Johannes Pohl

Navigational place learning in children and young adults as assessed with a standardized locomotor search task

Spatial behaviour was investigated using a spatial learning task based on the Radial Arm Maze, the Morris Water Maze, and open-field search-task procedures. Ninety-six healthy children from six age groups (3, 4, 5, 7, 10 and 12 years) with no history of CNS disorders were studied with respect to the emergence of position-, cue- and place responses. Participants were to detect x out of n hidden locations, frames of reference could be varied systematically, and three spatial memory errors and speed of navigation were recorded automatically. Task difficulties were equivalent for each age group. Results showed that navigational place learning was fully developed by the age of 10, whereas participants relied on cue orientation up to age 7. Even in the youngest group, the task could be achieved without relying on egocentric orientation, provided that proximal cues were presented. Most of the errors were of the reference memory type, whereas working memory errors were extremely rare. Speed of navigation markedly improved between age 5 and 7. An additional experiment showed that navigational place-learning behaviour was clearly dependent on distal cues. A third study showed that in young adults, learning of the spatial layout improved, but performance on the place task did not improve any further. No sex differences were observed.

Modulation of pain perception in man by a vasopressin analogue

The aim of the present experiment was to test whether vasopressin modulates pain perception in man. Twenty-four male volunteers participated in four sessions, each 2 weeks apart. After an adaptation session the subjects were treated intranasally with either 30 or 60 micrograms desmopressin (DDAVP) or placebo according to a cross-over double-blind design. Pain induction involved mechanical, thermal, and ischemic stimulation DDAVP had no unitary effects on pain perception in the different pain tests. The 30 micrograms dose induced sensitization to thermal stimuli. Neither treatment influenced ischemic pain perception. The mechanical pain threshold of the index finger was increased by the 60 micrograms dose only. After treatment with either dosage of DDAVP the subjects generally tolerated the pressure on their index finger for a longer time than after placebo treatment.

Reconsidering barriers to wind power projects: community engagement, developer transparency and place

ABSTRACT In 2016, we undertook a nationally representative wind power perceptions survey of individuals living within 8 km of over 600 projects in the United States, generating 1705 telephone, web, and mail responses. We sought information on a variety of topics, including procedural fairness and its relationship to project attitude, the foci of the present analysis. We present a series of descriptive statistics and regression results, emphasizing those residents who were aware of their local project prior to construction. Sample weighting is employed to account for stratification and non-response. We find that a developer being open and transparent, a community being able to influence the outcome, and having a say in the planning process are all statistically significant predictors of a process perceived as being ‘fair,’ with an open and transparent developer having the largest effect. We also find developer transparency and ability to influence outcomes to have statistically significant relationships to a more positive attitude, with those findings holding when aesthetics, landscape, and wind turbine sound considerations are controlled for. The results indicate that jurisdictions might consider developing procedures, which ensure citizens are consulted and heard, and benchmarks or best practices for developer interaction with communities and citizens.

Impaired learning of punishments in Parkinson’s disease with and without impulse control disorder

To document specific learning mechanisms in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) with and without impulse control disorder (ICD). Thirty-two PD patients receiving dopamine replacement therapy (DRT) were investigated. Sixteen were diagnosed with ICD (ICD+) and 16 PD patients matched for levodopa equivalence dosage, and DRT duration and severity of disease did not show impulsive behavior (non-ICD). Short-term learning of inhibitory control was assessed by an experimental procedure which was intended to mimic everyday life. Correct inhibition especially, had to be learned without reward (passive avoidance), and the failure to inhibit a response was punished (punishment learning). Results were compared to 16 healthy controls (HC) matched for age and sex. In ICD+ patients within-session learning of non-rewarded inhibition was at chance levels. Whereas healthy controls rapidly developed behavioral inhibition, non-ICD patients were also significantly impaired compared to HC, but gradually developed some degree of control. Both patient groups showed significantly decreased learning if the failure to withhold a response was punished. PD patients receiving DRT show impaired ability to acquire both punishment learning and passive avoidance learning, irrespective of whether or not ICD was developed. In ICD+ PD patients, behavioral inhibition is nearly absent. Results demonstrate that by means of subtle learning paradigms it is possible to identify PD-DRT patients who show subtle alterations of punishment learning. This may be a behavioral measure for the identification of PD patients who are prone to develop ICD if DRT is continued.

Out of Sight, out of Mind?

The RAVE research project Acceptance of Offshore Wind Energy Use surveyed residents, tourists and local experts in two regions with offshore wind farms at three points in time: prior to the erection of offshore wind farms (2009) and afterwards, during turbine operation (2011, 2012). To determine whether or not any changes in attitude to wind energy were down to operation, comparison surveys were made in coastal regions without wind farms. Topics in the interviews were attitudes and expected impacts on the marine environment, tourism, sense of home and safety of shipping, as well as desired forms of participation, also in the planning process. Questions were also asked about measures for gaining greater acceptance. There is acceptance of offshore wind energy, more for far-shore wind farms than for near-shore, and when the safety of shipping takes top priority. Conflicts can be limited better with participation than without it.

Spatial information transfer from virtual to real versions of the Kiel locomotor maze

The Kiel locomotor maze requires participants to choose five targets from among 20 locations marked by small red lights on the floor of a dimly lit circular environment having four wall-mounted extramaze cues and two intramaze cues at floor level. In the present study, acquisition of the real task was examined in 11-year-old children following prior accurate training in a virtual version, following misleading virtual training, or following no training. The virtual version was displayed on a desk-top computer monitor. Acquisition testing in the real maze was either locomotor or non-locomotor. Good transfer was achieved from virtual to real versions. Children’s exploration of the real maze prior to real maze acquisition training revealed a clear transfer of spatial information previously learned in the virtual version. Children taught the correct target configuration in the simulation made fewer errors and more rapid, confident responses to targets in the real maze than children given no training. However, acquisition was also better following misleading training than no training, suggesting that a non-specific components of performance also transferred. Male superiority was only seen following misleading training, which was interpreted in terms of male superiority in mental rotation. After acquisition, a single probe trial was performed, in which proximal cues and participants’ starting position were rotated, but this had equivalent effects on all groups’ performance. It is clear that transfer of spatial information occurs from the simulated Kiel maze to the real version. This has implications for its use in diagnosis and training.

Treatment satisfaction with botulinum toxin: a comparison between blepharospasm and cervical dystonia

Background Differential effects of botulinum toxin (BoNT) treatment in cervical dystonia (CD) and blepharospasm (BSP) treatment satisfaction and emotional responses to a life with a disabling condition were investigated. Special interest was drawn to the course within a BoNT treatment cycle and the effects of subjective well-being vs perceived intensity of motor symptoms and quality of life. Methods A questionnaire was distributed among 372 CD patients and 125 BSP patients, recruited from 13 BoNT centers throughout Germany. Items were related to dystonic symptoms, BoNT treatment responses and treatment satisfaction, quality of life, working situation, and emotional reactions to a life with dystonia. Results CD patients and BSP patients were widely satisfied with BoNT treatment, but treatment satisfaction worsened significantly within the treatment cycle. Especially CD patients reported that both the dystonic symptoms and the effects of BoNT treatment were influenced by emotional factors. Despite good overall treatment effects, patients from both groups perceived marked persistence of motor symptoms, restrictions of everyday life functions, and reduced quality of life. Functional amelioration of motor symptoms and emotional well-being were only moderately correlated. About 22% of patients from both groups reported mental disorders or emotional disturbances prior to the onset of dystonia. Conclusion As numerous psychological factors determine perceived outcome, BoNT treatment should be further improved by patient’s education strategies enhancing behavioral self-control. From the patient’s perspective, individual intervals, which may avoid exacerbation between injection points, should be considered. Moreover, patients at risk, with reduced adherence and poor BoNT outcome, should be identified and addressed within psychoeducation.

Public acceptance of wind energy: Impact of sound levels

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory led a survey of 1,729 individuals located within 8 km of utility scale wind turbines in the United States. The survey included respondents around both large and small wind projects throughout the country. The survey focused on social acceptance, procedural and distributional justice, landscape and sound perceptions and annoyance, and compensation. A total of 15 of the wind projects were modeled to estimate the sound levels at each respondent’s home. Modeled metrics included background sound levels, maximum one-hour sound levels, percentage of time the respondent is downwind of a turbine, and a long-term sound level estimate using the local wind project capacity factor. Statistical analyses were conducted to estimate the acoustical drivers (sound level and sound level difference above background) toward the propensity for annoyance, and how these were affected by non-acoustic factors (e.g., compensation, prior attitude toward the project, visibility, etc.).

Aus den Augen, aus dem Sinn?

Im RAVE-Forschungsprojekt „Akzeptanz der Offshore-Windenergienutzung“ wurden Anwohner, Touristen und lokale Experten in zwei Regionen mit Offshore-Windparks zu drei Zeitpunkten befragt: vor der Errichtung von Offshore-Windparks (2009) und danach, wahrend des Anlagenbetriebs (2011, 2012). Um festzustellen, ob eventuell veranderte Einstellungen zur Windenergie auf den Betrieb zuruckzufuhren sind, wurden Vergleichsbefragungen in Kustenregionen ohne Offshore-Windparks durchgefuhrt. Themen bei den Interviews waren Einstellungen sowie die erwarteten Auswirkungen auf die Meeresumwelt, Tourismus, Heimatgefuhl und Sicherheit der Seeschifffahrt sowie gewunschte Beteiligungsformen, auch am Planungsprozess. Ebenso wurde nach Masnahmen fur mehr Akzeptanz gefragt. Die Offshore-Windenergie trifft auf Akzeptanz, auf hohere fur kustenferne als -nahe Anlagen und wenn die Sicherheit der Seeschifffahrt an erster Stelle steht. Mit Partizipation durften sich Konflikte deutlicher begrenzen lassen als ohne.

Analgesic effect of ceruletide in men is limited to specific pain qualities

Cholecystokinin (CCK) and related peptides are supposed to be potent analgesic neuropeptides. Studies in rodents suggest a dose-dependent biphasic effect. The present study aimed to examine the pain modulating effect of different doses (0.5 microgram and 5 micrograms) of ceruletide (CRL), infused i.v. for 30 min. Pain thresholds were obtained for ischemic, mechanical, and thermal pain. In addition, pain tolerance was measured for mechanical pain. According to a placebo-controlled double-blind within-subject design 25 healthy men attended three experimental sessions each. Pain perception was measured as a baseline and twice after the infusion. The effect of both doses of CRL to enhance the pain threshold for thermal stimuli is in line with former studies. However, perception of heat stimuli above or below the threshold was not substantially affected by CRL treatment. Algesic properties of CRL are also indicated, because the tolerance for mechanical pain decreased after administration of the high dose of CRL. Perception of ischemic pain was not obviously influenced by any of the treatments. The role of CRL in human pain modulation seems to vary, depending on the type of experimental pain.