Partial observations, coarse graining and equivariance in Koopman operator theory for large-scale dynamical systems

The Koopman operator has become an essential tool for data-driven analysis, prediction and control of complex systems, the main reason being the enormous potential of identifying linear function space representations of nonlinear dynamics from measurements. Until now, the situation where for large-scale systems, we (i) only have access to partial observations (i.e., measurements, as is very common for experimental data) or (ii) deliberately perform coarse graining (for efficiency reasons) has not been treated to its full extent. In this paper, we address the pitfall associated with this situation, that the classical EDMD algorithm does not automatically provide a Koopman operator approximation for the underlying system if we do not carefully select the number of observables. Moreover, we show that symmetries in the system dynamics can be carried over to the Koopman operator, which allows us to massively increase the model efficiency. We also briefly draw a connection to domain decomposition techniques for partial differential equations and present numerical evidence using the Kuramoto--Sivashinsky equation

Structural properties of InAlN single layers nearly latice-matched to GaN grown by plasma assisted molecular beal epitaxy

The high lattice mismatch between III-nitride binaries (InN, GaN and AlN) remains a key problem to grow high quality III-nitride heterostructures. Recent interest has been focused on the growth of high-quality InAlN layers, with approximately 18% of indium incorporation, in-plane lattice-matched (LM) to GaN. While a lot of work has been done by metal-organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE) by Carlin and co-workers, its growth by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is still in infanc

Learners on the superhighway? Access to learning via electronic communications

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:3661.958F(ED--424-369)(microfiche) / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Asymmetric Dimethyarginine as Marker and Mediator in Ischemic Stroke

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, is known as mediator of endothelial cell dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Circulating ADMA levels are correlated with cardiovascular risk factors such as hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperhomocysteinemia, age and smoking. Accordingly, clinical studies found evidence that increased ADMA levels are associated with a higher risk of cerebrovascular events. After the acute event of ischemic stroke, levels of ADMA and its analog symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) are elevated through augmentation of protein methylation and oxidative stress. Furthermore, cleavage of ADMA through dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolases (DDAHs) is reduced. This increase of dimethylarginines might be predictive for adverse clinical outcome. However, the definite role of ADMA after acute ischemic stroke still needs to be clarified. On the one hand, ADMA might contribute to brain injury by reduction of cerebral blood flow. On the other hand, ADMA might be involved in NOS-induced oxidative stress and excitotoxic neuronal death. In the present review, we highlight the current knowledge from clinical and experimental studies on ADMA and its role for stroke risk and ischemic brain injury in the hyperacute stage after stroke. Finally, further studies are warranted to unravel the relevance of the close association of dimethylarginines with stroke

Asymmetric Dimethyarginine as Marker and Mediator in Ischemic Stroke

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, is known as mediator of endothelial cell dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Circulating ADMA levels are correlated with cardiovascular risk factors such as hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperhomocysteinemia, age and smoking. Accordingly, clinical studies found evidence that increased ADMA levels are associated with a higher risk of cerebrovascular events. After the acute event of ischemic stroke, levels of ADMA and its analog symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) are elevated through augmentation of protein methylation and oxidative stress. Furthermore, cleavage of ADMA through dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolases (DDAHs) is reduced. This increase of dimethylarginines might be predictive for adverse clinical outcome. However, the definite role of ADMA after acute ischemic stroke still needs to be clarified. On the one hand, ADMA might contribute to brain injury by reduction of cerebral blood flow. On the other hand, ADMA might be involved in NOS-induced oxidative stress and excitotoxic neuronal death. In the present review, we highlight the current knowledge from clinical and experimental studies on ADMA and its role for stroke risk and ischemic brain injury in the hyperacute stage after stroke. Finally, further studies are warranted to unravel the relevance of the close association of dimethylarginines with stroke

Butyrylcholinesterase activity in patients with postoperative delirium after cardiothoracic surgery or percutaneous valve replacement- an observational interdisciplinary cohort study

Abstract Background and objectives Postoperative delirium is a frequent and severe complication after cardiac surgery. Activity of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) has been discussed controversially regarding a possible role in its development. This study aimed to investigate the relevance of BChE activity as a biomarker for postoperative delirium after cardiac surgery or percutaneous valve replacement. Methods A total of 237 patients who received elective cardiothoracic surgery or percutaneous valve replacement at a tertiary care centre were admitted preoperatively. These patients were tested with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment investigating cognitive deficits, and assessed for postoperative delirium twice daily for three days via the 3D-CAM or the CAM-ICU, depending on their level of consciousness. BChE activity was measured at three defined time points before and after surgery. Results Postoperative delirium occurred in 39.7% of patients (n = 94). Univariate analysis showed an association of pre- and postoperative BChE activity with its occurrence (p = 0.037, p = 0.001). There was no association of postoperative delirium and the decline in BChE activity (pre- to postoperative, p = 0.327). Multivariable analysis including either preoperative or postoperative BChE activity as well as age, MoCA, type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, type of surgery and intraoperative administration of red-cell concentrates was performed. Neither preoperative nor postoperative BChE activity was independently associated with the occurrence of postoperative delirium (p = 0.086, p = 0.484). Preoperative BChE activity was lower in older patients (B = -12.38 (95% CI: -21.94 to -2.83), p = 0.011), and in those with a history of stroke (B = -516.173 (95% CI: -893.927 to -138.420), p = 0.008) or alcohol abuse (B = -451.47 (95% CI: -868.38 to -34.55), p = 0.034). Lower postoperative BChE activity was independently associated with longer procedures (B = -461.90 (95% CI: -166.34 to -757.46), p = 0.002), use of cardiopulmonary bypass (B = -262.04 (95% CI: -485.68 to -38.39), p = 0.022), the number of administered red cell-concentrates (B = -40.99 (95% CI: -67.86 to -14.12), p = 0.003) and older age (B = -9.35 (95% CI: -16.04 to -2.66), p = 0.006). Conclusion BChE activity is not independently associated with the occurrence of postoperative delirium. Preoperative BChE values are related to patients’ morbidity and vulnerability, while postoperative activities reflect the severity, length and complications of surgery

Lipopolysaccharide binding protein, interleukin-10, interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein blood levels in acute ischemic stroke patients with post-stroke infection.

Ischemic stroke patients are prone to infection by stroke-induced immunodepression. We hypothesized that levels of lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP) are early predictors for the development of stroke-associated infection

Stroke, Seizures, Hallucinations and Postoperative Delirium as Neurological Complications after Cardiac Surgery and Percutaneous Valve Replacement

(1) Background: Neurological complications such as acute ischemic stroke or postoperative delirium are frequent after cardiac surgery or percutaneous valve replacement. This study aimed to identify corresponding risk factors. (2) Methods: 297 patients with percutaneous valve replacement or cardiac surgery were postoperatively screened for neurological complications such as delirium, stroke, seizures and hallucinations twice daily for three days. Pre- and perioperative risk factors were evaluated in a multivariate model. (3) Results: Neurological complications occurred in 43.8% (n = 130) as composed of delirium (43.43%, n = 129), stroke (2.7%, n = 8), seizures (1.35%, n = 4) and real hallucinations (3.36%, n = 10). Multiple logistic regression revealed an association of neurological complications with lower Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores (Exp(B) 2.042; 95% CI, 1.183–3.525, p = 0.010), older age (Exp(B) 1.071; 95% CI, 1.036–1.107, p < 0.001), red blood cell transfusions until postoperative day 3 (Exp(B) 1.157; 95% CI, 1.030–1.300, p = 0.014), history of heart failure (Exp(B) 1.985; 95% CI, 1.130–3.487, p = 0.017) and increased CRP levels (Exp(B) 1.004; 95% CI, 1.000–1.008, p = 0.037). (4) Conclusions: Postoperative delirium remains a frequent complication after cardiac surgery, while stroke and seizures occur rarely. A preoperative risk profile including older age, history of heart failure and cognitive impairment was identified for a complicated postoperative course. However, the impact of an intense inflammatory response must not be neglected