51,508 research outputs found
Simple Max-Min Ant Systems and the Optimization of Linear Pseudo-Boolean Functions
With this paper, we contribute to the understanding of ant colony
optimization (ACO) algorithms by formally analyzing their runtime behavior. We
study simple MAX-MIN ant systems on the class of linear pseudo-Boolean
functions defined on binary strings of length 'n'. Our investigations point out
how the progress according to function values is stored in pheromone. We
provide a general upper bound of O((n^3 \log n)/ \rho) for two ACO variants on
all linear functions, where (\rho) determines the pheromone update strength.
Furthermore, we show improved bounds for two well-known linear pseudo-Boolean
functions called OneMax and BinVal and give additional insights using an
experimental study.Comment: 19 pages, 2 figure
Weakly nonlocal fluid mechanics - the Schrodinger equation
A weakly nonlocal extension of ideal fluid dynamics is derived from the
Second Law of thermodynamics. It is proved that in the reversible limit the
additional pressure term can be derived from a potential. The requirement of
the additivity of the specific entropy function determines the quantum
potential uniquely. The relation to other known derivations of Schr\"odinger
equation (stochastic, Fisher information, exact uncertainty) is clarified.Comment: major extension and revisio
Research investigations of bulkhead cylindri- cal junctions exposed to combined load, cryo- genic temperature. part iv- theoretical analysis of the buckling problem
Compression buckling of shell of revolution under axial compression - shell stabilit
Entanglement Entropy Near Kondo-Destruction Quantum Critical Points
We study the impurity entanglement entropy in quantum impurity models
that feature a Kondo-destruction quantum critical point (QCP) arising from a
pseudogap in the conduction-band density of states or from coupling to a
bosonic bath. On the local-moment (Kondo-destroyed) side of the QCP, the
entanglement entropy contains a critical component that can be related to the
order parameter characterizing the quantum phase transition. In Kondo models
describing a spin-\Simp, assumes its maximal value of \ln(2\Simp+1)
at the QCP and throughout the Kondo phase, independent of features such as
particle-hole symmetry and under- or over-screening. In Anderson models,
is nonuniversal at the QCP, and at particle-hole symmetry, rises monotonically
on passage from the local-moment phase to the Kondo phase; breaking this
symmetry can lead to a cusp peak in due to a divergent charge
susceptibility at the QCP. Implications of these results for quantum critical
systems and quantum dots are discussed.Comment: 15 pages, 8 figures, replaced with published version, Editor's
Suggestio
Binding-incompetent adenovirus facilitates molecular conjugate-mediated gene transfer by the receptor-mediated endocytosis pathway
Molecular conjugate vectors may be constructed that accomplish high efficiency gene transfer by the receptor-mediated endocytosis pathway. In order to mediate escape from lysosomal degradation, we have incorporated adenoviruses into the functional design of the conjugate. In doing so, however, we have introduced an additional ligand, which can bind to receptors on the cell surface, undermining the potential for cell specific targeting. To overcome this, we have treated the adenovirus with a monoclonal anti-fiber antibody, which renders the virus incapable of binding to its receptor. The result is a multi-functional molecular conjugate vector, which has preserved its binding specificity while at the same time being capable of preventing lysosomal degradation of endosome-internalized conjugate-DNA complexes. This finding indicates that adenoviral binding is not a prerequisite for adenoviral-mediated endosome disruption
Immunological reactivity of a human immunodeficiency virus type I derived peptide representing a consensus sequence of the GP120 major neutralizing region V3
To reduce the opportunities for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) to evade vaccine induced immunity, the development of subunit vaccines must focus on the characterization of immunogenic epitopes, which are major targets for the immune system. The most dominant site for elicitation of neutralising immune response is located on the external envelope glycoprotein gp120 within the third variable domain (V3). To overcome virus type specificity of antibodies directed to the V3-domain we designed a 36 amino acids long gp120/V3-consensus peptide (V3-C36) based on published biological data and sequence comparisons of various HIV-1 virus isolates. This peptide contains a conserved core sequence which is suggested to form a surface-exposed beta-turn. This peptide also includes T-cell epitopes defined in mice and humans, an ADCC-epitope and two highly conserved cysteine residues which were oxidized to form a cystine derivate, thus allowing correct peptide folding. In ELISA-tests, this peptide reacts with at least 90% of randomly selected sera of European and African patients infected with HIV-1 and is recognized by three different HIV-1/V3 "type-specific" antisera (MN, RF, IIIB-strain). Using this peptide as immunogen in rabbits, antisera could be raised with highly cross-reactive and HIV-1/IIIB strain neutralizing properties. Moreover, HTLV/HIV-1/IIIB specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) of BALB/c mice infected with a gp120 recombinant vaccinia virus recognized the central 16- and 12-mer peptides of the V3-C36 consensus peptide in cytolytic assays, indicating perfect compatibility of the consensus peptide with the IIIB-primed CTLs. The DNA-sequence encoding the V3-consensus loop region might be an important component in newly designed recombinant subunit vaccines. In addition, due to its broad serological reactivity, the V3-consensus peptide might play an important role in special diagnostic purposes
Current Switch by Coherent Trapping of Electrons in Quantum Dots
We propose a new transport mechanism through tunnel-coupled quantum dots
based on the coherent population trapping effect. Coupling to an excited level
by the coherent radiation of two microwaves can lead to an extremely narrow
current antiresonance. The effect can be used to determine interdot dephasing
rates and is a mechanism for a very sensitive, optically controlled current
switch.Comment: to appear in Phys. Rev. Let
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