The ability to detect, discriminate and identify spatial stimuli is much poorer in the peripheral than in the central visual field. Some deficits are eliminated by scaling stimulus size. For example, grating detectibility is roughly constant across the visual field when spatial frequency and target extent are scaled appropriately. Other deficits persist despite scaling. For instance, some readily detectable patterns are more difficult to identify peripherally than in the fovea. This deficit is caused, at least partially, by a reduced ability to encode spatial phase (or relative position). To specify the properties of foveal and peripheral phase-encoding mechanisms, we measured discrimination thresholds for compound gratings at several eccentricities. Our observations are consistent with a two-channel model of phase encoding based on even- and odd-symmetric mechanisms (see Fig. 1), but the sensitivity of the odd-symmetric mechanisms decreases dramatically with eccentricity. Thus, the loss of sensitivity in one type of mechanism may underlie the reduced ability to encode spatial phase peripherally.

Differential Threshold↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of aging on the useful field of view.

Previous research has shown that the useful field of view (UFOV) is a useful tool in predicting driving ability, and the UFOV also seems to decline with age. The goals of the current study were first, to examine UFOV changes systematically as a function of age (15-84), and, second, to determine the effect of dividing attention on the UFOV. Our results show that the deterioration in the UFOV begins early in life (by 20 years, or younger). This deterioration is best conceptualized as a decrease in the efficiency with which observers can extract information from a cluttered scene, rather than by shrinking of the field of view per se. The diminished efficiency among elderly observers is exacerbated when conditions require the division of attention between central and peripheral tasks.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Care coordination in an academic medical center.

Care coordination/case management models provide a method to measure expenditures within the context of health-care outcomes. High costs are predictable in a high skill, technology-intensive service industry such as academic medical centers. A care-coordination model provides a means to reduce the cost per case and influence patient satisfaction. In this article, the authors describe a Care-Coordination Model for neurologically impaired patients in an academic medical center. The Care-Coordination Model serves as a structure for cost containment within a diagnostic reimbursement grouping (DRG) category and provides an opportunity to develop alternative care programs to support those disabled in their community setting. Clinical and financial outcomes are presented as well as follow-up in the form of a patient survey. The results demonstrate cost savings in several charge categories, a reduction in the length of stay, a reduction in the variation of clinical treatment, and an increase in patient satisfaction regarding discharge preparation.

Academic Medical Centers↗