A chimeric point-light walker

Ambiguity has long been used as a probe into visual processing. Here, we describe a new dynamic ambiguous figure-the chimeric point-light walker--which we hope will prove to be a useful tool for exploring biological motion. We begin by describing the construction of the stimulus and discussing the compelling finding that, when presented in a mask, observers consistently fail to notice anything odd about the walker, reporting instead that they are watching an unambiguous figure moving either to the left or right. Some observers report that the initial percept fluctuates, moving first to the left, then to the right, or vice versa; others always perceive a constant direction. All observers, when briefly shown the unmasked ambiguous figure, have no difficulty in perceiving the novel motion pattern once the mask is returned. These two findings--the initial report of unambiguous motion and the subsequent 'primed' perception of the ambiguity--are both consistent with an important role for top-down processing in biological motion. We conclude by suggesting several domains within the realm of biological-motion processing where this simple stimulus may prove to be useful.     

Congenital heart disease: A primer for the pediatric neuropsychologist

Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects millions of people worldwide, including over one million children in the United States. Approximately 25% of children born with CHD require intensive surgical intervention within the first year of life. Despite improved rates of survival into adulthood – rates that exceed 90% in the modern era – children and adolescents with CHD remain at risk for neurological injury and a range of neurobehavioral and psychosocial challenges that pose a threat to quality of life across the lifespan. Consequently, as experts in both clinical psychology and brain development, neuropsychologists are becoming increasingly involved in cardiac follow-up and monitoring to promote optimal developmental outcomes. The primary objective of this paper is to provide an evidence-based, clinically-oriented primer on CHD for pediatric neuropsychologists working with this growing population of survivors. Following an introduction to current standard-of-care guidelines for managing children and adolescents with CHD, we present an overview of brain development within the context of CHD, review neuropsychological outcomes, examine factors influencing variability in outcomes, and discuss implications and strategies for clinical assessment.     

A Note on Negation in Categorial Grammar

A version of strong negation is introduced into Categorial Grammar.The resulting syntactic calculi turn out to be systems of connexivelogic.     

Justice and Long-Term Care: A Theological Ethical Perspective

The relevance of justice for the current debate on long-termcare is explored on the basis of demographic and economic data,especially in the U.S. and Germany. There is a justice questionconcerning the quality and availability of long-term care fordifferent groups within society. Mapping the justice debateby discussing the two main opponents, John Rawls and RobertNozick, the article identifies fundamental assumptions in boththeories. An exploration of the biblical concept of the "optionfor the poor" and its influence on a new "ecumenical socialteaching from below" leads to the conclusion that a Christianethical account of long-term care will argue for a system thatguarantees decent care to every citizen. The German model ofSoziale Pflegeversicherung is presented as one possible optionfor putting this ethical guideline into political practice.In a final reflection, the role of religious affiliation forlong-term care is discussed by looking at empirical data andby naming seven dimensions of faith-driven long-term care.     

Zuschriften an die Herausgeber

Ohne Zusammenfassung