Lower bounds and exact algorithms for the graph partitioning problem using multicommodity flows

von Norbert SensenPaderborn, Univ., Diss., 200

04281 Abstracts Collection -- Integrative Bioinformatics - Aspects of the Virtual Cell

From 04.07.04 to 09.07.04, the Dagstuhl Seminar 04281 ``Integrative Bioinformatics - Aspects of the Virtual Cell\u27\u27 was held in the International Conference and Research Center (IBFI), Schloss Dagstuhl. During the seminar, several participants presented their current research, and ongoing work and open problems were discussed. Abstracts of the presentations given during the seminar as well as abstracts of seminar results and ideas are put together in this paper. The first section describes the seminar topics and goals in general. Links to extended abstracts or full papers are provided, if available

A facile approach to fabricate highly sensitive, flexible strain sensor based on elastomeric/graphene platelet composite film

This work developed a facile approach to fabricate highly sensitive and flexible polyurethane/graphene platelets composite film for wearable strain sensor. The composite film was fabricated via layer-by-layer laminating method which is simple and cost-effective; it exhibited outstanding electrical conductivity of 1430 ± 50 S/cm and high sensitivity to strain (the gauge factor is up to 150). In the sensor application test, the flexible strain sensor achieves real-time monitoring accurately for five bio-signals such as pulse movement, finger movement, and cheek movement giving a great potential as wearable-sensing device. In addition, the developed strain sensor shows response to pressure and temperature in a certain region. A multifaceted comparison between reported flexible strain sensors and our strain sensor was made highlighting the advantages of the current work in terms of (1) high sensitivity (gauge factor) and flexibility, (2) facile approach of fabrication, and (3) accurate monitoring for body motions

Glucose Transport in the Extremely Thermoacidophilic Sulfolobus solfataricus Involves a High-Affinity Membrane-Integrated Binding Protein

The archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus grows optimally at 80°C and pH 2.5 to 3.5 on carbon sources such as yeast extracts, tryptone, and various sugars. Cells rapidly accumulate glucose. This transport activity involves a membrane-bound glucose-binding protein that interacts with its substrate with very high affinity (Kd of 0.43 µM) and retains high glucose affinity at very low pH values (as low as pH 0.6). The binding protein was extracted with detergent and purified to homogeneity as a 65-kDa glycoprotein. The gene coding for the binding protein was identified in the S. solfataricus P2 genome by means of the amino-terminal amino acid sequence of the purified protein. Sequence analysis suggests that the protein is anchored to the membrane via an amino-terminal transmembrane segment. Neighboring genes encode two membrane proteins and an ATP-binding subunit that are transcribed in the reverse direction, whereas a homologous gene cluster in Pyrococcus horikoshii OT3 was found to be organized in an operon. These data indicate that S. solfataricus utilizes a binding-protein-dependent ATP-binding cassette transporter for the uptake of glucose

How free is prudent behavior?

We ordinarily believe that we have the capacity to freely act otherwise. If you have a choice between two desserts, for instance, we believe that in a deep metaphysical sense this decision is up to you. Given the same desires, information, circumstances, biological makeup, and past experiences, you can decide one way or the other. We believe that the decision is not causally pre-determined, and that one could not predict with certainty how an agent will behave. It is not clear, however, whether Kant upholds this conception of freedom. On one reading of his texts, only morally good actions can be free (cf. GMS 4:446f). This led to the charge, made famous by Reinhold and Sidgwick, that we cannot be blamed for immoral actions (cf. Reinhold 1792; Sidgwick 1874, 58). For if only moral actions are free, and if praise and blame presuppose that we were free and responsible, then one cannot be blamed for an immoral action. In this sense Kant seems to be saying that only acting morally is a capacity, but failing to do so merely the lack of a capacity (cf. MS 6:226)

Recent Advances in Graph Partitioning

We survey recent trends in practical algorithms for balanced graph partitioning together with applications and future research directions

The Predictive Role of Materialistic Values on Learning Burnout by Pre-service Teachers: A Parallel Channel Model

This study set out to explore the relationship between materialistic values (MVS), ontological security threat (OST), gratitude, and learning burnout (LB) among pre-service teachers enrolled in the Free Teacher Education program in China. MVS, adolescent student burnout, gratitude, and OST questionnaires were administered to 801 pre-service teachers. Data processing was conducted using IBM SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 24.0. The SPSS macro program Model 4 was used to identify mediating mechanisms. Study findings were as follows: (1) MVS was positively correlated with both OST and LB, but negatively correlated with gratitude. (2) OST was positively correlated with LB, while gratitude was negatively correlated with LB. (3) The impact of MVS on pre-service teachers' LB was simultaneously mediated by OST and gratitude. MVS not only directly predicts pre-service teachers' LB, but also influences LB through the independent mediators of OST and gratitude