Faster algorithms for 1-mappability of a sequence

In the k-mappability problem, we are given a string x of length n and integers m and k, and we are asked to count, for each length-m factor y of x, the number of other factors of length m of x that are at Hamming distance at most k from y. We focus here on the version of the problem where k = 1. The fastest known algorithm for k = 1 requires time O(mn log n/ log log n) and space O(n). We present two algorithms that require worst-case time O(mn) and O(n log^2 n), respectively, and space O(n), thus greatly improving the state of the art. Moreover, we present an algorithm that requires average-case time and space O(n) for integer alphabets if m = {\Omega}(log n/ log {\sigma}), where {\sigma} is the alphabet size

Possible surface plasmon polariton excitation under femtosecond laser irradiation of silicon

The mechanisms of ripple formation on silicon surface by femtosecond laser pulses are investigated. We demonstrate the transient evolution of the density of the excited free-carriers. As a result, the experimental conditions required for the excitation of surface plasmon polaritons are revealed. The periods of the resulting structures are then investigated as a function of laser parameters, such as the angle of incidence, laser fluence, and polarization. The obtained dependencies provide a way of better control over the properties of the periodic structures induced by femtosecond laser on the surface of a semiconductor material.Comment: 11 pages, 8 figures, accepted for publication in Journal of Applied Physic

High-speed manufacturing of highly regular femtosecond laser-induced periodic surface structures: Physical origin of regularity

Highly regular laser-induced periodic surface structures (HR-LIPSS) have been fabricated on surfaces of Mo, steel alloy and Ti at a record processing speed on large areas and with a record regularity in the obtained sub-wavelength structures. The physical mechanisms governing LIPSS regularity are identified and linked with the decay length (i.e. the mean free path) of the excited surface electromagnetic waves (SEWs). The dispersion of the LIPSS orientation angle well correlates with the SEWs decay length: the shorter this length, the more regular are the LIPSS. A material dependent criterion for obtaining HR-LIPSS is proposed for a large variety of metallic materials. It has been found that decreasing the spot size close to the SEW decay length is a key for covering several cm2 of material surface by HR-LIPSS in a few seconds. Theoretical predictions suggest that reducing the laser wavelength can provide the possibility of HR-LIPSS production on principally any metal. This new achievement in the unprecedented level of control over the laser-induced periodic structure formation makes this laser-writing technology to be flexible, robust and, hence, highly competitive for advanced industrial applications based on surface nanostructuring

A new tool based on faecal stanols can distinguish specific mammalian species in modern and past environments

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Neutron Resonance Parameters and Covariance Matrix of 239Pu

In order to obtain the resonance parameters in a single energy range and the corresponding covariance matrix, a reevaluation of 239Pu was performed with the code SAMMY. The most recent experimental data were analyzed or reanalyzed in the energy range thermal to 2.5 keV. The normalization of the fission cross section data was reconsidered by taking into account the most recent measurements of Weston et al. and Wagemans et al. A full resonance parameter covariance matrix was generated. The method used to obtain realistic uncertainties on the average cross section calculated by SAMMY or other processing codes was examined

Integral data analysis for resonance parameters determination

Neutron time-of-flight experiments have long been used to determine resonance parameters. Those resonance parameters have then been used in calculations of integral quantities such as Maxwellian averages or resonance integrals, and results of those calculations in turn have been used as a criterion for acceptability of the resonance analysis. However, the calculations were inadequate because covariances on the parameter values were not included in the calculations. In this report an effort to correct for that deficiency is documented: (1) the R-matrix analysis code SAMMY has been modified to include integral quantities of importance, (2) directly within the resonance parameter analysis, and (3) to determine the best fit to both differential (microscopic) and integral (macroscopic) data simultaneously. This modification was implemented because it is expected to have an impact on the intermediate-energy range that is important for criticality safety applications

Merger of Nuclear Data with Criticality Safety Calculations

In this paper we report on current activities related to the merger of differential/integral data (especially in the resolved-resonance region) with nuclear criticality safety computations. Techniques are outlined for closer coupling of many processes � measurement, data reduction, differential-data analysis, integral-data analysis, generating multigroup cross sections, data-testing, criticality computations � which in the past have been treated independently

Akkermansia muciniphila and its role in regulating host functions

Akkermansia muciniphila is an intestinal bacterium that was isolated a decade ago from a human fecal sample. Its specialization in mucin degradation makes it a key organism at the mucosal interface between the lumen and host cells. Although it was isolated quite recently, it has rapidly raised significant interest as A. muciniphila is the only cultivated intestinal representative of the Verrucomicrobia, one of the few phyla in the human gut that can be easily detected in phylogenetic and metagenome analyses. There has also been a growing interest in A. muciniphila, due to its association with health in animals and humans. Notably, reduced levels of A. muciniphila have been observed in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (mainly ulcerative colitis) and metabolic disorders, which suggests it may have potential anti-inflammatory properties. The aims of this review are to summarize the existing data on the intestinal distribution of A. muciniphila in health and disease, to provide insight into its ecology and its role in founding microbial networks at the mucosal interface, as well as to discuss recent research on its role in regulating host functions that are disturbed in various diseases, with a specific focus on metabolic disorders in both animals and humans. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Peer reviewe