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.

The Multiple Life Cycles of Open Data Creation and Use

Abstract: Open data can be defined as data that is free of charge or provided at marginal cost, under an open licence , machine readable, and provided in an open format

Comparison of specific adsorbents for tumor necrosis factor-alpha and therapeutic anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha antibodies: an in vitro sepsis model.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), as a key mediator, represents a major point of attack in sepsis. Since it has been shown that systemic anti-TNF-alpha antibodies do not improve the situation of septic patients, the use of specific adsorption technology in the treatment of sepsis could have beneficial effects. METHODS Magnetic beads coated with polyclonal or with monoclonal anti-TNF-alpha antibodies were investigated in vitro in order to analyze their ability to prevent TNF-alpha induced adhesion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) at human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Additionally, therapeutical monoclonal anti-TNF-alpha antibodies were proofed for inhibitory effects of TNF-alpha mediated activation of HUVECs. RESULTS We have shown, in vitro, that beads coated with polyclonal or monoclonal anti-TNF-alpha antibodies were able to significantly reduce monocyte adhesion. It was possible to decrease monocyte adhesion from nearly 9% to 3% within 2 hours and from 18% to 2% within 6 hours of TNF-alpha treatment by the simultaneous use of beads coated with polyclonal anti-TNF-alpha antibodies. Beads coated with monoclonal anti-TNF-alpha antibodies could even prevent monocyte adhesion within the first 2 hours, and reduced monocyte adhesion to 2% during 6 hours of incubation with TNF-alpha. On the other hand, application of therapeutic anti-TNF-alpha antibodies showed no significant difference compared to the measured monocyte adhesion values of activated endothelial cells. CONCLUSION Adsorption techniques using specific adsorbents, possibly used in MDS (Microspheres-Based Detoxification System), are efficient in specific reduction of TNF-alpha and pathophysiological consequences, since monocyte adhesion at activated HUVECs was shown to be reduced.

Switching field distribution of exchange coupled ferri-/ferromagnetic composite bit patterned media

Abstract: We investigate the switching field distribution and the resulting bit error rate of exchange coupled ferri-/ferromagnetic bilayer island arrays by micromagnetic simulations. Using islands with varying microstructure and anisotropic properties, the intrinsic switching field distribution is computed. The dipolar contribution to the switching field distribution is obtained separately by using a model of a triangular patterned island array resembling 1.4 Tb/in2 bit patterned media. Both contributions are computed for different thicknesses of the soft exchange coupled ferrimagnet and also for ferromagnetic single phase FePt islands. A bit patterned media with a bilayer structure of FeGd( 5 nm)/FePt( 5 nm) shows a bit error rate of 10−4 with a write field of 1.16 T.

A high leukocyte count and administration of hydrocortisone hamper PCR-based diagnostics for bloodstream infections

Abstract: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) require an accurate and fast identification of causative pathogens. Molecular diagnostics, in particular polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based approaches for BSI diagnostics directly from whole blood, suffer from limitations such as inhibition leading to invalid results. In this retrospective study, we analyzed 23 parameters for their potential interference with LightCycler SeptiFast PCR tests (n = 2167) routinely performed at our institution. The overall inhibition rate was 9.1%. Test date, type of ward, procalcitonin levels, high leukocyte counts, and absolute neutrophil count were significantly associated with inhibition. For a subset (n = 448), cut-off values for leukocyte counts of < 5700 cells/μL and ≥ 26,900 cells/μL were significantly associated with a low (5%) and high (67%) inhibition risk. For patients with a moderate to high leukocyte count (5700–26,900 cells/μL), the additional administration of hydrocortisone significantly increased the inhibition risk. Furthermore, freezing of blood samples prior to DNA extraction and SF testing appeared to neutralize inhibitory factors. It remains to be investigated whether other molecular diagnostic tests are susceptible to similar inhibiting parameters.

Mode 1, Mode 2, and Mode 3: Triple Helix and Quadruple Helix

Abstract: The author team of Gibbons, Limoges, Nowotny, Schwartzman, Scott, and Trow (Gibbons et al., 1994) distinguishes between two different modes of knowledge production. “Mode 1” focuses on the traditional role of university research in an elderly “linear model of innovation” understanding. This reflects a basic university research, interested in “first/basic principles” and “discoveries,” with a disciplinary research structure, where quality is being controlled primarily by disciplinary peers or a disciplinary peer review process. These disciplinary peers exercise a strong quality gatekeeper function and represent also a university (higher education) system with powerful hierarchies, built into the institutions (Gibbons et al., 1994, p. 1, 3, 24, 33–34, 43–44, 167). Success in Mode 1 (of Mode 1 university research) is defined as a quality or excellence that is approved by hierarchically established peers: “Success in Mode 1 might perhaps be summarily described as excellence by disciplinary peers” (Gibbons et al., 1994). Mode 1 is not concerned with the application, diffusion, and use of knowledge, and Mode 1 does not focus on features in relation to problem-solving for the society or the economy. Nonlinear innovation models are of no major concern for Mode 1.