H2\mathcal{H}_2 Pseudo-Optimal Reduction of Structured DAEs by Rational Interpolation

In this contribution, we extend the concept of $\mathcal{H}_2$ inner product and $\mathcal{H}_2$ pseudo-optimality to dynamical systems modeled by differential-algebraic equations (DAEs). To this end, we derive projected Sylvester equations that characterize the $\mathcal{H}_2$ inner product in terms of the matrices of the DAE realization. Using this result, we extend the $\mathcal{H}_2$ pseudo-optimal rational Krylov algorithm for ordinary differential equations to the DAE case. This algorithm computes the globally optimal reduced-order model for a given subspace of $\mathcal{H}_2$ defined by poles and input residual directions. Necessary and sufficient conditions for $\mathcal{H}_2$ pseudo-optimality are derived using the new formulation of the $\mathcal{H}_2$ inner product in terms of tangential interpolation conditions. Based on these conditions, the cumulative reduction procedure combined with the adaptive rational Krylov algorithm, known as CUREd SPARK, is extended to DAEs. Important properties of this procedure are that it guarantees stability preservation and adaptively selects interpolation frequencies and reduced order. Numerical examples are used to illustrate the theoretical discussion. Even though the results apply in theory to general DAEs, special structures will be exploited for numerically efficient implementations

Radiomics in neuro-oncological clinical trials

The development of clinical trials has led to substantial improvements in the prevention and treatment of many diseases, including brain cancer. Advances in medicine, such as improved surgical techniques, the development of new drugs and devices, the use of statistical methods in research, and the development of codes of ethics, have considerably influenced the way clinical trials are conducted today. In addition, methods from the broad field of artificial intelligence, such as radiomics, have the potential to considerably affect clinical trials and clinical practice in the future. Radiomics is a method to extract undiscovered features from routinely acquired imaging data that can neither be captured by means of human perception nor conventional image analysis. In patients with brain cancer, radiomics has shown its potential for the non-invasive identification of prognostic biomarkers, automated response assessment, and differentiation between treatment-related changes from tumour progression. Despite promising results, radiomics is not yet established in routine clinical practice nor in clinical trials. In this Viewpoint, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Brain Tumour Group summarises the current status of radiomics, discusses its potential and limitations, envisions its future role in clinical trials in neuro-oncology, and provides guidance on how to address the challenges in radiomics

Experimental analysis on the influence of freeform bending on Barkhausen noise for steel tubes

Freeform bending with a movable die makes it possible to bend complex structures and seamless radii without changing the bending tools. Currently, most research focuses on minimizing the geometrical deviations without considering the mechanical properties of the bent tubes. A previous work showed, that the geometry can be decoupled from the mechanical properties with non-tangential bending [1]. The implementation of a soft sensor based on ultrasonic contact impedance measurements (UCI) of the property-controlled freeform bending has also been examined [2], as well as a structure for closed-loop control based on material properties [3]. The present work deals with a micro-magnetic sensor and Barkhausen noise (BHN) and investigates its suitability for the closed-loop control. For this purpose, different processing routes for freeform-bent steel tubes are experimentally investigated by their characteristic BHN. In addition to an existing simulation model, a data basis for the impact of freeform bending parameters is built to extend the existing model of a property-based closed-loop control

DYNAMOS - Dynamik systemischer Effekte durch die Einspeisung erneuerbarer Energien: Hochfrequente Fluktuationen und deren Auswirkung auf den Abruf marktorientierter Systemdienstleistung

Dynamik systemischer Effekte durch die Einspeisung erneuerbarer Energien: Hochfrequente Fluktuationen und deren Auswirkung auf den Abruf marktorientierter Systemdienstleistung - Schlussbericht DLR-Institut für Vernetzte Energiesysteme - Projekt: DYNAMO

Evolution and implementation of radiographic response criteria in neuro-oncology

Radiographic response assessment in neuro-oncology is critical in clinical practice and trials. Conventional criteria, such as the MacDonald and response assessment in neuro-oncology (RANO) criteria, rely on bidimensional (2D) measurements of a single tumor cross-section. Although RANO criteria are established for response assessment in clinical trials, there is a critical need to address the complexity of brain tumor treatment response with multiple new approaches being proposed. These include volumetric analysis of tumor compartments, structured MRI reporting systems like the Brain Tumor Reporting and Data System, and standardized approaches to advanced imaging techniques to distinguish tumor response from treatment effects. In this review, we discuss the strengths and limitations of different neuro-oncology response criteria and summarize current research findings on the role of novel response methods in neuro-oncology clinical trials and practice

Ceramic Femoral Components in Total Knee Arthroplasty - Two Year Follow-Up Results of an International Prospective Multi-Centre Study

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty can be considered as a reliable surgical procedure with a good long-term clinical result. However, implant failure due to particle induced aseptic loosening as well as the aspect of hypersensitivity to metal ions still remains an emerging issue. METHODS: The purpose of this prospective international multi-centre study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes and the reliability of the unconstrained Multigen Plus Total Knee System with a new BIOLOX® delta ceramic femoral component. Cemented total knee arthroplasty was performed on 108 patients (110 knees) at seven hospitals in three countries. Clinical and radiological evaluations were performed preoperatively, and after 3, 12 and 24 months postoperatively using the HSS-, WOMAC-, SF-36-score and standardised X-rays. RESULTS: The mean preoperative HSS-Score amounted to 55.5 ± 11.5 points and improved significantly in all postoperative evaluations (85.7 ± 11.7 points at 24 months). Furthermore, improvements in WOMAC- and SF-36-score were evaluated as significant at all points of evaluation. Radiolucent lines around the femoral ceramic component at 24 months were found in four cases. Progression of radiolucent lines was not seen and no implant loosening was observed. During the 24 month follow-up eight patients underwent subsequent surgery due to reasons unrelated to the implant material. CONCLUSIONS: The observed clinical and radiological results are encouraging for a long-term survival of the ceramic femoral component. Therefore, ceramic implants could be a promising solution not only for patients with allergies against metallic implant materials, but also for the osteoarthritic knee joint. Long-term follow-up is necessary to draw conclusions regarding the superiority of the ceramic knee implants concerning in vivo wear and long-term survivorship

Formation of dsRNA by-products during in vitro transcription can be reduced by using low steady-state levels of UTP

Introduction: Exogeneous messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) can be used as therapeutic and preventive medication. However, during the enzymatic production process, commonly called in vitro transcription, by-products occur which can reduce the therapeutic efficacy of mRNA. One such by-product is double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). We therefore sought to limit the generation of dsRNA by-products during in vitro transcription.Materials and methods:In vitro transcription was performed with a DNA template including a poly(A)-tail-encoding region, dinucleotide or trinucleotide cap analogs for cotranscriptional capping, and relevant nucleoside triphosphates. Concentrations of UTP or modified UTP (m1ΨTP) and GTP were reduced and fed over the course of the reaction. mRNA was analyzed for dsRNA contamination, yield of the reaction, RNA integrity, and capping efficiency before translational activity was assessed.Results: Limiting the steady-state level of UTP or m1ΨTP during the enzymatic reaction reduced dsRNA formation, while not affecting mRNA yield or RNA integrity. Capping efficiency was optimized with the use of a combined GTP and UTP or m1ΨTP feed, while still reducing dsRNA formation. Lower dsRNA levels led to higher protein expression from the corresponding mRNAs.Discussion: Low steady-state concentrations of UTP and GTP, fed in combination over the course of the in vitro transcription reaction, produce mRNA with high capping and low levels of dsRNA formation, resulting in high levels of protein expression. This novel approach may render laborious purification steps to remove dsRNA unnecessary

Query Extension Suggestions for Visual Query Systems Through Ontology Projection and Indexing

Ontology-based visual query formulation is a viable alternative to textual query editors in the Semantic Web domain for extracting data from structured data sources in terms of the skills and knowledge required. A visual query system is at any moment responsible for providing the user with query extension suggestions; however, suggestions leading to empty results are often not useful. To this end, in this article, we first present an approach for projecting OWL 2 ontologies into navigation graphs to be used for query formulation and then a solution where an efficient finite index is used to calculate non-ranked approximated extension suggestions for ontology-based visual query systems using navigation graphs. The results of our experiments suggest that one can efficiently project an ontology into a navigation graph, query it for running an interactive user interface, and suggest query extensions that do not lead to dead-ends