips of different concentrations placed on the same region on the tongue led to significant differences of perceived intensity and hedonic dislike. Furthermore, no correlation was found between self-assessment of gustatory function and taste strips scores. Conclusion: Caffeine seems to be a valid bitter compound for regional testing using taste strips and may be used alternatively to quinine.

scholarly journals Taste and smell function in Wolfram syndrome

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raul Andres Alfaro ◽  
Tasha Doty ◽  
Anagha Narayanan ◽  
Heather Lugar ◽  
Tamara Hershey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wolfram Syndrome ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Taste Perception ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Taste Intensity ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Clinical Marker ◽  
Perceived Intensity ◽  
Taste And Smell ◽  
Smell Identification

Abstract BACKGROUND: Wolfram syndrome is a rare genetic disease characterized by insulin-dependent diabetes, optic nerve atrophy, sensorineural hearing loss and neurodegeneration. Although olfactory dysfunction, a classical clinical marker of neurodegenerative processes, has been reported in Wolfram syndrome, its use as a clinical marker in Wolfram is limited due to data scarcity. In addition, it is unknown whether Wolfram syndrome affects the sense of taste.METHODS: Smell and taste perception were assessed in participants with Wolfram syndrome (n=40) who were 15.1 ± 6.0 years of age (range: 5.1- 28.7 years) and two sex- and age-matched control groups: one group with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D; n=25) and a healthy control group (HC; n=29). Smell sensitivity was assessed by measuring n-butanol detection thresholds and smell identification by using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). Taste function was assessed using NIH Toolbox, which includes the assessment of sucrose (sweet) taste preference, and perceived intensity of sucrose, sodium chloride (salty), and quinine hydrochloride (bitter) both in the tip of the tongue (regional test) and the whole mouth. RESULTS: Smell sensitivity was not significantly different among groups; however, smell identification was impaired in Wolfram syndrome, as reflected by significantly lower UPSIT scores in Wolfram syndrome compared to HC and T1D (P<0.001). Compared to participants in the control groups, participants with Wolfram syndrome had a blunted perception of sweetness and saltiness when taste stimuli were applied regionally (P<0.05), but differences in perceived intensity were no longer significant among groups when taste stimuli were tasted with the whole mouth. Groups preferred similar sucrose concentrations. CONCLUSION: Wolfram syndrome was associated with olfactory dysfunction. However, the olfactory dysfunction was qualitative (related to smell identification) and not secondary to olfactory insensitivity or diabetes, suggesting is arising from dysfunction in central olfactory brain regions. In contrast to olfaction, and despite decreased perception of taste intensity in the anterior tongue, the sense of taste was overall well-conserved in individuals with Wolfram syndrome. Future longitudinal studies of taste and smell perception in Wolfram syndrome will be important to determine the use of the chemical senses as clinical markers of disease progression.

scholarly journals Taste and smell function in Wolfram syndrome

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raul Andres Alfaro ◽  
Tasha Doty ◽  
Anagha Narayanan ◽  
Heather Lugar ◽  
Tamara Hershey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wolfram Syndrome ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Taste Perception ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Taste Intensity ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Clinical Marker ◽  
Perceived Intensity ◽  
Taste And Smell ◽  
Smell Identification

Abstract BACKGROUND : Wolfram syndrome is a rare genetic disease characterized by insulin-dependent diabetes, optic nerve atrophy, sensorineural hearing loss and neurodegeneration. Although olfactory dysfunction, a classical clinical marker of neurodegenerative processes, has been reported in Wolfram syndrome, its use as a clinical marker in Wolfram is limited due to data scarcity. In addition, it is unknown whether Wolfram syndrome affects the sense of taste. METHODS: Smell and taste perception were assessed in participants with Wolfram syndrome (n=40) who were 15.1 ± 6.0 years of age (range: 5.1- 28.7 years) and two sex- and age-matched control groups: one group with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D; n=25) and a healthy control group (HC; n=29). Smell sensitivity was assessed by measuring n-butanol detection thresholds and smell identification by using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). Taste function was assessed using NIH Toolbox, which includes the assessment of sucrose (sweet) taste preference, and perceived intensity of sucrose, sodium chloride (salty), and quinine hydrochloride (bitter) both in the tip of the tongue (regional test) and the whole mouth. RESULTS: Smell sensitivity was not significantly different among groups; however, smell identification was impaired in Wolfram syndrome, as reflected by significantly lower UPSIT scores in Wolfram syndrome compared to HC and T1D (P<0.001). Compared to participants in the control groups, participants with Wolfram syndrome had a blunted perception of sweetness and saltiness when taste stimuli were applied regionally (P<0.05), but differences in perceived intensity were no longer significant among groups when taste stimuli were tasted with the whole mouth. Groups preferred similar sucrose concentrations. CONCLUSION : Wolfram syndrome was associated with olfactory dysfunction. However, the olfactory dysfunction was qualitative (related to smell identification) and not secondary to olfactory insensitivity or diabetes, suggesting is arising from dysfunction in central olfactory brain regions. In contrast to olfaction, and despite decreased perception of taste intensity in the anterior tongue, the sense of taste was overall well-conserved in individuals with Wolfram syndrome. Future longitudinal studies of taste and smell perception in Wolfram syndrome will be important to determine the use of the chemical senses as clinical markers of disease progression.

scholarly journals High-Accuracy Positioning Based on Pseudo-Ranges: Integrated Difference and Performance Analysis of the Loran System

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (16) ◽  
pp. 4436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baorong Yan ◽  
Yun Li ◽  
Wei Guo ◽  
Yu Hua
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Errors ◽  
Random Noise ◽  
Constant Term ◽  
Satellite System ◽  
Good Choice ◽  
Absolute Accuracy ◽  
Single Chain ◽  
Position Accuracy ◽  
True Path ◽  
The Absolute

The Long Range Navigation (Loran) system as a backup of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is a good choice. The dominant deterioration factors of position accuracy are the pseudo-range measurement errors and the geometric dilution of precision (GDOP). This paper focuses on the algorithm integrated difference with pseudo-ranges to improve the position accuracy. Firstly, the theoretical prediction of propagation delay and raw measurement are compared. The results show that the measured pseudo-range consists of a constant term and a temporal term, which reflect the propagation situation along the true path. Secondly, a position solution algorithm based on a pseudo-range and difference is presented, exceeding the limit of a single chain. Finally, some simulation tests are implemented utilizing the new proposed position algorithm to verify the differential performance. This method can reduce the GDOP conveniently through increasing the number of transmitters. In view of the amplitude and characteristics of errors in measurement, systematic error and random noise are distinguished and discussed. The absolute accuracy responds to the pseudo-range bias that is different from geometric distance and repeatable accuracy is mainly influenced by random noise. The difference method can improve the absolute accuracy via the correction degree without changing the geometry of the transmitters.

Bulk standards for low-temperature biological x-ray microanalysis

1984 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. 282-283
Author(s):  
P. Echlin ◽  
M. McKoon ◽  
E.S. Taylor ◽  
C.E. Thomas ◽  
K.L. Maloney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase Separation ◽  
Low Temperature ◽  
Analytical Method ◽  
Salt Solutions ◽  
Absolute Concentration ◽  
Cooling Process ◽  
X Ray ◽  
The Absolute ◽  
Analytical Procedures ◽  
Electrical Conductors

Although sections of frozen salt solutions have been used as standards for x-ray microanalysis, such solutions are less useful when analysed in the bulk form. They are poor thermal and electrical conductors and severe phase separation occurs during the cooling process. Following a suggestion by Whitecross et al we have made up a series of salt solutions containing a small amount of graphite to improve the sample conductivity. In addition, we have incorporated a polymer to ensure the formation of microcrystalline ice and a consequent homogenity of salt dispersion within the frozen matrix. The mixtures have been used to standardize the analytical procedures applied to frozen hydrated bulk specimens based on the peak/background analytical method and to measure the absolute concentration of elements in developing roots.

A Quantitative Ultrastructural Study of Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes Containing Parallel Tubular Arrays in Epstein-Barr Virus and Cytomegalo-Virus Mononucleosis

1981 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
pp. 454-455
Author(s):  
C. M. Payne ◽  
P. M. Tennican
Keyword(s):  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Lymphocyte Count ◽  
Epstein Barr Virus ◽  
Absolute Lymphocyte Count ◽  
Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes ◽  
Clinical State ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
The Absolute ◽  
Epstein Barr ◽  
Tubular Arrays

In the normal peripheral circulation there exists a sub-population of lymphocytes which is ultrastructurally distinct. This lymphocyte is identified under the electron microscope by the presence of cytoplasmic microtubular-like inclusions called parallel tubular arrays (PTA) (Figure 1), and contains Fc-receptors for cytophilic antibody. In this study, lymphocytes containing PTA (PTA-lymphocytes) were quantitated from serial peripheral blood specimens obtained from two patients with Epstein -Barr Virus mononucleosis and two patients with cytomegalovirus mononucleosis. This data was then correlated with the clinical state of the patient.It was determined that both the percentage and absolute number of PTA- lymphocytes was highest during the acute phase of the illness. In follow-up specimens, three of the four patients' absolute lymphocyte count fell to within normal limits before the absolute PTA-lymphocyte count.In one patient who was followed for almost a year, the absolute PTA- lymphocyte count was consistently elevated (Figure 2). The estimation of absolute PTA-lymphocyte counts was determined to be valid after a morphometric analysis of the cellular areas occupied by PTA during the acute and convalescent phases of the disease revealed no statistical differences.

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