Hildesheimer Geographische Studien, Band 5

In diesem Band enthalten: Hannah Graen, Robin Stadtmann & Martin Sauerwein: Modellierung von Temperaturdaten und Temperaturveränderungen im Nationalpark Asinara, Sardinien (S. 1-27); Sarah Matheis, Nico Herrmann & Martin Sauerwein: Entwicklung eines Monitoringkonzeptes für Niedermoore am Beispiel des Bergen-Weißacker Moores, Süd-Brandenburg (S. 28-63); Martin Sauerwein, Jan-Philip Dieck & Robin Stadtmann: Urbane Böden im Kontext von Ecosystem Services (S. 64-89); Martin Sauerwein, Julia Jaquemotte & Lars Germershausen: Ursachen der Nitratbelastung des Grundwassers im Raum Hannover/Hildesheim (S. 90-110); Sabine Panzer-Krause: Einkaufen in der Hildesheimer Innenstadt. Auswirkungen der Arneken Galerie auf den innerstädtischen Einzelhandel (S. 111-132); Robin Stadtmann, Nico Herrmann, Jasmin Karaschewski & Martin Sauerwein: Bodenbewusstsein: Hildesheimer Aktivitäten zum Jahr des Bodens 2015 (S. 133-140

Robust estimation of bacterial cell count from optical density

Optical density (OD) is widely used to estimate the density of cells in liquid culture, but cannot be compared between instruments without a standardized calibration protocol and is challenging to relate to actual cell count. We address this with an interlaboratory study comparing three simple, low-cost, and highly accessible OD calibration protocols across 244 laboratories, applied to eight strains of constitutive GFP-expressing E. coli. Based on our results, we recommend calibrating OD to estimated cell count using serial dilution of silica microspheres, which produces highly precise calibration (95.5% of residuals <1.2-fold), is easily assessed for quality control, also assesses instrument effective linear range, and can be combined with fluorescence calibration to obtain units of Molecules of Equivalent Fluorescein (MEFL) per cell, allowing direct comparison and data fusion with flow cytometry measurements: in our study, fluorescence per cell measurements showed only a 1.07-fold mean difference between plate reader and flow cytometry data

Technological competence is a precondition for effective implementation of virtual reality head mounted displays in human neuroscience:A technological review and meta-analysis

International audienceImmersive virtual reality (VR) emerges as a promising research and clinical tool. However, several studies suggest that VR induced adverse symptoms and effects (VRISE) may undermine the health and safety standards, and the reliability of the scientific results. In the current literature review, the technical reasons for the adverse symptomatology are investigated to provide suggestions and technological knowledge for the implementation of VR head-mounted display (HMD) systems in cognitive neuroscience. The technological systematic literature indicated features pertinent to display, sound, motion tracking, navigation, ergonomic interactions, user experience, and computer hardware that should be considered by the researchers. Subsequently, a meta-analysis of 44 neuroscientific or neuropsychological studies involving VR HMD systems was performed. The meta-analysis of the VR studies demonstrated that new generation HMDs induced significantly less VRISE and marginally fewer dropouts. Importantly, the commercial versions of the new generation HMDs with ergonomic interactions had zero incidents of adverse symptomatology and dropouts. HMDs equivalent to or greater than the commercial versions of contemporary HMDs accompanied with ergonomic interactions are suitable for implementation in cognitive neuroscience. In conclusion, researchers' technological competency, along with meticulous methods and reports pertinent to software, hardware, and VRISE, are paramount to ensure the health and safety standards and the reliability of neuroscientific results

Bots are getting smarter: Online survey data collection in the age of sophisticated AI

2023 Symposium Caring for Data in Hawaiʻi PresentationIn early summer of 2022, our team launched an online survey using SurveyMonkey to collect data about teen health in Hawai’i for a needs assessment being conducted in collaboration with the Hawaii State Department of Health. The survey was for teens and youth with special health care needs, as well as their parents/caregivers, and aimed to collect data about needs and barriers to their healthcare. We offered an incentive of a $20 gift card for participation to reach a few hundred families within the state of Hawai’i. We used flyers with QR code and asked community partners to share via listservs and social media. Within 12 hours of sharing information with community partners, we had over 1500 survey responses. A quick look revealed that the vast majority of the responses were from bots– automated programs designed to complete online surveys offering monetary incentives. In fact, only about 50 responses of 1500 appeared to be submitted by actual humans. We quickly shut down the survey, regrouped, and did some research on survey bots, which very recently have become sophisticated enough to bypass CAPTCHA safeguards. In this presentation, we will share about our experiences in developing strategies to filter out bot responses from datasets, our audit of survey platforms and our new platform-of-choice (REDCap), pre-emptive strategies to build safeguards, and facilitate a discussion on the implications for online data collection

Grundsätze für Erfolgskontrollen von Revitalisierungsmaßnahmen stark degradierter Niedermoore – Fallbeispiel Bergen-Weißacker Moor in Südbrandenburg

Der überwiegende Teil der in Deutschland erhaltenen Niedermoore weist einen veränderten Wasserhaushalt, ein mooruntypisches Arteninventar und einen stark degradierten Torfkörper auf. Revitalisierungsmaßnahmen werden umgesetzt, um den Zustand dieser überprägten Moorökosysteme zu verbessern. Allerdings existiert bisher kein Erfolgskontrollkonzept, welches gezielt für die Bewertung der Revitalisierungsmaßnahmen in stark degradierten Niedermoorökosystemen Anwendung finden kann. Am Beispiel des stark degradierten und hydrologisch vielfältig überprägten Bergen-Weißacker Moores (Südbrandenburg) wird in einem Zeitraum von zwei Jahren eine Erfolgskontrolle umgesetzt, um eine Wiedervernässungsmaßnahme zu bewerten. Die Basis der Erfolgskontrolle bildet ein Set aus biotischen und abiotischen Parametern. Um ein grundlegendes Ökosystemverständnis aufzubauen, reicht die Parameteraufnahme über den Maßnahmenbereich hinaus. Für die Einordnung der Aufnahmeergebnisse wird eine Bewertungsbasis aufgebaut. Die Erfolgskontrolle zeigt, dass auch nach der Wiedervernässung im Maßnahmenbereich des Bergen-Weißacker Moores keine flurnahen Wasserstände vorliegen. Basierend auf den Erkenntnissen werden Grenzen und Potenziale sowie Vorschläge zur Modifizierung des Konzeptes abgeleitet. Weiterhin werden Überlegungen zur Konzeptübertragbarkeit getroffen. Dabei wird herausgestellt, dass Grundvoraussetzungen vorliegen müssen, um das Konzept mit wenigen Adaptationen in anderen stark degradierten minerotrophen Mooren einsetzen zu können. Aus den Monitoringresultaten werden Handlungsempfehlungen abgeleitet, um prospektiv den Zustand des Bergen-Weißacker Moores zu verbessern. Basierend auf den im Rahmen der vorliegenden Arbeit gewonnenen Erkenntnissen werden Grundsätze für Erfolgskontrollen in stark degradierten Niedermoorökosystemen formuliert. Dazu zählen beispielsweise der Einbezug moorinterner Vergleichsflächen, die Erfassung von Randeffekten und die langfristige Fortführung des Monitorings.The majority of preserved fens in Germany are showing changed hydrological conditions, a fen-untypical inventory of species and a heavily degraded peat body. Revitalization measures are being implemented to improve the state of the severely degraded fen ecosystems. Until now there is no existing concept for success control that can be specifically applied to the rating of revitalization measures in severely degraded fen ecosystems. For the case study of the severely degraded fen with varied changes in hydrological conditions Bergen-Weißacker Moor (South of Brandenburg), success control was implemented for an observation period of two years to evaluate the effect of a rewetting measure. The foundation of the success control consists of a set of biotic and abiotic parameters. In order to build a fundamental understanding of the ecosystem, the set of parameters is larger than the area influenced by the measure. For the classification of recorded results, a basis for the evaluation is established. The recorded findings in the Bergen-Weißacker Moor show that even after rewetting the area influenced by the measure, no stable near surface water tables are present. Based upon the findings, further boundaries and potentials as well as additional suggestions for further modification of the concept are being formed. Furthermore, considerations for the transferability are being established. This proves that specific requirements have to be present in order to implement the concept with little adaptions in other severely degraded minerotrophic mires. Concluding, the monitoring results are used to formulate recommendations as an action plan to improve the conditions of fens prospectively. Under the framework of the present report the obtained findings are being used to define principles for success controls in severely degraded fen ecosystems. This includes for example the inclusion for fen internal areas, the recording of side effects and long-term monitoring

Grundsätze für Erfolgskontrollen von Revitalisierungsmaßnahmen stark degradierter Niedermoore – Fallbeispiel Bergen-Weißacker Moor in Südbrandenburg

The majority of preserved fens in Germany are showing changed hydrological conditions, a fen-untypical inventory of species and a heavily degraded peat body. Revitalization measures are being implemented to improve the state of the severely degraded fen ecosystems. Until now there is no existing concept for success control that can be specifically applied to the rating of revitalization measures in severely degraded fen ecosystems. For the case study of the severely degraded fen with varied changes in hydrological conditions Bergen-Weißacker Moor (South of Brandenburg), success control was implemented for an observation period of two years to evaluate the effect of a rewetting measure. The foundation of the success control consists of a set of biotic and abiotic parameters. In order to build a fundamental understanding of the ecosystem, the set of parameters is larger than the area influenced by the measure. For the classification of recorded results, a basis for the evaluation is established. The recorded findings in the Bergen-Weißacker Moor show that even after rewetting the area influenced by the measure, no stable near surface water tables are present. Based upon the findings, further boundaries and potentials as well as additional suggestions for further modification of the concept are being formed. Furthermore, considerations for the transferability are being established. This proves that specific requirements have to be present in order to implement the concept with little adaptions in other severely degraded minerotrophic mires. Concluding, the monitoring results are used to formulate recommendations as an action plan to improve the conditions of fens prospectively. Under the framework of the present report the obtained findings are being used to define principles for success controls in severely degraded fen ecosystems. This includes for example the inclusion for fen internal areas, the recording of side effects and long-term monitoring.Der überwiegende Teil der in Deutschland erhaltenen Niedermoore weist einen veränderten Wasserhaushalt, ein mooruntypisches Arteninventar und einen stark degradierten Torfkörper auf. Revitalisierungsmaßnahmen werden umgesetzt, um den Zustand dieser überprägten Moorökosysteme zu verbessern. Allerdings existiert bisher kein Erfolgskontrollkonzept, welches gezielt für die Bewertung der Revitalisierungsmaßnahmen in stark degradierten Niedermoorökosystemen Anwendung finden kann. Am Beispiel des stark degradierten und hydrologisch vielfältig überprägten Bergen-Weißacker Moores (Südbrandenburg) wird in einem Zeitraum von zwei Jahren eine Erfolgskontrolle umgesetzt, um eine Wiedervernässungsmaßnahme zu bewerten. Die Basis der Erfolgskontrolle bildet ein Set aus biotischen und abiotischen Parametern. Um ein grundlegendes Ökosystemverständnis aufzubauen, reicht die Parameteraufnahme über den Maßnahmenbereich hinaus. Für die Einordnung der Aufnahmeergebnisse wird eine Bewertungsbasis aufgebaut. Die Erfolgskontrolle zeigt, dass auch nach der Wiedervernässung im Maßnahmenbereich des Bergen-Weißacker Moores keine flurnahen Wasserstände vorliegen. Basierend auf den Erkenntnissen werden Grenzen und Potenziale sowie Vorschläge zur Modifizierung des Konzeptes abgeleitet. Weiterhin werden Überlegungen zur Konzeptübertragbarkeit getroffen. Dabei wird herausgestellt, dass Grundvoraussetzungen vorliegen müssen, um das Konzept mit wenigen Adaptationen in anderen stark degradierten minerotrophen Mooren einsetzen zu können. Aus den Monitoringresultaten werden Handlungsempfehlungen abgeleitet, um prospektiv den Zustand des Bergen-Weißacker Moores zu verbessern. Basierend auf den im Rahmen der vorliegenden Arbeit gewonnenen Erkenntnissen werden Grundsätze für Erfolgskontrollen in stark degradierten Niedermoorökosystemen formuliert. Dazu zählen beispielsweise der Einbezug moorinterner Vergleichsflächen, die Erfassung von Randeffekten und die langfristige Fortführung des Monitorings

Hildesheimer Geographische Studien 5

In diesem Band enthalten: Hannah Graen, Robin Stadtmann & Martin Sauerwein: Modellierung von Temperaturdaten und Temperaturveränderungen im Nationalpark Asinara, Sardinien (S. 1-27); Sarah Matheis, Nico Herrmann & Martin Sauerwein: Entwicklung eines Monitoringkonzeptes für Niedermoore am Beispiel des Bergen-Weißacker Moores, Süd-Brandenburg (S. 28-63); Martin Sauerwein, Jan-Philip Dieck & Robin Stadtmann: Urbane Böden im Kontext von Ecosystem Services (S. 64-89); Martin Sauerwein, Julia Jaquemotte & Lars Germershausen: Ursachen der Nitratbelastung des Grundwassers im Raum Hannover/Hildesheim (S. 90-110); Sabine Panzer-Krause: Einkaufen in der Hildesheimer Innenstadt. Auswirkungen der Arneken Galerie auf den innerstädtischen Einzelhandel (S. 111-132); Robin Stadtmann, Nico Herrmann, Jasmin Karaschewski & Martin Sauerwein: Bodenbewusstsein: Hildesheimer Aktivitäten zum Jahr des Bodens 2015 (S. 133-140

Behavioral testing of minipigs transgenic for the Huntington gene—A three-year observational study

<div><p>Background</p><p>Large animal models of Huntington’s disease (HD) may increase the reliability of translating preclinical findings to humans. Long live expectancy offers opportunities particularly for disease modifying approaches, but also challenges. The transgenic (tg) HD minipig model assessed in this study exhibits a high genetic homology with humans, similar body weight, and comparable brain structures. To test long-term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of novel therapeutic approaches in this model reliable assessments applicable longitudinally for several years are warranted for all phenotypical domains relevant in HD.</p><p>Objective</p><p>To investigate whether the tests proposed assessing motor, cognitive and behavioral domains can be applied repetitively over a 3-year period in minipigs with acceptable variability or learning effects and whether tgHD minipigs reveal changes in these domains compared to wildtype (wt) minipigs suggesting the development of an HD phenotype.</p><p>Methods</p><p>A cohort of 14 tgHD and 18 wt minipigs was followed for three years. Tests applied every six months included a tongue coordination and hurdle test for the motor domain, a color discrimination test for cognition, and a dominance test for assessing behavior. Statistical analyses were performed using repeated ANOVA for longitudinal group comparisons and Wilcoxon-tests for intra-visit differences between tgHD and wt minipigs.</p><p>Results</p><p>All tests applied demonstrated feasibility, acceptable variance and good consistency during the three-year period. No significant differences between tgHD and wt minipigs were detected suggesting lack of a phenotype before the age of four years.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>The assessment battery presented offers measures in all domains relevant for HD and can be applied in long-term phenotyping studies with tgHD minipigs. The observation of this cohort should be continued to explore the timeline of phenotype development and provide information for future interventional studies.</p></div

Dominance test.

<p>Results of the Dominance test. The figures shows the Clutton-Brock-Index (CBI) [<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0185970#pone.0185970.ref027" target="_blank">27</a>]. (A) Mean CBI compared between tgHD and wt minipigs at each visit (v1-v6). (B), (C) and (D) sample CBIs of individual pigs in groups 1, 4 and 6 (v1-v6).</p

Setup of behavioral tests.

<p>(A) In the tongue coordination test, pigs had to enter the walkway and approach the tongue board (TB). The ability to recover the rewards (cornflakes) from holes with continuously increasing depth from left to right was assessed. (B) The hurdle test aimed to assess gait coordination under challenge compared to normal walking. (C) The discrimination test was designed to evaluate the cognitive domain. Minipigs had to explore all boxes and were supposed to learn and remember that only the blue box could be opened. (D) The dominance test was applied to assess behavior. Two animals entered the setup from opposite sides and the animal pushing the opponent backwards was considered dominant. Calculation of an index after exposure of each animal to all group mates was used to determine hierarchy within groups (modified from [<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0185970#pone.0185970.ref027" target="_blank">27</a>]).</p