bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Male Honor and the Ruralization of HIV/AIDS in Michoacán. A Case of Indigenous Return Migration in Mexico
Authors: Rosete Daniel Hernández
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this text is to analyse the motives of seasonal migrant workers for attempting to get their wives pregnant when they return to Mexico. The meanings attributed to paternity, pregnancy and rearing are analysed from the perspective of the migrant worker and his wife. Ethnographic research was conducted in several Purépecha communities in Michoacán, supported by interviews with indigenous, who travelled to the United States for periods of up to three years, and with their wives, who stayed in Mexico. The migrant workers interviewed consider pregnancy and the paternity derived from it as an important means of male legitimization and sexual control of their wives, particularly valid in their rural communities of origin, where they know they are absentee males. When they return to Mexico they seek sexual relations for reproductive purposes, since they fear their wives will have extramarital relations in their absence. From these findings, it was considered necessary to implement sexual and reproductive health policies with pluri‐ethnic and gender approaches that take into account male beliefs and practices regarding paternity and pregnancy in a rural context. The development of sensitizing policies aimed at migrant males during their stays in Mexico is recommended.
The Seasonal Modification of the Interstitial Tissue of the Testis in the Fruit Bat (Pteropus)
Authors: Groome J. K.
Published: September 2010

The interstitial cells of the testis of Pteropus geddiei were found to be most numerous and their volume to be greatest when copulation occurs and for the three months preceding this. It is therefore supposed that the greatest quantity of male hormone is elaborated at this time, October‐February, when the bat is social and sexual.

From March to June there is moderate glandular activity, the behaviour of the bat being social and asexual.

In July and August interstitial activity is at its minimum, and the bat is solitary and asexual.

There is a significant seasonal variation in the interstitial tissue of these bats, living in a remarkably constant tropical climate; although the variation is less pronounced than that found in British Wood Mice.

It is suggested that the male hormone may to some extent control the purely social behaviour of Pteropus.
Genetic Interaction in a Hybrid Pheasant.
Authors: Huxley J. S.
Published: September 2010

(1) A brief description is given of a male hybrid between Chrysolophus amherstias and Lophophorus impeyanus, two markedly different genera of the Phasianinas.

(2) The chief point of interest is the almost complete disappearance of the striking colours and patterns of the two parents, the hybrid being almost entirely black with no or very limited iridescence.

(3) The crest‐shape of the Amherst is dominant, while the facial skin of the hybrid resembles that of the Impeyan parent.

(4) The cape of the Amherst, which is wholly unrepresented in the Impeyan, is present in the hybrid but is reduced in length and feather‐breadth, and is not developed on the anterior margin of its normal area; it has not been seen to be spread in display.

(5) The tail is roughly intermediate in length and shape.

(6) The body‐build inclines somewhat towards the Amherst parent, though the size is intermediate. The Impeyan habit of digging with the beak is dominant over the Amherst habit of scratching with the feet.
Pre‐natal and Infant Mortality in a Laboratory Population of Voles {Microtus agrestis).
Authors: Ranson R. M.
Published: September 2010

A technique for estimating the pre‐natal mortality in the vole, Microtus agrestis, by palpating the embryos, is described. The results obtained from a laboratory stock of voles show a mortality of at least 21‐07 per cent.

14–20 per cent, of the young born alive die during the 14 days between birth and weaning, giving an accumulated loss of at least 32‐28 per cent, for the first 35 days of existence.

The sex ratio at weaning was 50–89 2‐22 males per cent.
The Effect of Temperature on the Respiratory Movements and Viability of a Cold‐Water Prawn, Pandalus borealis.
Authors: Abercrombie M.
Published: September 2010

1. The viability of Pandalus borealis at temperatures from ll‐5o‐20‐3o C. has been studied. Thermal death occurs at 11‐5o C.

2. When the mean lethal exposure to various temperatures is plotted against temperature two curves are obtained, meeting at a critical temperature of about 16‐5o. The temperature coefficients Q10, ft and m have different values above and below this critical temperature. This indicates that the causes of death are different above and below 16‐5o C.

3. When animals are transferred suddenly from 5–6o C. to a high temperature (19‐2o and 20‐3o) they die after a shorter exposure to that temperature than when the change is made gradually over a period of one hour.

4. The rate of scaphognathite beat varies not only with the activity of the animal but also with its previous history; the disturbance due to catching increases the rate enormously, and the effect of this lasts 2–3 days.

5. The rate of scaphognathite beat increases not only with rising temperature, but also with the length of time the animal is exposed to a high temperature; it is suggested that this unusual behaviour may be due to a decline of inhibition of the scaphognathite.
LIVING WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF PATIENTS SHUNTED FOR HYDROCEPHALUS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Authors: Query Joy M. , Rßichelt Carolyn , Christoferson Lee A.
Published: September 2010

Thirty‐six patients who had had shunts for hydrocephalus between 14 and 36 years ago, and their parents and siblings were interviewed about the effects of chronic illness on their lives. Despite reports of severe financial, physical and emotional stress, most judged the quality of their family relationships and lives to be good. General outcome was poorest for those with unfavourable medical outcomes and/or questionable prospects for future independence. Almost all respondents were satisfied with the level and duration of treatment they had received.

La vie avec une affection chronique: étude rétrospective de patients valves pour hydrocéphalic et de leurs families

Trente‐six patients, valvés pour hydrocéphalic de 14 à 36 ans auparavant, leurs parents et fratries ont été interrogés sur les effets d'une affection chronique dans leur vie. En dépit de difficultés graves, financières physiques et affectives, la majorité jugeaient bonne la qualité de leurs relations familiales et de leur vie. Le devenir général était moins bon en cas de devenir médical défavorable et/ou des inquiétudes pour l'indépendance future. Presque tous les interrogés étaient satisfaits du niveau et de la durée du traitement dont ils avaient bénéficié.

Mit chronischer Krankheit leben: eine retrospektive Studie über Hydrocephaluspatienten mit Ventil und ihre Familien

36 Patienten, die vor 14 bis 36 Jahren wegen Hydrcephalus ein Ventil hatten, und ihre Eltern und Geschwister wurden über die Auswirkung der chronischen Krankheit auf ihr Leben befragt. Trotz einiger Berichte über schwere finanzielle, physische und emotionale Belastungen, beurteilten die meisten die Qualität ihrer familiären Beziehungen und ihres Lebens als gut. Der allgemeine Outcome war für die am schlechtesten, die eine ungünstige medizinische Prognose und/oder eine fragliche Aussicht auf eine mögliche Selbstständigkeit hatten. Fast alle Befragten waren mit der Qualität und der Dauer der Behandlung, die sie erhalten hatten, zufrieden.

Viviendo con una enfermedad crónica: estudio retrospective de pacientes con derivación por hidrocefalia y de sus familias

Treinta y seis pacientes con derivación por hidrocefalia practicada de 14 a 36 años antes, asi como sus padres y hermanos fueron entrevistados acerca de los efectos sobre sus vidas de la enfermedad crónica padecida. A pesar de haber referido problemas financieros, físicos y emocionales, la mayoria juzgaba que la calidad de las relaciones familiares y sus vidas eran buenas. El curso general era más pobre en los que tenian un curso médico desfavorable y/o una perspectiva dudosa para su independencia futura. Casi todas las respuestas se mostraban satisfechas con el nivel y la duración del tratamiento que habían recibido.
The Syndromes Described by Kanner and Rett‐Hagberg: Overlap in an Extended Family
Authors: Gillberg Christopher , Ehlers Stephan , Wahlström Jan
Published: September 2010

An extended family is reported in which Rett‐Hagberg syndrome, autism with mild ataxia and autism with profound mental retardation occurred separately in three female second‐cousins. The authors suggest alternative explanations for the possible association between autism and Rett‐Hagberg syndrome: that they may be closely related genetic disorders, or that they may constitute relatively homogeneous phenotypes with several possible aetiologies.

Les syndromes décrits par Kanner et Rett‐Hagberg: chevauchement dans une même famille étendue L'article rapporte le cas d'une famile étendue dans laquelle un syndrome de Rett‐Hagberg, un autisme avec ataxie modérée et un autisme avec arriération mentale sévère s'observaient séparément chez trois filles cousines au deuxième degré. Les auteurs suggèrent des explications alternatives pour l'association possible entre un autisme et un syndrome de Rett‐Hagberg: qu'ils soient reliés étroitement à un défaut génétique ou qu'ils constituent des phénotypes relativement homogènes avec plusieurs étiologies possibles.

Die von Kanner und Rett‐Hagberg beschriebenen Syndrome: Ùberlappung bei einer Großfamilie Es wird uber eine Großfamilie berichtet, in der bei drei weiblichen Cousinen zweiten Grades unabhàngig das Rett‐Hagberg Syndrom, Autismus mit leichter Ataxie und Autismus mit hochgradiger geistiger Retardierung vorkamen. Die Autoren geben alternative Erklärungen für die mögliche Beziehung zwischen Autismus und Rett‐Hagberg Syndrom: entweder sind es eng miteinander verbundene genetische Erkrankungen oder es sind relativ homogene Phänotypen mit unterschiedlichen Ätiologien.

Los síndromes descritos por Kanner y Rett‐Hagberg, se superponen en una familia extensa

Se aporta una familia extensa en la que el síndrome de Rett‐Hagberg, el autismo con ataxia moderada y el autismo con retraso mental profundo existen separadamente en tres hembras, primas en segundo grado. Los autores sugieren explicaciones alternativas para una posible asociación entre el autismo y el síndrome de Rett‐Hagberg: que se trate de alteraciones genéticas muy cercanas o que constituyan fenotipos relativamente homogéneos con diversas etiologías posibles.
Hidden Intelligence of a Multiply Handicapped Child with Joubert Syndrome
Authors: Ziegler Anne‐Lise , Deonna Thierry , Calame André
Published: September 2010

A child with Joubert syndrome (episodic hyperpnoea, abnormal eye‐movements and ataxia) was followed from birth to eight years of age. Although severe mental retardation was suspected until approximately five years of age, unexpected and exceptional mental capacities were evident at later follow‐up. Adequate testing and appropriate stimulation of children with such a severe early motor disorder are difficult, so they may give a false impression of mental retardation. The history of this child challenges the notion that mental retardation is part of Joubert syndrome.

Intelligence masquée chez un enfant à incapacités multiples

Un enfant présentant un syndrome de Joubert (hyperpneé épisodique, mouvements oculaires anormaux et ataxie) fut suivi de la naissance jusqu'à l'âge de huit ans. Bien qu'une arriération mentale sévère ait été suspectée jusqu'à l'âge de cinq ans, des capacités mentales inattendues et exceptionnelles devinrent évidentes au suivi ultérieur. Une évaluation adéquate et une stimulation appropriée des enfants avec un tel déficit moteur précoce sont difficiles et peuvent donner lieu à une impression erronée de retard mental. L'histoire de cet enfant met en cause le fait qu'un retard mental soit un signe régulier du syndrome de Joubert.

Verborgene Intelligenz bei einem mehrfach behinderten Kind

Ein Kind mit Joubert Syndrom (episodische Hyperventilation, abnorme Augenbewegungen und Ataxie) wurde von der Geburt bis zum achten Lebensjahr kontrolliert. Obwohl man in den ersten fùnf Jahren eine schwere geistige Retardierung angenommen hatte, fanden sich bei späteren Kontrolluntersuchnungen unerwartete und außergewohnliche geistige Fähigkeiten. Eine genaue Testung und Stimulation der Kinder mit solch einer schweren, fruh auftretenden motorischen Erkrankungen ist schwer, sodaß der falsche Eindruck einer geistigen Retardierung entstehen kann. Die Anamnese dieses Kindes stellt die Auffassung in Frage, daß die geistige Retardierung zum Joubert Syndrom gehort.

Inteligencia escondida en un niño con múltiples incapacidades

Se siguió un niño con síndrome de Joubert (hiperpnea episódica, movimientos oculares anormales y ataxia) desde el nacimiento a los ocho años de edad. Aunque se sospechó in grave retraso mental hacia los cinco años de edad, más adelante se revelaron unas capacidades mentales exceptionales. Unos tests adecuados y una estimulación apropiada para este tipo de niños son dificiles de aplicar, por lo que pueden dar la falsa impresión de un retraso mental. La historia de este niño reta la noción de que el retraso mental forma parte de síndrome de Joubert.
EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF BOYS WITH DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
Authors: Smith R. A. , Sibert J. R. , Harper P. S.
Published: September 2010

Thirty‐three boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and a mean age of 3–4 years were assessed with the Griffiths Developmental Scales, the Reynell Language Scales and the British Picture Vocabulary Scales at six‐monthly intervals over a one‐year period. The boys showed developmental delay, which was most severe in the locomotor and language areas. The locomotor quotients deteriorated over time, but the other quotients did not. Maternal intelligence, home environment and social class had little effect on the aetiology of the developmental delay, and the behavioural problems seen in young boys with DMD may be secondary to it.

Développement précoce d'une myopathie de Duchenne

Trente‐trois garçons avec myopathie de Duchenne (DMD) et un âge moyen de troisans quatre mois ont été examinés aux Echelles de Développement de Griffiths, aux Echelles de Langage de Reynell et à la British Picture Vocabulary Scales à six mois d'intervalle sur une période d'un an. Les garçons présentaient un retard de développement particulièrement marqué pour la locomotion et le langage. Les quotients de locomotion se détérioraient en fontion du temps mais pas les autres quotients. L'intelligence maternelle, l'environnement à la maison et la classe sociale avaient peu d'effets sur l'étiologie du retard de développement et les problèmes comportementaux observés chez les jeunes gaçons avec DMD peuvent être secondaires à ce retard.

Frühentwicklung bei Kindern mit Duchenne'scher Muskeldystrophie

33 Jungen mit Duchenne'scher Muskeldystrophie (DMD) wurden im mittleren Alter von 3·4 Jahren mit den Griffith Developmental Scales, den Reynell Language Scales und British Picture Vocabulary Scales über einen Zeitraum von einem Jahr, in Intervallen von sechs Monaten untersucht. Die Jungen zeigten eine Entwicklungsverzögerung, die in den lokomotorischen und sprachlichen Bereichen am ausgeprägtesten war. Mütterliche Intelligenz, häusliches Umfeld und Sozialschicht hatten einen geringen Einfluß auf die Ätiologie der Entwicklungsverzögerung, und die Verhaltensprobleme, die bei den Jungen mit DMD auffielen, sind möglicherweise davon abhängig.

Desarrollo precoz en la distrofia muscular de Duchenne

Treinta y tres niños con distrofia muscular de Duchenne (DMD) de una edad promedio de 3·4 años fueron evaluados con las Griffiths Developmental Scales, las Reynell Language Scales y las British Picture Vocabulary Scales a intervalos de seis meses durante un periodo de un año. Los niños mostraron un retraso de desarrollo que era más grave en las àreas locomotora y del lenguaje. Los cocientes locomotores se deterioraron con tiempo pero los otros cocientes no. La inteligencia materna, el ambiente del hogar y la clase social tenian poco efecto en la etiología del retraso del desarrollo y los problemas conductuales vistos en muchachos jóvenes con DMD pueden ser secundarios a este retraso.
High‐Protein Carboxymethylase Activity and Low Endogenous Methyl Acceptor Proteins in Posterior Pituitary Lobe of Rats Lacking Neurophysin‐Vasopressin (Brattleboro Rats)
Authors: Saavedra Juan M. , Kloog Yoel , Chevillard Claude , Fernandez‐Pardal Julio
Published: September 2010

Abstract:The activity of protein carboxymethylase and the endogenous protein methyl acceptor capacity were examined in the posterior, intermediate, and anterior lobes of the pituitaries of homozygous Brattleboro rats with diabetes insipidus and in heterozygous Brattleboro and Long‐Evans control rats. Protein carboxyl methylation is selectively altered in the posterior pituitary lobes of homozygous Brattleboro rats. Protein carboxymethylase activity is higher (+40%) and endogenous methyl acceptor protein capacity is lower (‐80%) with respect to heterozygous Brattleboro and Long‐Evans control rats. This latter change is correlated with decreased methylation of proteins of a molecular weight of approximately 11K daltons, is selective for the posterior pituitary lobe, since it does not occur in the intermediate and anterior lobes, and probably reflects the absence of vasopressin‐associated neurophysin in homozygous Brattleboro rats. Our results support a physiological role of protein carboxyl methylation in the neurosecretory process in the posterior pituitary gland.
Limits of colour vision in dim light
Authors: Kelber Almut , Lind Olle
Published: September 2010

Humans and most vertebrates have duplex retinae with multiple cone types for colour vision in bright light, and one single rod type for achromatic vision in dim light. Instead of comparing signals from multiple spectral types of photoreceptors, such species use one highly sensitive receptor type thus improving the signal‐to‐noise ratio at night. However, the nocturnal hawkmoth Deilephila elpenor, the nocturnal bee Xylocopa tranquebarica and the nocturnal gecko Tarentola chazaliae can discriminate colours at extremely dim light intensities. To be able to do so, they sacrifice spatial and temporal resolution in favour of colour vision. We review what is known about colour vision in dim light, and compare colour vision thresholds with the optical sensitivity of the photoreceptors in selected animal species with lens and compound eyes.
Naming versus matching and the stability of unique hues
Authors: Panorgias A. , Kulikowski J. J. , Parry N. R. A. , McKeefry D. J. , Murray I. J.
Published: September 2010

It is known that there is a distortion of hue and saturation in the peripheral visual field. In a previous study, when an asymmetric matching paradigm was used, four hues in the blue, red, yellow and green regions of colour space were unchanged and these were referred to as peripherally invariant (Parry et al., J Opt Soc Am A, 23, 2006, 1586). Three of these invariant hues were similar to unique blue, red and yellow. However, for most observers there was a marked difference between unique and invariant green. To investigate this apparent paradox, we have measured unique hues using a range of eccentricities and colourimetric purities. An asymmetric matching and a 4‐AFC paradigm were used to establish peripherally invariant and unique hues, respectively. In the asymmetric matching task the observer matched a peripheral spot with a para‐foveal spot, for 24 different hues at 18° eccentricity. In the 4‐AFC paradigm, 41 hues were presented 20 times at three purities (0.5, 0.75 and 1.0) and three eccentricities (18°, 10° and 1°). The observer had to name the hues as red, blue, green or yellow. Unique hues were found to be constant with eccentricity and purity. The unique green, established with 4‐AFC, was found to differ from the invariant green, determined using the matching task. However, red, blue and yellow invariant hues correspond well with unique hues. The data suggest that different mechanisms mediate the matching of green compared with the identification of unique hues. This is similar to the difference between detection and discrimination of spectral stimuli: the detection process is dominated by the cone opponent mechanisms and is most sensitive, whereas more central processes, serving unique hues, influence discrimination.
Natural designs for manipulating the appearance of surfaces
Authors: Vukusic Pete
Published: September 2010

The surfaces of animals and plants are frequently adorned with a wealth of pattern, colour, and texture. Some insects for example, exhibit uniformly‐coloured unpatterned white surfaces; some display bright iridescent blue or green hues; others may present varying shades of black, brown or selected combinations of spectral colours. Additionally, unseen by human observers, certain species’ wing or body surfaces may produce strong ultra‐violet or polarisation signatures. This review will introduce the characteristics of structural colour effects and describe examples of them in the natural world. It will summarise some of the recent work on a range of insect species, focussing predominantly on Lepidoptera as an exemplar order.
How does the color influence figure and shape formation, grouping, numerousness and reading? The role of chromatic wholeness and fragmentation
Authors: Pinna Baingio , Uccula Arcangelo , Tanca Maria
Published: September 2010

In this work it is suggested that color induces phenomenal wholeness, part‐whole organization and fragmentation. The phenomenal wholeness subsumes the set of its main attributes: homogeneity, continuity, univocality, belongingness, and oneness. If color induces wholeness, it can also induce fragmentation. Therefore, in order to understand the role played by color within the process of part‐whole organization, color is used both as a wholeness and as a fragmentation tool, thus operating synergistically or antagonistically with other wholeness processes. Therefore, color is expected to influence figure‐ground segregation, grouping, shape formation and other visual processes that are related to the phenomenal wholeness. The purpose of this study is to rate the influence of color in inducing whole and part‐whole organization and, consequently, in determining the perception of figure‐ground segregation, grouping, shape formation, numerousness evaluation and time reading. We manipulated experimental conditions by using equiluminant colors to favor or break (parcel‐out) the wholeness of objects like geometrical composite figures and words. The results demonstrated that color is aimed, among other psychological and biological purposes, at: (1) relating each chromatic component of an object, thus favoring the emergence of the whole object; (2) eliciting a part‐whole organization, whose components are interdependent; (3) eliciting fragments and then breaking up the whole and favoring the emergence of single components. Wholeness, part‐whole organization and fragmentation can be considered as three further purposes of color.
Colour‐opponent mechanisms are not affected by age‐related chromatic sensitivity changes
Authors: Wuerger Sophie , Xiao Kaida , Fu Chenyang , Karatzas Dimosthenis
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this study was to assess whether age‐related chromatic sensitivity changes are associated with corresponding changes in hue perception in a large sample of colour‐normal observers over a wide age range (n = 185; age range: 18–75 years). In these observers we determined both the sensitivity along the protan, deutan and tritan line; and settings for the four unique hues, from which the characteristics of the higher‐order colour mechanisms can be derived. We found a significant decrease in chromatic sensitivity due to ageing, in particular along the tritan line. From the unique hue settings we derived the cone weightings associated with the colour mechanisms that are at equilibrium for the four unique hues. We found that the relative cone weightings (wL/wMandwL/wS) associated with the unique hues were independent of age. Our results are consistent with previous findings that the unique hues are rather constant with age while chromatic sensitivity declines. They also provide evidence in favour of the hypothesis that higher‐order colour mechanisms are equipped with flexible cone weightings, as opposed to fixed weights. The mechanism underlying this compensation is still poorly understood.
Cone contrast influence on components of the pattern onset/offset VECP
Authors: Gomes B. D. , Souza G. S. , Saito C. A. , Da Silva Filho M. , Rodrigues A. R. , Ventura D. F. , Silveira L. C. L.
Published: September 2010

Transient visual evoked cortical potentials (VECP) were recorded from the scalp of healthy normal trichromats (n = 12). VECPs were elicited by onset/offset presentation of patterned stimuli of two kinds: isochromatic luminance‐modulated, and equiluminant red‐green modulated, sine wave gratings. The amplitude and latency of the major onset components of the onset/offset VECP were measured and plotted as a function of the logarithm of pooled cone contrast. The early onset components, achromatic C1 and chromatic N1, increase linearly with log contrast, but N1 has a higher contrast gain than C1. The late onset components, achromatic C2 and chromatic N2, have similar contrast gain, and similar response as a function of contrast level: both increase in the low‐to‐medium range of contrasts and saturate at high contrast levels. In the range of pooled cone contrast tested, C1 and N1 show similar latencies, whilst C2 shows shorter latencies than N2. We suggest that C1 and N1 are generated by the same visual mechanism with high red‐green contrast gain and low luminance contrast gain, whilst C2 and N2 are generated by different visual mechanisms.
Basic colour names for 2D samples: effects of presentation media and illuminants
Authors: Hedrich Monika , Bloj Marina
Published: September 2010

We have previously shown (Bloj et al., 2008; Abstracts Materials & Sensations 2008) that under particular conditions colour memory is independent of presentation media, and of the illuminants under which colours are viewed. In the present study we investigate whether colour naming is also unaffected by these two factors.

Forty‐eight colour samples from the Natural Colour System (NCS) collection were presented as real paper samples or as accurate computer simulations displayed on a calibrated monitor. The colour swatches could be presented under a daylight illuminant – two intensities, 85 (‘D1’) or 60 cd m−2 (‘D2’) – or a purple illuminant, 45 cd m−2 (‘Lily’). The colour samples were shown in arrays of 16 (4 × 4 layout) and the observer’s task was to assign one of the eleven basic colour terms to each of the samples. Six observers repeated this colour naming task five times for each presentation medium and illuminant.

On average, in 73% of the cases the same colour term was assigned to surface and display colours. This level of agreement was highest for colour samples under daylight (D1‐82%, D2‐73%) and poor for Lily (65%). Although colour memory is unaffected by the nature of the colour stimulus, here we show that there are limitations to cross‐media agreement in colour naming.
L‐ and M‐cone input to 12Hz and 30Hz flicker ERGs across the human retina
Authors: Challa N. K. , McKeefry D. , Parry N. R. A. , Kremers J. , Murray I. J. , Panorgias A.
Published: September 2010

We recorded L‐ and M‐cone isolating ERGs from human subjects using a silent substitution technique at temporal rates of 12 and 30 Hz. These frequencies isolate the activity of cone‐opponent and non‐opponent post‐receptoral mechanisms, respectively. ERGs were obtained using a sequence of stimuli with different spatial configurations comprising; (1) circular stimuli of different sizes which increased in 10° steps up to 70°diameter, or (2) annular stimuli with a 70° outer diameter but with different sized central ablations from 10° up to 60°. L‐ and M‐cone isolating ERGs were obtained from five colour normal subjects using a DTL fibre electrode. Fourier analysis of the ERGs was performed and we measured the amplitude of the first harmonic of the response. For 12 Hz ERGs the L:M cone response amplitude ratio (L:MERG) was close to unity and remained stable irrespective of the spatial configuration of the stimulus. The maintenance of this balanced ratio points to the existence of cone selective input across the human retina for the L‐M cone opponent mechanism. For 30 Hz the L:MERG ratio was greater than unity but varied depending upon which region of the retina was being stimulated. This variation we consider to be a consequence of the global response properties of M‐cone ERGs rather than representing a real variation in L:M cone ratios across the retina.
Simulations of adaptation and color appearance in observers with varying spectral sensitivity
Authors: Webster Michael A. , Juricevic Igor , McDermott Kyle C.
Published: September 2010

A model of adaptation and visual coding was used to simulate how color appearance might vary among individuals that differ only in their sensitivity to wavelength. Color responses to images were calculated for cone receptors with spectral sensitivities specific to the individual, and in postreceptoral mechanisms tuned to different combinations of the cones. Adaptation was assumed to normalize sensitivity within each cone and postreceptoral channel so that the average response to an ensemble of scenes equaled the mean response in channels defined for the reference observer. Image colors were then rendered from the adapted channels’ outputs. The transformed images provide an illustration of the variations in color appearance that could be attributed to differences in spectral sensitivity in otherwise identical observers adapted to identical worlds, and examples of these predictions are shown for both normal variation (e.g. in lens and macular pigment) and color deficiencies (anomalous trichromacy). The simulations highlight the role that known processes of adaptation may play in compensating color appearance for variations in sensitivity both within and across observers, and provide a novel tool for visualizing the perceptual consequences of any variation in visual sensitivity including changes associated with development or disease.
Spatially coherent colour image reconstruction from a trichromatic mosaic with random arrangement of chromatic samples
Authors: Alleysson David
Published: September 2010

Recent high resolution imaging of the human retina confirms that the trichromatic cone mosaic follows a random arrangement. Moreover, both the cones’ arrangements and proportion widely differ from individual to individual. These findings provide new insights to our understanding of colour vision as most of the previous vision models ignored the mosaic sampling. Here, we propose a cone mosaic sampling simulation applied to colour images. From the simulation, we can infer the processing needs for retrieving spatial and chromatic information from the mosaic without spatial ambiguity. In particular, the focus is on the ability of the visual system to reconstruct coherent spatial information from a plurality of local neighbourhoods. We show that normalized linear processing allows the recovery of achromatic and chromatic information from a mosaic of trichromatic samples arranged randomly. Also, low frequency components of achromatic information can serve to coarsely estimate orientation, which in turn improves the interpolation of chromatic information. An implication for the visual system is the possibility that, in the cortex, the low frequency achromatic spatial information of the magnocellular pathway helps separate chromatic information from the mixed achromatic/chromatic information carried by the parvocellular pathway.
A behavioural investigation of human visual short term memory for colour
Authors: Nemes V. A. , Parry N. R. A. , McKeefry D. J.
Published: September 2010

We examined visual short term memory (VSTM) for colour using a delayed‐match‐to‐sample paradigm. In these experiments we measured the effects of increasing inter‐stimulus interval (ISI), varying between 0 and 10 s, on the ability of five colour normal human observers to make colour matches between a reference and subsequently presented test stimuli. The coloured stimuli used were defined by different chromatic axes on the isoluminant plane of DKL colour space. In preliminary experiments we used a hue scaling procedure to identify a total of 12 colour stimuli which served as reference hues in the colour memory experiments: four stimuli were exemplars of red, green, blue and yellow colour appearance categories, four were located between these categories and a further four were located on the cardinal axes that isolated the activity of the cone‐opponent mechanisms. Our results demonstrate that there is a reduction in the ability of observers to make accurate colour matches with increasing ISIs and that this reduced performance was similar for all colour stimuli. However, the shifts in hue that were measured between the reference and matched test stimuli were significantly greater for the cardinal stimuli compared to those measured for the stimuli defined by the hue scaling procedure. This deterioration in the retention of hue in VSTM for stimuli that isolate cone‐opponent mechanisms may be a reflection of the reorganisation of colour processing that occurs in the cortex where colour appearance mechanisms become more prominent.
Colour detection thresholds as a function of chromatic adaptation and light level
Authors: Jennings B. J. , Barbur J. L.
Published: September 2010

Colour threshold discrimination ellipses were measured for a number of states of chromatic adaptation and a range of luminance levels using the Colour Assessment and Diagnosis (CAD) test. An analysis of these results was carried out by examining the cone excitation signals along the cardinal axes that correspond to detection thresholds in the +L‐M (reddish), −L+M (greenish), +S (bluish) and −S (yellowish) colour directions. The results reveal a strong linear relationship between the excitations induced by the adapting background field in each cone class and the corresponding changes needed for threshold detection. These findings suggest that the cone excitation change for threshold detection of colour signals is always the same for a given background excitation level (in any cone class), independent of the excitations generated in the other cone classes. These observations have been used to develop a model to predict colour detection thresholds for any specified background luminance and chromaticity within the range of values investigated in this study (e.g., luminances in the range 0.3 to 31 cd.m−2 and chromaticities within the gamut of typical CRT displays). Predicted colour thresholds were found to be in close agreement with measured values with errors that do not, in general, exceed the measured within‐subject variability.
Loss of chromatic sensitivity in AMD and diabetes: a comparative study
Authors: O’Neill‐Biba M. , Sivaprasad S. , Rodriguez‐Carmona M. , Wolf J. E. , Barbur J. L.
Published: September 2010

Background:  Abnormalities in rod and cone photoreceptor morphology have been reported in normal aging retinas in the absence of known pathology and have been taken as an indicator of susceptibility to retinal disease. Some loss of visual performance may therefore precede retinal structural changes that can be detected reliably using conventional fundus imaging techniques. Red/green (RG) and yellow/blue (YB) colour discrimination thresholds are sensitive measures of normal retinal function and poor YB discrimination is often taken as an indicator of retinal disease, though it is generally acknowledged that RG loss is also present in most cases of acquired deficiency. Although structural changes in age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetes share some similarities, significant differences remain and this may result in different patterns of RG and YB loss.

Aim:  The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the severity of RG and YB loss of chromatic sensitivity in patients with AMD and diabetes.

Methods:  Patients with varying severity of AMD and diabetes and normal subjects of similar age were recruited for the study. RG and YB colour detection thresholds were measured in the two groups of patients and the control group, using the Colour Assessment and Diagnosis (CAD) test.

Results:  Each AMD subject investigated showed significant, but unequal loss of YB and RG chromatic sensitivity, with YB discrimination showing the greatest loss. Diabetic subjects also exhibited reduced chromatic sensitivity, but with almost equal and highly correlated RG and YB thresholds (R2 = 0.99). The severity of colour vision loss measured with the CAD test also correlates well with a clinical classification index of disease progression in AMD, and with the level of hyperglycaemic control in diabetes.

Conclusions:  These findings suggest that accurate measurements of RG and YB colour thresholds can provide a sensitive measure of functional change in diseases of the retina with patterns of loss that differ significantly in AMD and diabetes.
The Irish Agricultural Catchments Programme: catchment selection using spatial multi‐criteria decision analysis
Authors: Fealy R. M. , Buckley C. , Mechan S. , Melland A. , Mellander P. E. , Shortle G. , Wall D. , Jordan P.
Published: September 2010

The Nitrates Directive is a European Union legislative framework for managing agricultural nutrient transfers from land to water and, in the Republic of Ireland, is the main Programme of Measures for agriculture in the Water Framework Directive regulations. As part of the requirement for evaluating the Nitrates Directive National Action Programme and an associated derogation for intensive grassland farming, Ireland is monitoring environmental and economic effectiveness at the catchment scale. The selection of representative catchments has been undertaken using national spatial datasets in a Geographical Information System and a multi‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework from over 1500 possible candidates. This ranked catchments (4–12 km2) in terms of maximizing agricultural landuse and intensity, and defining areas of predominantly grassland and arable enterprises. Catchments were also ranked according to potential phosphorus and/or nitrogen transfer risk using metrics of surface and sub‐surface flow path susceptibility, respectively. A selection of four catchments has been augmented with a grassland catchment in a karst landscape that used individual MCDA data layers to define suitability. Some validation of the nutrient transfer risk from each catchment is presented from high resolution water quality data.
REVIEW ARTICLE: Issues facing home‐based medical support services
Authors: KINOSHITA Toru , HANABUSA Hiroo
Published: September 2010

The first part of the present review describes the current status of elderly people with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in the community and basic viewpoints for differentiating between different forms of dementia. Specifically, it focuses on four points among the data and research related to determining the current status of elderly people with BPSD. We also propose basic concepts for differentiating between the core symptoms of dementia and BPSD, BPSD and delirium, and agitation and delirium. In the second part of the present review, various aspects of the symptom ‘agitation’ are discussed based on the experience of our home visit medical service for people with dementia by describing two cases. In cases such as Case 1, where the subject was given high doses of antipsychotics, we believe the problem was that the physicians immediately abstracted all of the abnormal behavior in the subject's life as ‘agitation’, and provided treatment to the subject accordingly. In Case 2, where the subject had dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), we propose that it is crucial to differentiate clearly between agitation and delirium. Both of these cases show the risks of focusing treatment simply on agitation. When BPSD occurs in a person with dementia, the burden on caregivers increases. At such times, physicians tend to side with the family rather than with the patient. However, medical care is intended to be for the afflicted person, and physicians should base their plans for medical intervention on this principle.
CASE REPORT: Psychotic symptoms complicate the clinical differentiation of Parkinson's disease with major depressive disorder from dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: MIYASHITA Mitsuhiro , SASAYAMA Daimei , SUGIYAMA Nobuhiro , YASAKI Takehiko , WASHIZUKA Shinsuke , AMANO Naoji
Published: September 2010

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is diagnosed clinically according to the diagnostic criteria in the Third Report of the DLB Consortium. However, psychotic symptoms, such as visual hallucinations, delusions, and stupor, may complicate the clinical diagnosis of DLB. The present study reports on a patient with Parkinson's disease that was difficult to distinguish from DLB because of the presence of various psychotic symptoms. In making a diagnosis of DLB, it is important to assess essential psychiatric features and to observe patients for any changes in these features.
An Observational Trial to Investigate the Efficacy and Tolerability of Levetiracetam in Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Mitsikostas Dimos D. , Pantes George V. , Avramidis Theodore G. , Karageorgiou Klimentini E. , Gatzonis Stylianos D. , Stathis Pantelis G. , Fili Vassiliki A. , Siatouni Anna D. , Vikelis Michail
Published: September 2010

Objective.—To explore the efficacy and tolerability of levetiracetam in medical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

Background.—Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are considered as first‐line treatment for trigeminal neuralgia, although their use is often limited due to incomplete efficacy and tolerability. Newer AEDs with improved safety profile may be useful in this disorder.

Methods.—Patients suffering from trigeminal neuralgia (either primary or secondary) refractory to previous treatments were recruited to be treated with levetiracetam (3‐4 g/day) for 16 weeks as add‐on therapy, after a 2‐week baseline period. Rescue medication was allowed in both the baseline and treatment phases. The primary efficacy measure was the number of attacks per day. The patients' efficacy evaluation, the patients' global evaluation for both safety and efficacy, changes in the Hamilton Depression Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, and the Quality of Life Measure Short Form‐36 were secondary parameters.

Results.—Twenty‐three patients were included in the analysis. After treatment and compared to the baseline phase, the number of daily attacks decreased by 62.4%. All secondary parameters changed significantly with the exception of the Quality of Life Measure Short Form‐36 score. Seven patients withdrew from the study. Five patients (21.7%) reported side effects and 2 withdrew.

Conclusions.—Levetiracetam may be effective and safe in trigeminal neuralgia treatment. Confirmation in a randomized controlled study is needed.

(Headache2010;50:1371‐1377)
Retrospective Review of 707 Cases of Spinal Cord Stimulation: Indications and Complications
Authors: Mekhail Nagy A. , Mathews Manu , Nageeb Fady , Guirguis Maged , Mekhail Mark N. , Cheng Jianguo
Published: September 2010

Appropriate patient selection and minimizing complications are critical for successful spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy in managing intractable pain. We thus reviewed electronic medical records of 707 consecutive cases of patients who received SCS therapy in the Cleveland Clinic from 2000 to 2005 with an emphasis on indications and complications. SCS was used to treat complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) (345 cases), failed back surgery syndrome (235 cases), peripheral vascular disease (20 cases), visceral pain in the chest, abdomen, and pelvis (37 cases), and peripheral neuropathy (70 cases). CRPS and failed back surgery syndrome accounted for 82% of the cases. The implant‐to‐trial ratio was 75% on average, with the highest for CRPS type 2 (83%) and the lowest for peripheral vascular diseases (65%). The only documented complication associated with SCS trials was lead migration in 5 of 707 patients (0.7%). There were no permanent neurological deficits or deaths as a result of SCS implant or its complications. Hardware‐related complications were common (38%) and included lead migration (22.6%), lead connection failure (9.5%), and lead breakage (6%). Revisions or replacements were required in these cases. Biologically related complications included pain at the generator site (12%) and clinical infection (4.5%; 2.5% with positive culture). The rates of infection varied among the different diagnoses with the highest in failed back surgery syndrome (6.3%). Patients with diabetes had an infection rate of 9%, over the 4% in non‐diabetics. Infections were managed successfully with explantation and antibiotic therapy without permanent sequela.
Land Rent, Ethics, and Capitalism's Gestation Crisis:
Authors: Levy Jay
Published: September 2010

Abstract As population increases land rises in value and this causes greater and greater payments to land owners without any contribution to production by them. This wrongly deprives producers of increasing amounts of income that they produced and are entitled to. As the process proceeds, it threatens the viability of capitalism itself as it lowers profits for the prime movers in the economic system. Home ownership in the US is becoming increasingly difficult for young people as the price of land keeps rising. Economic progress has been very fast in countries that tax land and seek its equitable distribution and is lagging in those that do not. The high unemployment rates in Europe are related to this unfair distribution of income.
The Effectiveness of Gun Control Laws:
Authors: Kwon Ik‐Whan G. , Scott Bradley , Safranski Scott R. , Bae Muen
Published: September 2010

Abstract The purpose of this study is to statistically and empirically evaluate the effectiveness of the gun control laws that have been adopted by states and municipalities. States are divided into two groups: states with no restrictions as to gun use and states with restrictions (e.g., waiting periods, license, etc.). Multiple linear regression models are used to evaluate the relationship between the number of gun related deaths in 1990 and sets of determinants which include state laws and regulations governing the use of firearms. The study results indicate that gun control laws have a very mild effect on the number of gun related deaths while socioeconomic variables such as a state's poverty level, unemployment rate and alcohol consumption, have significant impact on firearm related deaths. These findings suggest that any reduction in resources spent on social programs tied to the Crime Bill may be counter‐productive.
India's Evolving Economic Model:
Authors: Kaushik Surendra K.
Published: September 2010

Abstract Over the course of the past 50 years, India has developed as a stable economy. Economic policies of the Indian government have guided and shaped India into a mixed economy. Political stability has been a significant factor in this process. The United States and European economic and political systems had a significant impact on evolution of India's economic model. Financial and economic reforms since 1991 have accelerated the pace of change toward an open market economy both in its internal operations and in its linkages with the global markets. India's economic future is now promising as it moves forward on its unique path of economic policy.