Dataset Information

A Novel Interception Strategy in a Miniature Robber Fly with Extreme Visual Acuity.

ABSTRACT: Our visual system allows us to rapidly identify and intercept a moving object. When this object is far away, we base the trajectory on the target's location relative to an external frame of reference [1]. This process forms the basis for the constant bearing angle (CBA) model, a reactive strategy that ensures interception since the bearing angle, formed between the line joining pursuer and target (called the range vector) and an external reference line, is held constant [2-4]. The CBA model may be a fundamental and widespread strategy, as it is also known to explain the interception trajectories of bats and fish [5, 6]. Here, we show that the aerial attack of the tiny robber fly Holcocephala fusca is consistent with the CBA model. In addition, Holcocephala fusca displays a novel proactive strategy, termed "lock-on" phase, embedded with the later part of the flight. We found the object detection threshold for this species to be 0.13°, enabled by an extremely specialized, forward pointing fovea (∼5 ommatidia wide, interommatidial angle Δφ = 0.28°, photoreceptor acceptance angle Δρ = 0.27°). This study furthers our understanding of the accurate performance that a miniature brain can achieve in highly demanding sensorimotor tasks and suggests the presence of equivalent mechanisms for target interception across a wide range of taxa. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

SUBMITTER: Wardill TJ

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5364399 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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A Novel Interception Strategy in a Miniature Robber Fly with Extreme Visual Acuity.

Wardill Trevor J TJ Fabian Samuel T ST Pettigrew Ann C AC Stavenga Doekele G DG Nordström Karin K Gonzalez-Bellido Paloma T PT

Current biology : CB 20170309 6

Our visual system allows us to rapidly identify and intercept a moving object. When this object is far away, we base the trajectory on the target's location relative to an external frame of reference [1]. This process forms the basis for the constant bearing angle (CBA) model, a reactive strategy that ensures interception since the bearing angle, formed between the line joining pursuer and target (called the range vector) and an external reference line, is held constant [2-4]. The CBA model may ...[more]

PMID: 28286000

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Project description:BackgroundEndotracheal intubation by direct laryngoscopy is a mainstay of advanced airway management performed both in the prehospital environment and in the Emergency Department. Many factors may affect the quality of view during direct laryngoscopy, one of them being the visual acuity (VA) of the intubator under these demanding conditions. While some individual variation in VA is to be expected in younger populations, VA naturally deteriorates in older populations particularly beyond the age of 40 years. This study aimed to describe VA in a younger (n=19) and an older (≥40 years of age, n=20) cohort of intubators at baseline and during simulated adult laryngoscopy, and to compare VA between these two age cohorts.MethodsA baseline near VA test was done using a Sloan Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (EDTRS) near vision chart at 40 cm under ambient indoor light. Participants in both age cohorts were then requested to perform laryngoscopy using an airway simulator at 40 cm viewing distance and again at a viewing distance of their choice. Both binocular and monocular VA were tested using a near VA chart placed anterior to the vocal cords of the airway trainer. VA was quantified using the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR). Differences in VA between age cohorts were assessed using independent samples t-tests and differences within age cohorts were assessed using paired samples t-tests.ResultsBinocular and monocular near VA was significantly reduced in the older cohort compared to the younger cohort at baseline (both eyes -0.129 logMAR; p = 0.04, right eye -0.147 logMAR; p = 0.005, left eye -0.197 logMAR; p = 0.002). Within each age cohort VA was significantly reduced during laryngoscopy at a fixed viewing distance (younger; both eyes -0.111 logMAR; p < 0.001, right eye -0.095 logMAR; p < 0.001, left eye -0.105 logMAR; p < 0.001; older; both eyes -0,08 logMAR; p < 0.001, right eye -0.110 logMAR; p < 0.001, left eye -0.065 logMAR; p = 0.01) but this was improved by reducing viewing distance.ConclusionIncreased age was associated with a significant reduction in VA at baseline and during laryngoscopy, which can be partially compensated for by adjusting viewing distance. Although it is currently unknown to what extent this age-related reduction of VA might negatively affect time to place an endotracheal tube or success of placement under direct vision, older intubators should be aware of this effect and consider specialized corrective eyewear in order to maintain an adequate level of VA.

Dataset Information

A Novel Interception Strategy in a Miniature Robber Fly with Extreme Visual Acuity.

Publications

A Novel Interception Strategy in a Miniature Robber Fly with Extreme Visual Acuity.

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