Biomedical subjects

W Riss

Publications and source records attributed to W Riss.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1984

Testing a theory of brain function by computer methods. III. Detecting cerebral asymmetry in normal adults.

Pursuing a plan for overall testing of the timing and sequencing of brain processes, testing techniques are introduced for probing a normal adult's short-term central processes, especially those which are employed in reading a digit span of 6 numbers or less. The tests are administered by means of a personal computer and can provide information on the individual subject's characteristic sequencing and timing of particular central processes. In a subject whose first language is read from left to right, the presented tests reported in this paper reveal an asymmetry in normal adults wherein digits presented in the left visual field are processed more efficiently than those presented in the right visual field. It is suggested that the right hemisphere 'holds the image' while the left hemisphere 'transforms' the spatial image into a temporal sequence for use in speech. The 'right-positioned' or 'later' components must be held at least until a successful spoken response is completed.

Brain↗

PubMed1984

Testing a theory of brain function by computer methods. IV. Comparing spatial and temporal order in the two cerebral hemispheres.

Continuing with a plan for overall testing of the timing and sequencing of brain processes, further testing techniques are introduced for probing a normal adult's short-term central processes, especially those which are employed in reading a short digit span. The tests are administered by means of a personal computer and can provide information on the individual subject's characteristic sequencing and timing of particular central processes. In a subject whose first language is read from left to right, the presented tests reported in this paper can reveal an interesting asymmetry. A temporal display of digits in the right visual field is correctly perceived more readily than in the left. Conversely, a brief, spatial display of digits in the left visual field is correctly reported more often than in the right. It is suggested, therefore, that there are individuals whose left hemisphere is superior in handling a temporal sequence of digits while the right hemisphere is superior in handling a spatial display of digits.

Adult↗

PubMed1983

Testing a theory of brain function by computer methods.

Using a personal computer as a tool, methods of studying the time course and sequencing of human brain processes are described. Reasons are given for choosing the visual system and brain control of eye movement as the input-output model for tracing the processes. With such a model it is possible to study the spectrum of functions from initial input processes to higher level controls often attributed to the prefrontal cortex. The testing technique was devised for use in relation to a unified theory of brain processing but it is a useful approach to functional assessment regardless of the particular theory being evaluated.

Brain↗

PubMed1983

Testing a theory of brain function by computer methods. II. Timing short-range mental scanning.

In keeping with a plan for overall testing of the timing and sequencing of brain processes, testing techniques are introduced for timing short-range mental scanning without eye movement. The tests, using a personal computer, reveal the tendency to scan from left to right, even when there is insufficient time for eye movement, in persons whose first language is one which is read from left to right. The tests depend on the use of blocking stimuli which operate on central processes rather than peripheral processes, and suggest that it is possible to measure the timing and sequencing of central brain processing thereby.

Adult↗

PubMed1976

Tail pinch-induced arousal and stimulus-bound behavior in rats with lateral hypothalamic lesions. Further evaluation of hypothalamic control of feeding and drinking.

Arousal induced by tail pinching results in stimulus-bound feeding, licking and gnawing in male rats during the aphagic and adipsic phase that follows electrolytic damage to the lateral hypothalamus (LH). Such stimulus-bound behavior is very similar to electrically induced stimulus-bound behavior. Furthermore, brain-damaged animals during tail pinch-induced drinking trials are responsive to the sensory properties of the test liquid. Chocolate milk is consumed but tap water is actively rejected. Tail pinch to sham-operated control rats failed to induce such behavior; instead, it induced rage behavior towards the hand that pinched the tail. The results support the conclusion that rats with LH lesions require an arousing stimulus for feeding but that the same externally applied arousing stimulus enhances active rejection of tap water.

Animals↗

PubMed1972