130 research outputs found
Theory of strongly correlated f and d-electron systems. I. Exact Hamiltonian, Hubbard-Anderson models and perturbation theory near atomic limit within non-orthogonal basis set
The theory of correlated electron systems is formulated in a form which
allows to use as a reference point an ab initio band structure theory (AIBST).
The theory is constructed in two steps. As a first step the total Hamiltonian
is transformed into a correlated form. In order to elucidate the microscopical
origin of the parameters of the periodical Hubbard-Anderson model (PHAM) the
terms of the full Hamiltonian which have the operator structure of PHAM are
separated. It is found that the matrix element of mixing interaction includes
ion-configuration and number-of-particles dependent contributions from the
Coulomb interaction. In a second step the diagram technique (DT) is developed
by means of generalization of the Baym-Kadanoff method for correlated systems.Comment: 40 pages, 6 figure
Exoplanetary Geophysics -- An Emerging Discipline
Thousands of extrasolar planets have been discovered, and it is clear that
the galactic planetary census draws on a diversity greatly exceeding that
exhibited by the solar system's planets. We review significant landmarks in the
chronology of extrasolar planet detection, and we give an overview of the
varied observational techniques that are brought to bear. We then discuss the
properties of the currently known distribution, using the mass-period diagram
as a guide to delineating hot Jupiters, eccentric giant planets, and a third,
highly populous, category that we term "ungiants", planets having masses less
than 30 Earth masses and orbital periods less than 100 days. We then move to a
discussion of the bulk compositions of the extrasolar planets. We discuss the
long-standing problem of radius anomalies among giant planets, as well as
issues posed by the unexpectedly large range in sizes observed for planets with
masses somewhat greater than Earth's. We discuss the use of transit
observations to probe the atmospheres of extrasolar planets; various
measurements taken during primary transit, secondary eclipse, and through the
full orbital period, can give clues to the atmospheric compositions,
structures, and meteorologies. The extrasolar planet catalog, along with the
details of our solar system and observations of star-forming regions and
protoplanetary disks, provide a backdrop for a discussion of planet formation
in which we review the elements of the favored pictures for how the terrestrial
and giant planets were assembled. We conclude by listing several research
questions that are relevant to the next ten years and beyond.Comment: Review chapter to appear in Treatise on Geophysics, 2nd Editio
Landscape of transcription in human cells
Eukaryotic cells make many types of primary and processed RNAs that are found either in specific subcellular compartments or throughout the cells. A complete catalogue of these RNAs is not yet available and their characteristic subcellular localizations are also poorly understood. Because RNA represents the direct output of the genetic information encoded by genomes and a significant proportion of a cell's regulatory capabilities are focused on its synthesis, processing, transport, modification and translation, the generation of such a catalogue is crucial for understanding genome function. Here we report evidence that three-quarters of the human genome is capable of being transcribed, as well as observations about the range and levels of expression, localization, processing fates, regulatory regions and modifications of almost all currently annotated and thousands of previously unannotated RNAs. These observations, taken together, prompt a redefinition of the concept of a gene
Innovative Capability and Financing Constraints for Innovation More Money, More Innovation?
An integrated encyclopedia of DNA elements in the human genome
The human genome encodes the blueprint of life, but the function of the vast majority of its nearly three billion bases is unknown. The Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) project has systematically mapped regions of transcription, transcription factor association, chromatin structure, and histone modification. These data enabled us to assign biochemical functions for 80% of the genome, in particular outside of the well-studied protein-coding regions. Many discovered candidate regulatory elements are physically associated with one another and with expressed genes, providing new insights into the mechanisms of gene regulation. The newly identified elements also show a statistical correspondence to sequence variants linked to human disease, and can thereby guide interpretation of this variation. Overall the project provides new insights into the organization and regulation of our genes and genome, and an expansive resource of functional annotations for biomedical research
Evaluation of prognostic risk models for postoperative pulmonary complications in adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: a systematic review and international external validation cohort study
Background
Stratifying risk of postoperative pulmonary complications after major abdominal surgery allows clinicians to modify risk through targeted interventions and enhanced monitoring. In this study, we aimed to identify and validate prognostic models against a new consensus definition of postoperative pulmonary complications.
Methods
We did a systematic review and international external validation cohort study. The systematic review was done in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched MEDLINE and Embase on March 1, 2020, for articles published in English that reported on risk prediction models for postoperative pulmonary complications following abdominal surgery. External validation of existing models was done within a prospective international cohort study of adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing major abdominal surgery. Data were collected between Jan 1, 2019, and April 30, 2019, in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. Discriminative ability and prognostic accuracy summary statistics were compared between models for the 30-day postoperative pulmonary complication rate as defined by the Standardised Endpoints in Perioperative Medicine Core Outcome Measures in Perioperative and Anaesthetic Care (StEP-COMPAC). Model performance was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCC).
Findings
In total, we identified 2903 records from our literature search; of which, 2514 (86·6%) unique records were screened, 121 (4·8%) of 2514 full texts were assessed for eligibility, and 29 unique prognostic models were identified. Nine (31·0%) of 29 models had score development reported only, 19 (65·5%) had undergone internal validation, and only four (13·8%) had been externally validated. Data to validate six eligible models were collected in the international external validation cohort study. Data from 11 591 patients were available, with an overall postoperative pulmonary complication rate of 7·8% (n=903). None of the six models showed good discrimination (defined as AUROCC ≥0·70) for identifying postoperative pulmonary complications, with the Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia score showing the best discrimination (AUROCC 0·700 [95% CI 0·683–0·717]).
Interpretation
In the pre-COVID-19 pandemic data, variability in the risk of pulmonary complications (StEP-COMPAC definition) following major abdominal surgery was poorly described by existing prognostication tools. To improve surgical safety during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery and beyond, novel risk stratification tools are required.
Funding
British Journal of Surgery Society
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