Second-Order Self-Consistent-Field Density-Matrix Renormalization Group

We present a matrix-product state (MPS)-based quadratically convergent density-matrix renormalization group self-consistent-field (DMRG-SCF) approach. Following a proposal by Werner and Knowles (JCP 82, 5053, (1985)), our DMRG-SCF algorithm is based on a direct minimization of an energy expression which is correct to second-order with respect to changes in the molecular orbital basis. We exploit a simultaneous optimization of the MPS wave function and molecular orbitals in order to achieve quadratic convergence. In contrast to previously reported (augmented Hessian) Newton-Raphson and super-configuration-interaction algorithms for DMRG-SCF, energy convergence beyond a quadratic scaling is possible in our ansatz. Discarding the set of redundant active-active orbital rotations, the DMRG-SCF energy converges typically within two to four cycles of the self-consistent procedureComment: 40 pages, 5 figures, 3 table

The widespread role of non-enzymatic reactions in cellular metabolism.

Enzymes shape cellular metabolism, are regulated, fast, and for most cases specific. Enzymes do not however prevent the parallel occurrence of non-enzymatic reactions. Non-enzymatic reactions were important for the evolution of metabolic pathways, but are retained as part of the modern metabolic network. They divide into unspecific chemical reactivity and specific reactions that occur either exclusively non-enzymatically as part of the metabolic network, or in parallel to existing enzyme functions. Non-enzymatic reactions resemble catalytic mechanisms as found in all major enzyme classes and occur spontaneously, small molecule (e.g. metal-) catalyzed or light-induced. The frequent occurrence of non-enzymatic reactions impacts on stability and metabolic network structure, and has thus to be considered in the context of metabolic disease, network modeling, biotechnology and drug design.We acknowledge funding from the Wellcome Trust (RG 093735/Z/10/Z), the ERC (starting Grant 260809). Markus A Keller is supported by the Austrian Science Funds by an Erwin Schroeder postdoctoral fellowship (FWF, J 3341). Markus Ralser is a Wellcome Trust Research Career Development and Wellcome-Beit Prize fellow.This paper was originally published in Current Opinion in Biotechnology (Keller MA, Piedrafita G, Ralser M, Current Opinion in Biotechnology 2015, 34, 153–161, doi:10.1016/j.copbio.2014.12.020)

The Impact of Non-Enzymatic Reactions and Enzyme Promiscuity on Cellular Metabolism during (Oxidative) Stress Conditions.

Cellular metabolism assembles in a structurally highly conserved, but functionally dynamic system, known as the metabolic network. This network involves highly active, enzyme-catalyzed metabolic pathways that provide the building blocks for cell growth. In parallel, however, chemical reactivity of metabolites and unspecific enzyme function give rise to a number of side products that are not part of canonical metabolic pathways. It is increasingly acknowledged that these molecules are important for the evolution of metabolism, affect metabolic efficiency, and that they play a potential role in human disease-age-related disorders and cancer in particular. In this review we discuss the impact of oxidative and other cellular stressors on the formation of metabolic side products, which originate as a consequence of: (i) chemical reactivity or modification of regular metabolites; (ii) through modifications in substrate specificity of damaged enzymes; and (iii) through altered metabolic flux that protects cells in stress conditions. In particular, oxidative and heat stress conditions are causative of metabolite and enzymatic damage and thus promote the non-canonical metabolic activity of the cells through an increased repertoire of side products. On the basis of selected examples, we discuss the consequences of non-canonical metabolic reactivity on evolution, function and repair of the metabolic network.Work in the Ralser lab is funded from the Wellcome Trust (RG 093735/Z/10/Z), the ERC (Starting grant 260809). Markus A. Keller is supported by the Austrian Science Funds by an Erwin Schrödinger postdoctoral fellowship (FWF, J 3341). Markus Ralser is a Wellcome Trust Research Career Development and Wellcome-Beit Prize fellow.This is the final version of the article. It first appeared from MDPI via http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/biom503210

Vegetarische Ernährung : Eine Ernährungsweise mit Zukunft

Ernährung ist auch aus gesundheitspolitischer Sicht ein Thema von wachsendem Interesse, denn die ernährungsbedingten oder –assoziierten Krankheiten nehmen ständig zu. Unsere Ernährung beinhaltet aber auch gesellschaftliche, ethische, ökologische und ökonomische Aspekte. Zahlreiche Forschungsergebnisse der letzten Jahre zeigen, dass eine vegetarische Ernährungs- und Lebensweise sich in diesen Bereichen deutlich positiver auswirkt als die übliche Durchschnittskost

A Comparison of Techniques for Sampling Web Pages

As the World Wide Web is growing rapidly, it is getting increasingly challenging to gather representative information about it. Instead of crawling the web exhaustively one has to resort to other techniques like sampling to determine the properties of the web. A uniform random sample of the web would be useful to determine the percentage of web pages in a specific language, on a topic or in a top level domain. Unfortunately, no approach has been shown to sample the web pages in an unbiased way. Three promising web sampling algorithms are based on random walks. They each have been evaluated individually, but making a comparison on different data sets is not possible. We directly compare these algorithms in this paper. We performed three random walks on the web under the same conditions and analyzed their outcomes in detail. We discuss the strengths and the weaknesses of each algorithm and propose improvements based on experimental results

Determining Factors for the Accuracy of DMRG in Chemistry

The Density Matrix Renormalization Group (DMRG) algorithm has been a rising star for the accurate ab initio exploration of Born-Oppenheimer potential energy surfaces in theoretical chemistry. However, owing to its iterative numerical nature, pit falls, that can affect the accuracy of DMRG energies, need to be circumvented. Here, after a brief introduction into this quantum chemical method, we discuss criteria that determine the accuracy of DMRG calculations.Comment: 16 pages, 2 figures, 1 tabl

A haploproficient interaction of the transaldolase paralogue NQM1 with the transcription factor VHR1 affects stationary phase survival and oxidative stress resistance.

BACKGROUND: Studying the survival of yeast in stationary phase, known as chronological lifespan, led to the identification of molecular ageing factors conserved from yeast to higher organisms. To identify functional interactions among yeast chronological ageing genes, we conducted a haploproficiency screen on the basis of previously identified long-living mutants. For this, we created a library of heterozygous Saccharomyces cerevisiae double deletion strains and aged them in a competitive manner. RESULTS: Stationary phase survival was prolonged in a double heterozygous mutant of the metabolic enzyme non-quiescent mutant 1 (NQM1), a paralogue to the pentose phosphate pathway enzyme transaldolase (TAL1), and the transcription factor vitamin H response transcription factor 1 (VHR1). We find that cells deleted for the two genes possess increased clonogenicity at late stages of stationary phase survival, but find no indication that the mutations delay initial mortality upon reaching stationary phase, canonically defined as an extension of chronological lifespan. We show that both genes influence the concentration of metabolites of glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway, central metabolic players in the ageing process, and affect osmolality of growth media in stationary phase cultures. Moreover, NQM1 is glucose repressed and induced in a VHR1 dependent manner upon caloric restriction, on non-fermentable carbon sources, as well as under osmotic and oxidative stress. Finally, deletion of NQM1 is shown to confer resistance to oxidizing substances. CONCLUSIONS: The transaldolase paralogue NQM1 and the transcription factor VHR1 interact haploproficiently and affect yeast stationary phase survival. The glucose repressed NQM1 gene is induced under various stress conditions, affects stress resistance and this process is dependent on VHR1. While NQM1 appears not to function in the pentose phosphate pathway, the interplay of NQM1 with VHR1 influences the yeast metabolic homeostasis and stress tolerance during stationary phase, processes associated with yeast ageing.We thank the Max Planck Society, Wellcome Trust (RG 093735/Z/10/Z), the ERC (Starting grant 260809), and the Isaac Newton Trust for funding. Markus A Keller is supported by an Erwin Schroedinger postdoctoral fellowship (FWF, Austria, J 3341). Markus Ralser is a Wellcome Trust Research Career Development and Wellcome-Beit Prize fellow.This is the final version of the article. It first appeared from BMC via http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12863-015-0171-

Small unit compound modules : a new approach for light weight PV modules

A new concept for light weight solar modules is presented in this paper. The main difference to the common module type is the replacement of the frame at the laminates fringe by a lattice-like structure at the rear or at the rear and front side. Due to the smaller distances between the mechanical supporting elements the stiffness of the laminate itself can be reduced to a minimum, enabling the use of thin glass or alternative materials like for example polymer foils