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J Prinz

Publications and source records attributed to J Prinz.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

A neurofunctional theory of visual consciousness.

This paper develops an empirically motivated theory of visual consciousness. It begins by outlining neuropsychological support for Jackendoff's (1987) hypothesis that visual consciousness involves mental representations at an intermediate level of processing. It then supplements that hypothesis with the further requirement that attention, which can come under the direction of high level representations, is also necessary for consciousness. The resulting theory is shown to have a number of philosophical consequences. If correct, higher-order thought accounts, the multiple drafts account, and the widely held belief that sensation precedes perception will all be found wanting. The theory will also be used to illustrate and defend a methodology that fills the gulf between functionalists who ignore the brain and neural reductionists who repudiate functionalism.

Attention↗

A reply to lormand

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Journal Article↗

A reply to marcel

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Journal Article↗

Automated high-resolution polymerase chain reaction fragment analysis: a method for detecting T-cell receptor gamma-chain gene rearrangements in lymphoproliferative diseases.

Southern blot analysis and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are powerful tools for detecting clonal antigen receptor gene rearrangements. However, a number of limitations restrict the predictive value of the results obtained by these techniques as they are commonly used. We describe a new method, automated high-resolution PCR fragment analysis, that can partially overcome many of the limitations of analyzing the T-cell receptor (TCR) gamma-chain gene. Analysis of TCR-gamma is performed using PCR with four sets of primers, previously described by others, specific for all variable (V) and joining (J) regions of the TCR gamma-chain gene. In addition, the four V region primers are 5' end-labeled with a fluorescent compound, 5-carboxyfluorescein. After amplification, the labeled PCR products are separated with an automated sequencing system, ABI 373 (Applied Biosystems, Weiterstadt, Germany). With the help of the Gene-Scan software ABI 672 (Applied Biosystems) and fluorescent-labeled DNA length markers, the exact size of each peak can be displayed and analyzed. The resolution of this method allows separation of PCR products differing in length by as little as 1 bp. Semiquantitative estimation of specific clones also can be performed. Infiltrate-specific gene rearrangement patterns can be identified and recognized in different tissue specimens at the time of diagnosis or in subsequent biopsy specimens. We conclude that automated high-resolution PCR fragment analysis allows more accurate and convenient analysis of the TCR gamma-chain gene.

Automation↗

Language as a barrier to the acquisition of anatomical knowledge.

The language of instruction for medical students at the University of Hong Kong is English, which is their second language. This presents a potential barrier to their academic learning. We have studied the extent of this problem by looking at the amount of terminology students have to assimilate during their anatomy course and the way in which the terminology is structured and explained (this provides, more generally, an indication of the factual loading to which medical students are exposed). We have also investigated the effect of the quality of students' language skills on their examination results in anatomy class tests and MBBS exams. It was found that students' entrance levels in English correlated well with their final examination results and that the quality and quantity of their English also correlated highly with scores in class tests. On this basis, we conclude that language is one of the most important barriers to students' academic success in the department and that current teaching materials may not be appropriate.

Anatomy↗

Late results of complementary specific immunostimulation in metastatic prostate carcinoma.

Calculation of the 5-year actuarial survival reveals a clear superiority of a combination of estrogenic hormone therapy with specific immunostimulation as compared to hormone therapy alone. The aim of this investigation was to show that specific immunostimulation complementary to estrogenic hormone therapy can substantially improve the results of the latter. Because of the appreciable side effects of estrogens, we have abandoned them as basic therapy. Today, we combine specific immunotherapy with RH-LH analogs and androgen receptor blockers and hope to attain further improvement of the actuarial survival in metastatic prostate carcinoma.

Aged↗