4 research outputs found
Synthesizing a Solution Space for Prescriptive Design Knowledge Codification
One of Design Science Research’s (DSR) principal purposes is to generate and codify design knowledge. Codification in DSR is done by providing clear chunks of prescriptive knowledge that guide the design of future solutions, including instructions on how to design (parts of) artifacts. Although various codification mechanisms have emerged over the last years, design principles are among the most prominent mechanisms. Yet, distinguishing between different codification mechanisms is often blurry, hindering designers from making informed decisions regarding appropriate mechanisms for their research aim and leveraging the full potential of the prescriptive knowledge. We seek to bridge the challenge of selecting from the fuzzy array of codification mechanisms by proposing an inductively generated solution space. We provide a taxonomy to organize essential elements of prescriptive knowledge based on an analysis of design-oriented literature in four meta-dimensions (i.e., communication, application, development, and justification). These meta-dimensions make transparent how codified prescriptive design knowledge works. Overall, the taxonomy guides designers in reflecting on and selecting from the set of suitable elements for their statements. Also, providing a synthesis of options for codifying prescriptive design knowledge will simplify the identification and advance the positioning of DSR contributions
Inflammatory biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease plasma
Plasma biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis/stratification are a "Holy Grail" of AD research and intensively sought; however, there are no well-established plasma markers. A hypothesis-led plasma biomarker search was conducted in the context of international multicenter studies. The discovery phase measured 53 inflammatory proteins in elderly control (CTL; 259), mild cognitive impairment (MCI; 199), and AD (262) subjects from AddNeuroMed. Ten analytes showed significant intergroup differences. Logistic regression identified five (FB, FH, sCR1, MCP-1, eotaxin-1) that, age/APOε4 adjusted, optimally differentiated AD and CTL (AUC: 0.79), and three (sCR1, MCP-1, eotaxin-1) that optimally differentiated AD and MCI (AUC: 0.74). These models replicated in an independent cohort (EMIF; AUC 0.81 and 0.67). Two analytes (FB, FH) plus age predicted MCI progression to AD (AUC: 0.71). Plasma markers of inflammation and complement dysregulation support diagnosis and outcome prediction in AD and MCI. Further replication is needed before clinical translation
Fertilising effect of sewage sludge ash inoculated with the phosphate-solubilising fungus Penicillium bilaiae under semi-field conditions
Minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles 2018 (MISEV2018): a position statement of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles and update of the MISEV2014 guidelines
The last decade has seen a sharp increase in the number
of scientific publications describing physiological and
pathological functions of extracellular vesicles (EVs), a
collective term covering various subtypes of cell-released,
membranous structures, called exosomes, microvesicles,
microparticles, ectosomes, oncosomes, apoptotic bodies, and many
other names. However, specific issues arise when working with
these entities, whose size and amount often make them difficult
to obtain as relatively pure preparations, and to characterize
properly. The International Society for Extracellular Vesicles
(ISEV) proposed Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular
Vesicles ("MISEV") guidelines for the field in 2014. We now
update these "MISEV2014" guidelines based on evolution of the
collective knowledge in the last four years. An important point
to consider is that ascribing a specific function to EVs in
general, or to subtypes of EVs, requires reporting of specific
information beyond mere description of function in a crude,
potentially contaminated, and heterogeneous preparation. For
example, claims that exosomes are endowed with exquisite and
specific activities remain difficult to support experimentally,
given our still limited knowledge of their specific molecular
machineries of biogenesis and release, as compared with other
biophysically similar EVs. The MISEV2018 guidelines include
tables and outlines of suggested protocols and steps to follow
to document specific EV-associated functional activities.
Finally, a checklist is provided with summaries of key points