Searcharxiv⌕ Search

arXiv subjects

Gerald Teschl

Publications and source records attributed to Gerald Teschl.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

A modeling-based evaluation of isothermal rebreathing for breath gas analyses of highly soluble volatile organic compounds

Isothermal rebreathing has been proposed as an experimental technique for estimating the alveolar levels of hydrophilic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath. Using the prototypic test compound acetone we demonstrate that the end-tidal breath profiles of such substances during isothermal rebreathing show characteristics that contradict the conventional pulmonary inert gas elimination theory due to Farhi. On the other hand, these profiles can reliably be captured by virtue of a previously developed mathematical model for the general exhalation kinetics of highly soluble, blood-borne VOCs, which explicitly takes into account airway gas exchange as major determinant of the observable breath output. This model allows for a mechanistic analysis of various rebreathing protocols suggested in the literature. In particular, it clarifies the discrepancies between in vitro and in vivo blood-breath ratios of hydrophilic VOCs and yields further quantitative insights into the physiological components of isothermal rebreathing.

q-bio.QM↗

Commutation Methods for Schroedinger Operators with Strongly Singular Potentials

We explore the connections between singular Weyl-Titchmarsh theory and the single and double commutation methods. In particular, we compute the singular Weyl function of the commuted operators in terms of the original operator. We apply the results to spherical Schroedinger operators (also known as Bessel operators). We also investigate the connections with the generalized Baecklund-Darboux transformation.

math.SP↗

On the connection between the Hilger and Radon--Nikodym derivatives

We show that the Hilger derivative on time scales is a special case of the Radon--Nikodym derivative with respect to the natural measure associated with every time scale. Moreover, we show that the concept of delta absolute continuity agrees with the one from measure theory in this context.

math.CA↗

The role of mathematical modeling in VOC analysis using isoprene as a prototypic example

Isoprene is one of the most abundant endogenous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contained in human breath and is considered to be a potentially useful biomarker for diagnostic and monitoring purposes. However, neither the exact biochemical origin of isoprene nor its physiological role are understood in sufficient depth, thus hindering the validation of breath isoprene tests in clinical routine. Exhaled isoprene concentrations are reported to change under different clinical and physiological conditions, especially in response to enhanced cardiovascular and respiratory activity. Investigating isoprene exhalation kinetics under dynamical exercise helps to gather the relevant experimental information for understanding the gas exchange phenomena associated with this important VOC. A first model for isoprene in exhaled breath has been developed by our research group. In the present paper, we aim at giving a concise overview of this model and describe its role in providing supportive evidence for a peripheral (extrahepatic) source of isoprene. In this sense, the results presented here may enable a new perspective on the biochemical processes governing isoprene formation in the human body.

q-bio.QM↗

On the Singular Weyl-Titchmarsh Function of Perturbed Spherical Schroedinger Operators

We investigate the singular Weyl-Titchmarsh m-function of perturbed spherical Schroedinger operators (also known as Bessel operators) under the assumption that the perturbation $q(x)$ satisfies $x q(x) \in L^1(0,1)$. We show existence plus detailed properties of a fundamental system of solutions which are entire with respect to the energy parameter. Based on this we show that the singular m-function belongs to the generalized Nevanlinna class and connect our results with the theory of super singular perturbations.

math.SP↗

A mathematical model for breath gas analysis of volatile organic compounds with special emphasis on acetone

Recommended standardized procedures for determining exhaled lower respiratory nitric oxide and nasal nitric oxide have been developed by task forces of the European Respiratory Society and the American Thoracic Society. These recommendations have paved the way for the measurement of nitric oxide to become a diagnostic tool for specific clinical applications. It would be desirable to develop similar guidelines for the sampling of other trace gases in exhaled breath, especially volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which reflect ongoing metabolism. The concentrations of water-soluble, blood-borne substances in exhaled breath are influenced by: (i) breathing patterns affecting gas exchange in the conducting airways; (ii) the concentrations in the tracheo-bronchial lining fluid; (iii) the alveolar and systemic concentrations of the compound. The classical Farhi equation takes only the alveolar concentrations into account. Real-time measurements of acetone in end-tidal breath under an ergometer challenge show characteristics which cannot be explained within the Farhi setting. Here we develop a compartment model that reliably captures these profiles and is capable of relating breath to the systemic concentrations of acetone. By comparison with experimental data it is inferred that the major part of variability in breath acetone concentrations (e.g., in response to moderate exercise or altered breathing patterns) can be attributed to airway gas exchange, with minimal changes of the underlying blood and tissue concentrations. Moreover, it is deduced that measured end-tidal breath concentrations of acetone determined during resting conditions and free breathing will be rather poor indicators for endogenous levels. Particularly, the current formulation includes the classical Farhi and the Scheid series inhomogeneity model as special limiting cases.

q-bio.QM↗

Physiological modeling of isoprene dynamics in exhaled breath

Human breath contains a myriad of endogenous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are reflective of ongoing metabolic or physiological processes. While research into the diagnostic potential and general medical relevance of these trace gases is conducted on a considerable scale, little focus has been given so far to a sound analysis of the quantitative relationships between breath levels and the underlying systemic concentrations. This paper is devoted to a thorough modeling study of the end-tidal breath dynamics associated with isoprene, which serves as a paradigmatic example for the class of low-soluble, blood-borne VOCs. Real-time measurements of exhaled breath under an ergometer challenge reveal characteristic changes of isoprene output in response to variations in ventilation and perfusion. Here, a valid compartmental description of these profiles is developed. By comparison with experimental data it is inferred that the major part of breath isoprene variability during exercise conditions can be attributed to an increased fractional perfusion of potential storage and production sites, leading to higher levels of mixed venous blood concentrations at the onset of physical activity. In this context, various lines of supportive evidence for an extrahepatic tissue source of isoprene are presented. Our model is a first step towards new guidelines for the breath gas analysis of isoprene and is expected to aid further investigations regarding the exhalation, storage, transport and biotransformation processes associated with this important compound.

q-bio.QM↗

Inverse Eigenvalue Problems for Perturbed Spherical Schroedinger Operators

We investigate the eigenvalues of perturbed spherical Schrödinger operators under the assumption that the perturbation $q(x)$ satisfies $x q(x) \in L^1(0,1)$. We show that the square roots of eigenvalues are given by the square roots of the unperturbed eigenvalues up to an decaying error depending on the behavior of $q(x)$ near $x=0$. Furthermore, we provide sets of spectral data which uniquely determine $q(x)$.

math.SP↗

Relative Oscillation Theory for Dirac Operators

We develop relative oscillation theory for one-dimensional Dirac operators which, rather than measuring the spectrum of one single operator, measures the difference between the spectra of two different operators. This is done by replacing zeros of solutions of one operator by weighted zeros of Wronskians of solutions of two different operators. In particular, we show that a Sturm-type comparison theorem still holds in this situation and demonstrate how this can be used to investigate the number of eigenvalues in essential spectral gaps. Furthermore, the connection with Krein's spectral shift function is established. As an application we extend a result by K.M. Schmidt on the finiteness/infiniteness of the number of eigenvalues in essential spectral gaps of perturbed periodic Dirac operators.

math.SP↗

Stability of the Periodic Toda Lattice: Higher Order Asymptotics

In a recent paper we have considered the long time asymptotics of the periodic Toda lattice under a short range perturbation and we have proved that the perturbed lattice asymptotically approaches a modulated lattice. In the present paper we capture the higher order asymptotics, at least away from some resonance regions. In particular we prove that the decay rate is $O(t^{-1/2})$. Our proof relies on the asymptotic analysis of the associated Riemann-Hilbert factorization problem, which is here set on a hyperelliptic curve. As in previous studies of the free Toda lattice, the higher order asymptotics arise from "local" Riemann-Hilbert factorization problems on small crosses centered on the stationary phase points. We discover that the analysis of such a local problem can be done in a chart around each stationary phase point and reduces to a Riemann--Hilbert factorization problem on the complex plane. This result can then be pulled back to the hyperelliptic curve.

nlin.SI↗

On the Spatial Asymptotics of Solutions of the Toda Lattice

We investigate the spatial asymptotics of decaying solutions of the Toda hierarchy and show that the asymptotic behaviour is preserved by the time evolution. In particular, we show that the leading asymptotic term is time independent. Moreover, we establish infinite propagation speed for the Toda lattice.

nlin.SI↗

A Paley-Wiener Theorem for Periodic Scattering with Applications to the Korteweg-de Vries Equation

Consider a one-dimensional Schroedinger operator which is a short range perturbation of a finite-gap operator. We give necessary and sufficient conditions on the left, right reflection coefficient such that the difference of the potentials has finite support to the left, right, respectively. Moreover, we apply these results to show a unique continuation type result for solutions of the Korteweg-de Vries equation in this context. By virtue of the Miura transform an analogous result for the modified Korteweg-de Vries equation is also obtained.

nlin.SI↗

The Krein-von Neumann Extension and its Connection to an Abstract Buckling Problem

We prove the unitary equivalence of the inverse of the Krein--von Neumann extension (on the orthogonal complement of its kernel) of a densely defined, closed, strictly positive operator, $S\geq εI_{\mathcal{H}}$ for some $ε>0$ in a Hilbert space $\mathcal{H}$ to an abstract buckling problem operator. In the concrete case where $S=\bar{-Δ|_{C_0^\infty(Ω)}}$ in $L^2(Ω; d^n x)$ for $Ω\subset\mathbb{R}^n$ an open, bounded (and sufficiently regular) domain, this recovers, as a particular case of a general result due to G. Grubb, that the eigenvalue problem for the Krein Laplacian $S_K$ (i.e., the Krein--von Neumann extension of $S$), \[ S_K v = λv, \quad λ\neq 0, \] is in one-to-one correspondence with the problem of {\em the buckling of a clamped plate}, \[ (-Δ)^2u=λ(-Δ) u \text{in} Ω, \quad λ\neq 0, \quad u\in H_0^2(Ω), \] where $u$ and $v$ are related via the pair of formulas \[ u = S_F^{-1} (-Δ) v, \quad v = λ^{-1}(-Δ) u, \] with $S_F$ the Friedrichs extension of $S$. This establishes the Krein extension as a natural object in elasticity theory (in analogy to the Friedrichs extension, which found natural applications in quantum mechanics, elasticity, etc.).

math.SP↗

Spectral Theory for Perturbed Krein Laplacians in Nonsmooth Domains

We study spectral properties for $H_{K,Ω}$, the Krein--von Neumann extension of the perturbed Laplacian $-Δ+V$ defined on $C^\infty_0(Ω)$, where $V$ is measurable, bounded and nonnegative, in a bounded open set $Ω\subset\mathbb{R}^n$ belonging to a class of nonsmooth domains which contains all convex domains, along with all domains of class $C^{1,r}$, $r>1/2$. In particular, in the aforementioned context we establish the Weyl asymptotic formula \[ #\{j\in\mathbb{N} | λ_{K,Ω,j}\leqλ\} = (2π)^{-n} v_n |Ω| λ^{n/2}+O\big(λ^{(n-(1/2))/2}\big) {as} λ\to\infty, \] where $v_n=π^{n/2}/ Γ((n/2)+1)$ denotes the volume of the unit ball in $\mathbb{R}^n$, and $λ_{K,Ω,j}$, $j\in\mathbb{N}$, are the non-zero eigenvalues of $H_{K,Ω}$, listed in increasing order according to their multiplicities. We prove this formula by showing that the perturbed Krein Laplacian (i.e., the Krein--von Neumann extension of $-Δ+V$ defined on $C^\infty_0(Ω)$) is spectrally equivalent to the buckling of a clamped plate problem, and using an abstract result of Kozlov from the mid 1980's. Our work builds on that of Grubb in the early 1980's, who has considered similar issues for elliptic operators in smooth domains, and shows that the question posed by Alonso and Simon in 1980 pertaining to the validity of the above Weyl asymptotic formula continues to have an affirmative answer in this nonsmooth setting.

math.SP↗

Long-Time Asymptotics for the Camassa-Holm Equation

We apply the method of nonlinear steepest descent to compute the long-time asymptotics of the Camassa-Holm equation for decaying initial data, completing previous results by A. Boutet de Monvel and D. Shepelsky.

nlin.SI↗