Danube University Krems

About: Danube University Krems is a education organization based out in Krems, Niederösterreich, Austria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Stroke & Population. The organization has 498 authors who have published 1572 publications receiving 68797 citations.

Magnetic microstructure machine learning analysis

Abstract: We use a machine learning approach to identify the importance of microstructure characteristics in causing magnetization reversal in ideally structured large-grained Nd2Fe14B permanent magnets. The embedded Stoner–Wohlfarth method is used as a reduced order model for determining local switching field maps which guide the data-driven learning procedure. The predictor model is a random forest classifier which we validate by comparing with full micromagnetic simulations in the case of small granular test structures. In the course of the machine learning microstructure analysis the most important features explaining magnetization reversal were found to be the misorientation and the position of the grain within the magnet. The lowest switching fields occur near the top and bottom edges of the magnet. While the dependence of the local switching field on the grain orientation is known from theory, the influence of the position of the grain on the local coercive field strength is less obvious. As a direct result of our findings of the machine learning analysis we show that edge hardening via Dy-diffusion leads to higher coercive fields.

Low-dose polymyxin: an option for therapy of Gram-negative sepsis

Abstract: Endotoxins are the major components of the outer membrane of most Gram-negative bacteria and are one of the main targets in inflammatory diseases. The presence of endotoxins in blood can provoke septic shock in case of pronounced immune response. Here we show in vitro inactivation of endotoxins by polymyxin B (PMB). The inflammatory activity of the LPS-PMB complex in blood was examined in vitro in freshly drawn blood samples. Plasma protein binding of PMB was determined by ultracentrifugation using membranes with different molecular cut-offs, and PMB clearance during dialysis was calculated after in vitro experiments using the AV1000S filter. The formed LPS-PMB complex has lower inflammatory activity in blood, which results in highly reduced cytokine secretion. According to in vitro measurements, the appropriate plasma level of PMB for LPS inactivation is between 100 and 200 ng/ml. Furthermore, the combination of cytokine removal by adsorbent treatment with LPS inactivation by PMB dosage leads to strong suppression of inflammatory effects in blood in an in vitro model. Inactivation of endotoxins by low-dose intravenous PMB infusion or infusion into the extracorporeal circuit during blood purification can be applied to overcome the urgent need for endotoxin elimination not only in treatment of sepsis, but also in liver failure.

Looking at the Representations in our Mind: Measuring Mental Models of Information Visualizations

Abstract: Users of information visualization systems build up internal representations of the displayed information and the system --mental models -- and constantly update them during interaction with the system. Though this theoretical approach was postulated as promising for information visualization, measures for empirical studies are missing. In this paper, we present different measures and evaluation procedures that have been developed for the assessment of mental models in other domains and discuss their suitability for the evaluation of internal and external representations in information visualization.

Redifferentiation of Articular Chondrocytes by Hyperacute Serum and Platelet Rich Plasma in Collagen Type I Hydrogels.

Abstract: Matrix-assisted autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACT) for focal articular cartilage defects often fails to produce adequate cartilage-specific extracellular matrix in vitro and upon transplantation results in fibrocartilage due to dedifferentiation during cell expansion. This study aimed to redifferentiate the chondrocytes through supplementation of blood-products, such as hyperacute serum (HAS) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in vitro. Dedifferentiated monolayer chondrocytes embedded onto collagen type I hydrogels were redifferentiated through supplementation of 10% HAS or 10% PRP for 14 days in vitro under normoxia (20% O₂) and hypoxia (4% O₂). Cell proliferation was increased by supplementing HAS for 14 days (p < 0.05) or by interchanging from HAS to PRP during Days 7⁻14 (p < 0.05). Sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) content was deposited under both HAS, and PRP for 14 days and an interchange during Days 7⁻14 depleted the sGAG content to a certain extent. PRP enhanced the gene expression of anabolic markers COL2A1 and SOX9 (p < 0.05), whereas HAS enhanced COL1A1 production. An interchange led to reduction of COL1A1 and COL2A1 expression marked by increased MMP13 expression (p < 0.05). Chondrocytes secreted less IL-6 and more PDGF-BB under PRP for 14 days (p < 0.0.5). Hypoxia enhanced TGF-β1 and BMP-2 release in both HAS and PRP. Our study demonstrates a new approach for chondrocyte redifferentiation.

Organizational update: World Health Organization.

Abstract: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including stroke and heart attacks, the largest causes of mortality worldwide, are now firmly on the global agenda through the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. There are several important initiatives underway to address the burden of stroke worldwide and to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of reducing premature mortality from NCDs by one third by 2030 (SDG 3.4). In May 2017, the 70th World Health Assembly sets out the preparation for the third high-level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the prevention and control of NCDs, to be held at the United Nations in September 2018. The resolution on this item urged member states to continue to implement related resolutions and commitments. The Assembly also endorsed an updated Appendix 3 of the WHO Global Action Plan on NCDs—a set of cost-effective and other recommended interventions to prevent …