Der Einfluss visueller Gestaltungsmerkmale auf kognitive Prozesse bei der Bearbeitung von Aufgaben mit Diagrammen

Das Lesen und Verstehen von Diagrammen ist ein wichtiger Bestandteil der naturwissenschaftlichen Grundbildung. Der Erwerb entsprechender Fähigkeiten soll dazu beitragen, Herausforderungen der fortschreitenden technischen Entwicklung und Digitalisierung zu meistern und Individuen eine vollwertige gesellschaftliche Teilhabe zu ermöglichen. Die vorliegende Dissertation hat sich dem Einfluss visueller Gestaltungsmerkmale auf kognitive Prozesse bei der Bearbeitung von Diagrammleseaufgaben gewidmet. Diese Einflüsse spielen im Kontext von Lehren und Lernen eine besondere Rolle, da für den Einsatz in der Lehre vorgefertigtes Material verwendet oder neues gestaltet werden muss. Dabei ist zunächst ungeklärt, ob das Material für den geplanten Einsatz geeignet ist. Diese Arbeit leistet mit drei empirischen Studien einen Beitrag dazu, Kenntnisse darüber zu gewinnen, wie geeignete Repräsentationsformen für gegebene Aufgaben identifiziert werden können und wie Merkmale von Diagrammen so angepasst werden können, dass diese für einen intendierten Zweck geeignet sind. Die erste von drei Eye-Tracking-Studien widmete sich der Frage, ob Personen dazu in der Lage sind, für verschiedene Aufgaben dasjenige Diagramm zur Bearbeitung zu nutzen, das für die Lösung der jeweiligen Aufgabe am besten geeignet ist. In der zweiten Studie wurde untersucht, ob eine hohe Datenkomplexität den Bearbeitungsprozess und die Leistung in Aufgaben mit Diagrammen beeinflusst, auch wenn zusätzliche Daten vollständig irrelevant für die Bearbeitung einer Aufgabe sind. Die dritte Studie lieferte erste Erkenntnisse zu der Frage, ob interessante, aber irrelevante Zusatzinhalte (Seductive Details) in Diagrammen den Bearbeitungsprozess und die Leistung von Personen beeinflussen, die Diagrammleseaufgaben bearbeiten. Schließlich werden die Ergebnisse der drei Experimentalstudien integrativ betrachtet und gemeinsam vor dem Hintergrund theoretischer und empirischer Arbeiten aus der Diagrammforschung diskutiert

Do Graph Readers Prefer the Graph Type Most Suited to a Given Task? Insights from Eye Tracking

Research on graph comprehension suggests that point differences are easier to read in bar graphs, while trends are easier to read in line graphs. But are graph readers able to detect and use the most suited graph type for a given task? In this study, we applied a dual repre-sentation paradigm and eye tracking methodology to determine graph readers’ preferential processing of bar and line graphs while solving both point difference and trend tasks. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. Results show that participants shifted their graph preference depending on the task type and refined their preference over the course of the graph task. Implications for future research are discussed

Time and phenotype-dependent transcriptome analysis in AAV-TGFβ1 and Bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis models

We have previously established a novel mouse model of lung fibrosis based on Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated pulmonary overexpression of TGFβ1. Here, we provide an in-depth characterization of phenotypic and transcriptomic changes (mRNA and miRNA) in a head-to-head comparison with Bleomycin-induced lung injury over a 4-week disease course. The analyses delineate the temporal state of model-specific and commonly altered pathways, thereby providing detailed insights into the processes underlying disease development. They further guide appropriate model selection as well as interventional study design. Overall, Bleomycin-induced fibrosis resembles a biphasic process of acute inflammation and subsequent transition into fibrosis (with partial resolution), whereas the TGFβ1-driven model is characterized by pronounced and persistent fibrosis with concomitant inflammation and an equally complex disease phenotype as observed upon Bleomycin instillation. Finally, based on an integrative approach combining lung function data, mRNA/miRNA profiles, their correlation and miRNA target predictions, we identify putative drug targets and miRNAs to be explored as therapeutic candidates for fibrotic diseases. Taken together, we provide a comprehensive analysis and rich data resource based on RNA-sequencing, along with a strategy for transcriptome-phenotype coupling. The results will be of value for TGFβ research, drug discovery and biomarker identification in progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases

Advanced methods for safe visualization on automotive displays

Camera Monitor Systems (CMSs), for example, for backup cameras or mirror replacements, become increasingly important and already cover safety aspects such as guaranteed latency and no frame freeze. Today\u27s approaches deal only with supervision of the digital interface, LCD backlight, and power supply. This paper introduces methods for advanced safety monitoring of panel electronics and optical display output that aim to enable future CMS based automotive use cases. Our methods are based on correlation of physical measurements with predicted values derived from a corresponding display model. This model was made via calibration measurements and many test patterns. Correlation of the monitoring results with predicted values corresponds to the probability that the RGB data are shown as intended. This implies that an overlying system, an Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) Prepared Video Safety System (APVSS), ensures that only safety verified RGB data are provided to the panel electronics. In case of failures, our methods enable a safe system state, for example, by deactivating the panel. An additional challenge is to allow graceful degradations, a safe but slightly degraded image may provide a better customer experience compared with no information. We successfully verified our approach by a fully functional prototype and extensive evaluation towards “light-to-light” (camera to display output) supervision

Perfusion Visualization during Ileal J-Pouch Formation—A Proposal for the Standardization of Intraoperative Imaging with Indocyanine Green Near-Infrared Fluorescence and a Postoperative Follow-Up in IBD Surgery

Background: An anastomotic leak (AL) after a restorative proctocolectomy and an ileal J-pouch increases morbidity and the risk of pouch failure. Thus, a perfusion assessment during J-pouch formation is crucial. While indocyanine green near-infrared fluorescence (ICG-NIRF) has shown potential to reduce ALs, its suitability in a restorative proctocolectomy remains unclear. We aimed to develop a standardized approach for investigating ICG-NIRF and ALs in pouch surgery. Methods: Patients undergoing a restorative proctocolectomy with an ileal J-pouch for ulcerative colitis at an IBD-referral-center were included in a prospective study in which an AL within 30 postoperative days was the primary outcome. Intraoperatively, standardized perfusion visualization with ICG-NIRF was performed and video recorded for postoperative analysis at three time points. Quantitative clinical and technical variables (secondary outcome) were correlated with the primary outcome by descriptive analysis and logistic regression. A novel definition and grading of AL of the J-pouch was applied. A postoperative pouchoscopy was routinely performed to screen for AL. Results: Intraoperative ICG-NIRF-visualization and its postoperative visual analysis in 25 patients did not indicate an AL. The anastomotic site after pouch formation appeared completely fluorescent with a strong fluorescence signal (category 2) in all cases of ALs (4 of 25). Anastomotic site was not changed. ICG-NIRF visualization was reproducible and standardized. Logistic regression identified a two-stage approach vs. a three-stage approach (Odds ratio (OR) = 20.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.37-580.18, p = 0.029) as a risk factor for ALs. Conclusion: We present a standardized, comparable approach of ICG-NIRF visualization in pouch surgery. Our data indicate that the visual interpretation of ICG-NIRF alone may not detect ALs of the pouch in all cases-quantifiable, objective methods of interpretation may be required in the future

Validation of the German Classification of Diverticular Disease (VADIS)—a prospective bicentric observational study

Purpose: The German Classification of Diverticular Disease was introduced a few years ago. The aim of this study was to determine whether Classification of Diverticular Disease enables an exact stratification of different types of diverticular disease in terms of course and treatment. Methods: This was a prospective, bicentric observational trial. Patients aged ≥ 18 years with diverticular disease were prospectively included. The primary endpoint was the rate of recurrence within 2 year follow-up. Secondary outcome measures were Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index, Quality of life measured by SF-36, frequency of gastrointestinal complaints, and postoperative complications. Results: A total of 172 patients were included. After conservative management, 40% of patients required surgery for recurrence in type 1b vs. 80% in type 2a/b (p = 0.04). Sixty percent of patients with type 2a (micro-abscess) were in need of surgery for recurrence vs. 100% of patients with type 2b (macro-abscess) (p = 0.11). Patients with type 2a reached 123 ± 15 points in the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index compared with 111 ± 14 in type 2b (p = 0.05) and higher scores in the “Mental Component Summary” scale of SF-36 (52 ± 10 vs. 43 ± 13; p = 0.04). Patients with recurrent diverticulitis without complications (type 3b) had less often painful constipation (30% vs. 73%; p = 0.006) when they were operated compared with conservative treatment. Conclusion: Differentiation into type 2a and 2b based on abscess size seems reasonable as patients with type 2b required surgery while patients with type 2a may be treated conservatively. Sigmoid colectomy in patients with type 3b seems to have gastrointestinal complaints during long-term follow-up. Trial registration: https://www.drks.de ID: DRKS0000557

The impact of surgical site infection—a cost analysis

Purpose: Surgical site infection (SSI) occurs in up to 25% of patients after elective laparotomy. We aimed to determine the effect of SSI on healthcare costs and patients' quality of life. Methods: In this post hoc analysis based on the RECIPE trial, we studied a 30-day postoperative outcome of SSI in a single-center, prospective randomized controlled trial comparing subcutaneous wound irrigation with 0.04% polyhexanide to 0.9% saline after elective laparotomy. Total medical costs were analyzed accurately per patient with the tool of our corporate controlling team which is based on diagnosis-related groups in Germany. Results: Between November 2015 and May 2018, 456 patients were recruited. The overall rate of SSI was 28.2%. Overall costs of inpatient treatment were higher in the group with SSI: median 16.685 euro; 19.703 USD (IQR 21.638 euro; 25.552 USD) vs. median 11.235 euro; 13.276 USD (IQR 11.564 euro; 13.656 USD); p < 0.001. There was a difference in surgery costs (median 6.664 euro; 7.870 USD with SSI vs. median 5.040 euro; 5.952 USD without SSI; p = 0.001) and costs on the surgical ward (median 8.404 euro; 9.924 USD with SSI vs. median 4.690 euro; 5.538 USD without SSI; p < 0.001). Patients with SSI were less satisfied with the cosmetic result (4.3% vs. 16.2%; p < 0.001). Overall costs for patients who were irrigated with saline were median 12.056 euro; 14.237 USD vs. median 12.793 euro; 15.107 USD in the polyhexanide group (p = 0.52). Conclusion: SSI after elective laparotomy increased hospital costs substantially. This is an additional reason why the prevention of SSI is important. Overall costs for intraoperative wound irrigation with saline were comparable with polyhexanide

Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease Based on Disease-Specific Autoantibody Profiles in Human Sera

After decades of Alzheimer's disease (AD) research, the development of a definitive diagnostic test for this disease has remained elusive. The discovery of blood-borne biomarkers yielding an accurate and relatively non-invasive test has been a primary goal. Using human protein microarrays to characterize the differential expression of serum autoantibodies in AD and non-demented control (NDC) groups, we identified potential diagnostic biomarkers for AD. The differential significance of each biomarker was evaluated, resulting in the selection of only 10 autoantibody biomarkers that can effectively differentiate AD sera from NDC sera with a sensitivity of 96.0% and specificity of 92.5%. AD sera were also distinguishable from sera obtained from patients with Parkinson's disease and breast cancer with accuracies of 86% and 92%, respectively. Results demonstrate that serum autoantibodies can be used effectively as highly-specific and accurate biomarkers to diagnose AD throughout the course of the disease

Systemic AAV vectors for widespread and targeted gene delivery in rodents

We recently developed adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsids to facilitate efficient and noninvasive gene transfer to the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, a detailed protocol for generating and systemically delivering novel AAV variants was not previously available. In this protocol, we describe how to produce and intravenously administer AAVs to adult mice to specifically label and/or genetically manipulate cells in the nervous system and organs, including the heart. The procedure comprises three separate stages: AAV production, intravenous delivery, and evaluation of transgene expression. The protocol spans 8 d, excluding the time required to assess gene expression, and can be readily adopted by researchers with basic molecular biology, cell culture, and animal work experience. We provide guidelines for experimental design and choice of the capsid, cargo, and viral dose appropriate for the experimental aims. The procedures outlined here are adaptable to diverse biomedical applications, from anatomical and functional mapping to gene expression, silencing, and editing