Scanpaths in reading and picture viewing: computer-assisted optimization of display conditions.

A review of the literature shows that in reading and picture viewing cognitive skills play a key role along with visual acuity. Optimal processing conditions are reached only with letter and object sizes that match both cognitive skills and visual acuity. Beginning readers with normal vision need larger letters than skilled readers. In reading, eye movements step the fovea, a high-acuity region 2 degrees diameter, at the physiological pace of the visual system about 4 times per second. A simple computer-based procedure is described that determines the best acuity- and skill-matched letter (or object) sizes in the context of an optimal reading eye movement speed of 8 deg/s.

Ex-vivo hemoperfusion (eHPS) of pig-lungs with whole human blood: effects of complement inhibition with a soluble C1-esterase-inhibitor.

OBJECTIVES: Xenotransplantation could be a future alternative to allotransplantation due to increasing organ shortage. Complement activation plays a major role in hyperacute rejection (HAR) in pig-to-human combinations. We developed an ex-vivo hemoperfusion (EHP) system to investigate pathophysiology of HAR in the lung. After standardizing the model, the effect of a soluble complement inhibitor (C1-INH, Berinert) was investigated. METHODS: Pig lungs were harvested following cold perfusion with Celsior preservation solution. EHP was performed using fresh heparinized human blood plus C1-INH (n = 6) or heparinized human blood as control (n = 4). Bloodgas analyses (BGA), pulmonalarterial pressure (PAP) were monitored. P-selectin and L-selectin were measured. Tissue samples were taken and microscopic changes evaluated. RESULTS: BGA, PAP, macroscopic and microscopic changes in the control group showed HAR, while the C1-INH group showed significantly longer function. Leucocytes and platelets were markedly activated in the control, whereas in the treated group L-selectin and P-selectin values indicated lower activation. HE stainings showed maintained lung architecture after perfusion of pig-lungs with human blood plus C1-INH. Immunohistochemistry showed less C1q, C3, C5b-9 activation in the C1-INH group. CONCLUSIONS: Investigation of interaction of human blood with pig lung endothelium could be done in this model. C1-INH attenuates HAR in a pig-to-human lung transplantation model by decreasing the activation of adhesion molecules. C1-INH could play a role in induction therapy of future lung xenotransplantation.

The construction of sutureless cataract incision and the management of corneal astigmatism.

Extrapolating information from equations that govern fluid flow, a theoretical formula is developed for a sutureless cataract incision. This theoretical formula defines the resistance of aqueous outflow as a function of three variables: length of cataract incision, the length of the scleral tunnel, the tortuosity of the outflow channel, and one constant friction factor. The nonlinear relationship of corneal incisions to length, depth, and distance from the visual axis is also examined with respect to their effect on central corneal curvature and control of astigmatism. Finite element analysis of differential equations is discussed as the most plausible technique for predicting these incisional effects.

Visual performance and reading capacity of partially sighted persons in a rehabilitation center.

Visual acuity and reading performance of 178 partially sighted patients from a rehabilitation center were measured using a TV text display device. A linear relation was demonstrated between visual acuity and reading speed for patients with visual acuity values below 15% of the normal value. With respect to reading performance, three groups of partially sighted patients could be distinguished: (1) 25% of the patients are unable to read visually and require tactile reading aids; (2) 50% are partially sighted and require high-magnification electronic reading aids; (3) 25% can read normal text by using optical magnifying devices. There is evidence that reading performance is related to the nature of the underlying ocular problem, such as refractive anomalies, macular degeneration, or other diseases.

[First experiences with an instrument for TV display of digitally encoded text information for the visually handicapped (author's transl)]. / Erste Erfahrungen mit einem Gerät zur Darbietung digital kodierter Texte auf Fernsehgeräten für Sehbehinderte.

An instrument was developed which allows the display, in enlarged form--especially for visually handicapped persons--of text information as used in modern data-acquisition systems such as writing automats, screen editing devices, and television text display (in England, Ceefax). With the aid of electronic character generators, the text is displayed continually, moving from right to left in one line on the screen of a commercial TV set. Rate of movement, size, brightness, and color of the characters (and/or the background) can be selected arbitrarily. We performed a preliminary reading test with visually handicapped subjects from a rehabilitation center for blind persons. The resulting optimal parameters for text display and the achieved reading speed with the system are discussed.

Responses of barnacle photoreceptors to high energy flashes of short duration.

In chromatic adapted barnacle median and lateral photoreceptors the two stable states of the photopigment (rhodopsin R and metarhodopsin M) were interconverted with intense, colored light flashes of 1 ms duration. Only after conversion of the red adapted photoreceptor in K+-Ringer solution with an intense flash the negative early receptor potential, ERP (of R) gradually appeared detected with an indicator flash. For the opposite conversion (blue adapted, R leads M) the gradual appearance of the positive ERP (M) was not measurable in the same time span. In artificial seawater all flash stimuli yielded--irrespective of color--the transient component of the late receptor potential (LRP). ERP results for the lateral photoreceptor are discussed in view of an existing kinetic model and an attempt is made to give an explanation which covers the new LRP transient and ERP results for both types of photoreceptor (appendix).

Histologic and histochemical preneoplastic changes in the bladder mucosae of dogs given 2-naphthylamine.

So that the earliest morphologic changes produced in dog bladders by a bladder carcinogen could be detected, 25 mg 2-naphthylamine/kg was given daily to dogs for 1, 6, and 36 weeks. Among early changes observed in some, but not all, dogs at 1 and 6 weeks were a loss of the bladder luminal membrane, hyperplasia of the epithelium, and lymphocytic infiltration of the submucosa. These changes were also present, to a more severe degree, in all dogs at 36 weeks. A more advanced preneoplastic change observed only at 36 weeks was a scalloped appearance of the normally straight basal cell line due to the beginning of nodule formation of the hyperplastic epithelial cells (von Brunn's epithelial nests). Histochemically, the alkaline phosphatase activity was altered from the normally regular, dense staining of the basal cell layer to a weaker, intermittent staining. No tumors were observed. Of the dogs given the same dose of 2-naphthylamine for 26 weeks and then kept for 3 years before being killed, 2 dogs had normal bladders but the other 2 had epithelial carcinomas.