360 research outputs found
Group-theoretic models of the inversion process in bacterial genomes
The variation in genome arrangements among bacterial taxa is largely due to
the process of inversion. Recent studies indicate that not all inversions are
equally probable, suggesting, for instance, that shorter inversions are more
frequent than longer, and those that move the terminus of replication are less
probable than those that do not. Current methods for establishing the inversion
distance between two bacterial genomes are unable to incorporate such
information. In this paper we suggest a group-theoretic framework that in
principle can take these constraints into account. In particular, we show that
by lifting the problem from circular permutations to the affine symmetric
group, the inversion distance can be found in polynomial time for a model in
which inversions are restricted to acting on two regions. This requires the
proof of new results in group theory, and suggests a vein of new combinatorial
problems concerning permutation groups on which group theorists will be needed
to collaborate with biologists. We apply the new method to inferring distances
and phylogenies for published Yersinia pestis data.Comment: 19 pages, 7 figures, in Press, Journal of Mathematical Biolog
On Maltsev digraphs
The original publication is available at www.springerlink.com Copyright SpringerWe study digraphs preserved by a Maltsev operation, Maltsev digraphs. We show that these digraphs retract either onto a directed path or to the disjoint union of directed cycles, showing that the constraint satisfaction problem for Maltsev digraphs is in logspace, L. (This was observed in [19] using an indirect argument.) We then generalize results in [19] to show that a Maltsev digraph is preserved not only by a majority operation, but by a class of other operations (e.g., minority, Pixley) and obtain a O(V G4)-time algorithm to recognize Maltsev digraphs. We also prove analogous results for digraphs preserved by conservative Maltsev operations which we use to establish that the list homomorphism problem for Maltsev digraphs is in L. We then give a polynomial time characterisation of Maltsev digraphs admitting a conservative 2-semilattice operation. Finally, we give a simple inductive construction of directed acyclic digraphs preserved by a Maltsev operation.Peer reviewe
Maximum likelihood estimates of pairwise rearrangement distances
Accurate estimation of evolutionary distances between taxa is important for
many phylogenetic reconstruction methods. In the case of bacteria, distances
can be estimated using a range of different evolutionary models, from single
nucleotide polymorphisms to large-scale genome rearrangements. In the case of
sequence evolution models (such as the Jukes-Cantor model and associated
metric) have been used to correct pairwise distances. Similar correction
methods for genome rearrangement processes are required to improve inference.
Current attempts at correction fall into 3 categories: Empirical computational
studies, Bayesian/MCMC approaches, and combinatorial approaches. Here we
introduce a maximum likelihood estimator for the inversion distance between a
pair of genomes, using the group-theoretic approach to modelling inversions
introduced recently. This MLE functions as a corrected distance: in particular,
we show that because of the way sequences of inversions interact with each
other, it is quite possible for minimal distance and MLE distance to
differently order the distances of two genomes from a third. This has obvious
implications for the use of minimal distance in phylogeny reconstruction. The
work also tackles the above problem allowing free rotation of the genome.
Generally a frame of reference is locked, and all computation made accordingly.
This work incorporates the action of the dihedral group so that distance
estimates are free from any a priori frame of reference.Comment: 21 pages, 7 figures. To appear in the Journal of Theoretical Biolog
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A philosophical approach to entrepreneurial education: a model based on Kantian and Aristotelian thought
In the field of entrepreneurship education, how to develop an effective program to teach entrepreneurship has been widely debated. However, an inductive approach based on analysis of educational program experiences and outcomes has led to mixed conclusions about the appropriate scope and structure of entrepreneurship education. In contrast, we take a deductive approach to develop a comprehensive entrepreneurship education model based on concepts from two schools of philosophical thought: the Kantian debate about freedom versus determinism, and the Aristotelian concepts of praxis and poïesis. These philosophical concepts are related to scope and structure dimensions that delineate the soft (art) and hard (science) of entrepreneurship education, their components and interrelationships. Pedagogies associated with each component as well as integrative pedagogies are identified to guide the development of entrepreneurship education programs and teaching. Theoretical propositions are presented for future research
Layer-by-layer biofunctionalization of nanostructured porous silicon for high-sensitivity and high-selectivity label-free affinity biosensing
Nanostructured materials premise to revolutionize the label-free biosensing of analytes for clinical applications, leveraging the deeper interaction between materials and analytes with comparable size. However, when the characteristic dimension of the materials reduces to the nanoscale, the surface functionalization for the binding of bioreceptors becomes a complex issue that can affect the performance of label-free biosensors. Here we report on an effective and robust route for surface biofunctionalization of nanostructured materials based on the layer-by-layer (LbL) electrostatic nano-assembly of oppositely-charged polyelectrolytes, which are engineered with bioreceptors to enable label-free detection of target analytes. LbL biofunctionalization is demonstrated using nanostructured porous silicon (PSi) interferometers for affinity detection of streptavidin in saliva, through LbL nano-assembly of a bi-layer of positively-charged poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and negatively-charged biotinylated poly(methacrylic acid) (b-PMAA). High sensitivity in streptavidin detection is achieved, with high selectivity and stability, down to a detection limit of 600 fM
The Effective Particle-Hole Interaction and the Optical Response of Simple Metal Clusters
Following Sham and Rice [L. J. Sham, T. M. Rice, Phys. Rev. 144 (1966) 708]
the correlated motion of particle-hole pairs is studied, starting from the
general two-particle Greens function. In this way we derive a matrix equation
for eigenvalues and wave functions, respectively, of the general type of
collective excitation of a N-particle system. The interplay between excitons
and plasmons is fully described by this new set of equations. As a by-product
we obtain - at least a-posteriori - a justification for the use of the TDLDA
for simple-metal clusters.Comment: RevTeX, 15 pages, 5 figures in uufiles format, 1 figure avaible from
[email protected]
Absorption and wavepackets in optically excited semiconductor superlattices driven by dc-ac fields
Within the one-dimensional tight-binding minibands and on-site
Coloumbic interaction approximation, the absorption spectrum and coherent
wavepacket time evolution in an optically excited semiconductor superlattice
driven by dc-ac electric fields are investigated using the semiconductor Bloch
equations.
The dominating roles of the ratios of dc-Stark to external ac frequency, as
well as ac-Stark to external ac frequency, is emphasized. If the former is an
integer , then also harmonics are present within one Stark
frequency, while the fractional case leads to the formation of excitonic
fractional ladders. The later ratio determines the size and profile of the
wavepacket. In the absence of excitonic interaction it controls the maximum
size wavepackets reach within one cycle, while the interaction produces a
strong anisotropy and tends to palliate the dynamic wavepacket localization.Comment: 14 pages, 7 postscript figure
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Evolving absorptive capacity: the mediating role of systematic knowledge management
Absorptive capacity is mediated through knowledge management capacity on innovation output and performance in technology-oriented firms. While prior research has focused on the direct effect of absorptive capacity on innovation, our model posits that absorptive capacity is more efficient in promoting firms’ innovation provided that it is supported by systematic knowledge management practices. We tested this model that included all four components of absorptive capacity using a sample of 127 manufacturing and technology firms in Croatia. Structural equation modelling procedures were used to test hypotheses. Our findings confirm the significance of the relationship between absorptive capacity and knowledge management within firms. Further, we found that firms with higher acquisition and transformation dimensions of absorptive capacity can enhance and replenish their knowledge management practices, which in return results in higher innovation output. These findings extend previous research by explaining the sometimes contradictory findings concerning knowledge management practices, which firms may adopt to enhance their absorptive capacity
Diagrammatic Quantum Monte Carlo for Two-Body Problem: Exciton
We present a novel method for precise numerical solution of the irreducible
two-body problem and apply it to excitons in solids. The approach is based on
the Monte Carlo simulation of the two-body Green function specified by
Feynman's diagrammatic expansion. Our method does not rely on the specific form
of the electron and hole dispersion laws and is valid for any attractive
electron-hole potential. We establish limits of validity of the Wannier (large
radius) and Frenkel (small radius) approximations, present accurate data for
the intermediate radius excitons, and give evidence for the charge transfer
nature of the monopolar exciton in mixed valence materials.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figure
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