Classification of graph C*-algebras with no more than four primitive ideals

We describe the status quo of the classification problem of graph C*-algebras with four primitive ideals or less

The topological dimension of type I C*-algebras

While there is only one natural dimension concept for separable, metric spaces, the theory of dimension in noncommutative topology ramifies into different important concepts. To accommodate this, we introduce the abstract notion of a noncommutative dimension theory by proposing a natural set of axioms. These axioms are inspired by properties of commutative dimension theory, and they are for instance satisfied by the real and stable rank, the decomposition rank and the nuclear dimension. We add another theory to this list by showing that the topological dimension, as introduced by Brown and Pedersen, is a noncommutative dimension theory of type I C*-algebras. We also give estimates of the real and stable rank of a type I C*-algebra in terms of its topological dimension.Comment: 20 pages; minor correction

Effectiveness of the Austrian disease-management-programme for type 2 diabetes: study protocol of a cluster-randomized controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Due to its rising prevalence type 2 diabetes plays an important role concerning population health in Austria and other western countries. In various studies deficiencies in the care of diabetic patients have been revealed. These deficiencies may be overcome by disease-management-programmes (DMPs), but international experience shows that the effectiveness of DMPs is inconsistent. In particular large programmes designed by state-affiliated public health insurances have not been evaluated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We are therefore conducting a large scale RCT of the Austrian DMP for type 2 diabetic patients in the province of Salzburg to evaluate the programme regarding its effects on metabolic control, guideline adherent care and the quality of life of diabetic patients.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>The study is open for participation to all GPs and internists in the province of Salzburg. Physicians are randomized before recruitment of patients with the districts of Salzburg as clusters of randomisation. A total of over 1200 patients with type 2 diabetes will then be recruited. In the intervention group the DMP is applied for one year. Controls receive usual care. Endpoints are a decrease in HbA1c in the intervention group > 0,5% compared to controls, a higher percentage of patients with required diagnostic measures according to guidelines, improved cardiovascular risk profile and higher quality of life scores within one year.</p> <p>Current status of the study</p> <p>98 Physicians agreed to participate in the study. 96 of them recruited 1494 patients, 654 in the intervention and 840 in the control group.</p> <p>Trail Registration</p> <p>This trial has been registered with Current Controlled Trials Ltd. (ISRCTN27414162).</p

Transgenic aequorin monitors cytosolic calcium transients in soybean cells challenged with beta-glucan or chitin elicitors

Transgenic soybean (Glycine max L.) cells expressing aequorin were used to monitor changes in cytosolic Ca(2+) concentrations in response to treatment with fungal elicitors. After an apparent lag phase of about 60 s, both chitin fragments and beta-glucan elicitors caused a rapid increase in cytosolic Ca concentration, which peaked within 2-2.5 min of treatment. The Ca(2+) concentration then decreased and reached the basal level after about 5 min in the case of the treatment with chitin fragments, while a second rise in the Ca(2+) concentration with a maximum occurring after about 7-8 min was observed in the case of beta-glucan treatment. Calibration of the signals showed that the elicitors enhanced the cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration from resting concentrations as low as 0.1 mu M to highest levels of about 2 mu M. Dose-response experiments showed that the concentration of elicitors giving a Ca(2+) response at the 50% level was 0.4 nM for the chitin fragment and 28 mu M and 72 mu M, respectively, for a synthetic hepta-beta-glucoside and a fungal beta-glucan fraction. The beta-glucan- or N,N'.N ",N"'-tetraacetyl chitotetratose (CH4)-induced Ca(2+) signals were inhibited by both the Ca(2+) chelator 1,2-bis-(2-aminophenoxy) ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) and by the Ca(2+)-channel inhibitor La(3+). Neomycin, whose target in plant cells has not yet been clearly identified, reduced predominantly the expression of the second peak of the biphasic Ca(2+) curve following beta-glucan treatment. Bacterial cyclic beta-glucans known to elicitor-sensing mechanism of soybean cells, and is probably connected with the subsequent activation of defence responses