Genetic algorithms are modern algorithms intended to solve optimization problems. Inspiration originates in evolutionary principles in nature. Parallelization of genetic algorithms provides not only faster processing but also new and better solutions. Parallel genetic algorithms are also closer to real nature than their sequential counterparts. This paper describes the most used models of parallelization of genetic algorithms. Moreover, it provides the design and implementation in programming language Python. Finally, the implementation is verified in several test cases.

No description available.

Electronic coarse graining is a technique improving the predictive power of molecular dynamics simulations by representing electrons via a quantum harmonic oscillator. This construction, known as a Quantum Drude Oscillator, provides all molecular long-range responses by uniting many-body dispersion, polarisation and cross interactions to all orders. To demonstrate the predictive power of electronic coarse graining and provide insights into the physics of water, a molecular model of water based on Quantum Drude Oscillators is developed. The model is parametrised to the properties of an isolated molecule and a single cut through the dimer energy surface. Such a parametrisation makes the condensed phase properties of the model a prediction rather than a fitting target. These properties are studied in four environments via two-temperature adiabatic path integral molecular dynamics: a proton ordered ice, the liquid{vapour interface, supercritical and supercooled water. In all these environments, the model predicts a condensed phase in excellent agreement with experiment, showing impressive transferability. It predicts correct densities and pressures in liquid water from 220 K to 647 K, and a correct temperature of maximum density. Furthermore, it predicts the surface tension, the liquid-vapour critical point, density of ice II, and radial distribution functions across all conditions studied. The model also provides insight into the relationship between the molecular structure of water and its condensed phase properties. An asymmetry between donor and acceptor hydrogen bonds is identified as the molecular scale mechanism responsible for the surface orientation of water molecules. The dipole moment is identified as a molecular scale signature of liquid-like and gas-like regions in supercritical water. Finally, a link between the coordination number and the anomalous thermal expansion of the second coordination shell is also presented.

Abstract Electrostatic interactions are very important in biomolecular systems. Electrostatic forces have received a great deal of attention due to their long-range nature and the trade-off between desolvation and interaction effects. It remains a challenging task to study and to predict the effects of electrostatic interactions in biomolecular systems. Computer simulation techniques that account for such interactions are an important tool for the study of biomolecular electrostatics. This study is largely concerned with the role of electrostatic interactions in biomolecular systems and with developing novel models to estimate the strength of such interactions. First, a novel formulation based upon continuum electrostatics to compute the electrostatic potential in and around two biomolecules in a solvent with ionic strength is presented. Many, if not all, current methods rely on the (non)linear Poisson-Boltzmann equation to include ionic strength. The present formulation, however, describes ionic strength through the inclusion of explicit ions, which considerably extends its applicability and validity range. The method relies on the boundary element method (BEM) and results in two very similar coupled integral equations valid on the dielectric boundaries of two molecules, respectively. This method can be employed to estimate the total electrostatic energy of two protein molecules at a given distance and orientation in an electrolyte solution with zero to moderately high ionic strength. Secondly, to be able to study interactions between biomolecules and membranes, an alternative model partly based upon the analytical continuum electrostatics (ACE) method has been also formulated. It is desirable to develop a method for calculating the total solvation free energy that includes both electrostatic and non-polar energies. The difference between this model and other continuum methods is that instead of determining the electrostatic potential, the total electrostatic energy of the system is calculated by integrating the energy density of the electrostatic field. This novel approach is employed for the calculation of the total solvation free energy of a system consisting of two solutes, one of which could be an infinite slab representing a membrane surface.

Proteine spielen auf der zellulären Ebene eines Organismus eine fundamentale Rolle. Sie sind quasi die „Maschinen“ der Zelle. Ihre Bedeutung wird nicht zuletzt in ihrem Namen deutlich, welcher 1838 erstmals von J. Berzelius verwendet wurde und „das Erste“, „das Wichtigste“ bedeutet. Proteine sind aus Aminosäuren aufgebaute Moleküle. Unter physiologischen Bedingungen besitzen sie eine definierte dreidimensionale Gestalt, welche für ihre biologische Funktion bestimmend ist. Es wird heutzutage davon ausgegangen, dass diese dreidimensionale, stabile Struktur von Proteinen eindeutig durch die Abfolge der einzelnen Aminosäuren, der Sequenz, bestimmt ist. Diese Abfolge ist für jedes Protein in der Desoxyribonukleinsäure (DNS) gespeichert. Es ist allerdings eines der größten ungelösten Probleme der letzten Jahrzehnte, wie die Beziehung zwischen Sequenz und 3D-Struktur tatsächlich aussieht. Die Beantwortung dieser Fragestellung erfordert interdisziplinäre Ansätze aus Biologie, Informatik und Physik. In dieser Arbeit werden mit Hilfe von Methoden der theoretischen (Bio-) Physik einige der damit verbundenen Aspekte untersucht. Das Hauptaugenmerk liegt dabei auf Wechselwirkungen der einzelnen Aminosäuren eines Proteins untereinander, wofür in dieser Arbeit ein entsprechendes Energiemodell entwickelt wurde. Es werden Grundzustände sowie Energielandschaften untersucht und mit experimentellen Daten verglichen. Die Stärke der Wechselwirkung einzelner Aminosäuren erlaubt zusätzlich Aussagen über die Stabilität von Proteinen bezüglich mechanischer Kräfte. Die vorliegende Arbeit unterteilt sich wie folgt: Kapitel 2 dient der Einleitung und stellt Proteine und ihre Funktionen dar. Kapitel 3 stellt die Modellierung der Proteinstrukturen in zwei verschiedenen Modellen vor, welche in dieser Arbeit entwickelt wurden, um 3D-Strukturen von Proteinen zu beschreiben. Anschließend wird in Kapitel 4 ein Algorithmus zum Auffinden des exakten Energieminimums dargestellt. Kapitel 5 beschäftigt sich mit der Frage, wie eine geeignete diskrete Energiefunktion aus experimentellen Daten gewonnen werden kann. In Kapitel 6 werden erste Ergebnisse dieses Modells dargestellt. Der Frage, ob der experimentell bestimmte Zustand dem energetischen Grundzustand eines Proteins entspricht, wird in Kapitel 7 nachgegangen. Die beiden Kapitel 8 und 9 zeigen die Anwendung des Modells an zwei Proteinen, dem Tryptophan cage protein als dem kleinsten, stabilen Protein und Kinesin, einem Motorprotein, für welches 2007 aufschlussreiche Experimente zur mechanischen Stabilität durchgeführt wurden. Kapitel 10 bis 12 widmen sich Membranproteinen. Dabei beschäftigt sich Kapitel 10 mit der Vorhersage von stabilen Bereichen (sog. Entfaltungsbarrieren) unter externer Krafteinwirkung. Zu Beginn wird eine kurze Einleitung zu Membranproteinen gegeben. Im folgenden Kapitel 11 wird die Entfaltung mit Hilfe des Modells und Monte-Carlo-Techniken simuliert. Mit dem an Membranproteine angepassten Wechselwirkungsmodell ist es möglich, den Einfluss von Mutationen auch ohne explizite strukturelle Informationen vorherzusagen. Dieses Thema wird in Kapitel 12 diskutiert. Die Beziehung zwischen Primär- und Tertiärstruktur eines Proteins wird in Kapitel 13 behandelt. Es wird ein Ansatz skizziert, welcher in der Lage ist, Strukturbeziehungen zwischen Proteinen zu detektieren, die mit herkömmlichen Methoden der Bioinformatik nicht gefunden werden können. Die letzten beiden Kapitel schließlich geben eine Zusammenfassung bzw. einen Ausblick auf künftige Entwicklungen und Anwendungen des Modells.

No description available.

Theoretical studies of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the formation and stability of protein complexes have gained importance due to their practical applications in the understanding of the molecular basis of several diseases, in protein engineering and biotechnology. The objective of this project is to critically analyze and refine a coarse-grained force field for protein-protein interactions based on experimental thermodynamic properties and to apply it to cancer-related S100A4 protein system. Our ultimate goal is to generate knowledge for a better understanding of the physical mechanisms responsible for the association of particular proteins in different environments. We studied the role of short and long-range interactions on the complexation of homo-associations. Furthermore, we analyzed the influence of the pH and its correlation with the charge regulation mechanism. We analyzed and refined the adjustable Lennard-Jones parameter for a mesoscopic model based on experimental second virial data for lysozyme, chymotrypsinogen, and ribonuclease A via Monte Carlo simulations. From of that, the S100A3 protein was used to test the new calibrated parameters. Finally, we evaluated the dimerization process of S100A4 proteins, observing the role of physical-chemistry variables involved in the thermodynamical stability of different oligomers. / Estudos teóricos dos mecanismos moleculares responsáveis pela formação e estabilidade dos complexos de proteínas vêm ganhando importância devido às suas aplicações práticas no entendimento da base molecular de várias doenças, em engenharia de proteínas e biotecnologia. O objetivo deste projeto é analisar criticamente e aperfeiçoar um campo de força de granulidade grossa para interação proteína-proteína com base em propriedades termodinâmicas experimentais e aplicá-lo ao sistema proteico S100A4 relacionado com o câncer. Nosso objetivo final é gerar conhecimento para uma melhor compreensão dos mecanismos físicos responsáveis pelas associações de proteínas particulares em diferentes ambientes. Estudamos o papel das interações de curto e longo alcance na complexação de homo-associações. Além disso, analisamos a influência do pH e sua correlação com o mecanismo de regulação de cargas. Por meio de simulações Monte Carlo, analisamos e refinamos o parametro ajustável de Lennard-Jones para um modelo mesoscópico, usando dados experimentais do segundo virial para a lisozima, o quimotripsinogênio e a ribonuclease A. A partir disso, a proteína S100A3 foi usada para testar os novos parâmetros calibrados. Finalmente, foi avaliado o processo de dimerização das proteínas S100A4, observando o papel de algumas variáveis físico-químicas envolvidas na estabilidade termondinâmica de diferentes oligómeros.

[pt] A simulação da adsorção da prednisolona em um modelo de surfactante pulmonar foi realizada com sucesso usando dinâmica molecular coarse grained a uma temperatura de 310 K. O modelo coarse grained da prednisolona foi parametrizado usando o modelo do colesterol e validado utilizando cálculos de coeficientes de partição octanol-água e coeficientes de difusão lateral. O coeficiente de partição octanol-água calculado para prednisolona a 298 K é 3,9 mais ou menos 1,6 que possui um acordo razoável com o valor experimental. O coeficiente de difusão lateral da prednisolona na monocamada mista de DPPC/POPC é estimado ser (6 mais ou menos 4) x10(-7) cm(2) s(-1) a 20 mN m(-1), o que está de acordo com o encontrado para o colesterol. A monocamada mista de DPPC/POPC foi utilizada como modelo de surfactante pulmonar onde moléculas de prednisolona foram adsorvidas formando nanoagregados. Os nanoagregados de prednisolona foram transferidos dentro da monocamada mista DPPC/POPC sendo espalhados na tensão superficial de 20 mN m(-1). A 0 e 10 mN m(-1) os nanoagregados de prednisolona induzem o colapso da monocamada mista DPPC/POPC formando bicamadas. A implicação deste trabalho é que a prednisolona pode apenas ser administrada com surfactante pulmonar utilizando baixas frações em massa de prednisolona por lipídio (menor que 10 por cento). Com frações elevadas, o colapso inativa as propriedades do surfactante pulmonar pela formação de uma bicamada. Os resultados desta pesquisa podem ser utilizados para o desenvolvimento de novos tratamentos clínicos de doenças como a síndrome da angústia respiratória do recém-nascido, asma e doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica. / [en] The simulation of prednisolone adsorption on a lung surfactant model was successfully performed using coarse grained molecular dynamics at 310 K (dynamics first performed). The coarse grained model for prednisolone was parameterized using a well-established cholesterol model and validated by using calculations of octanol–water partition coefficients and lateral diffusion coefficients. The calculated octanol–water partition coefficient of prednisolone at 298 K is 3.9 more or less 1.6, which is in reasonable agreement with experiment. The lateral diffusion coefficient of prednisolone in the DPPC/POPC mixed monolayer is estimated to be (6 more or less 4) x10(-7) cm(2) s(-1) at 20 mN m(-1), which is in agreement with that found for cholesterol. The DPPC/POPC mixed monolayer was used as lung surfactant model where prednisolone molecules were adsorbed forming nanoaggregates. The nanoaggregates of prednisolone were transferred into the DPPC/POPC mixed monolayer being spread at the surface tension of 20 mN m(-1). At 0 and 10 mN m(-1) , the prednisolone nanoaggregates induce the collapse of the DPPC/POPC mixed monolayer forming a bilayer. The implications of this work are that prednisolone may only be administered with lung surfactant by using low mass fractions of prednisolone per lipid (less than 10 percent). And, with high fractions, the collapse inactivates the properties of the lung surfactant by forming a bilayer. The results of this research can be used to develop new clinical treatments for diseases such as respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Theoretical studies of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the formation and stability of protein complexes have gained importance due to their practical applications in the understanding of the molecular basis of several diseases, in protein engineering and biotechnology. The objective of this project is to critically analyze and refine a coarse-grained force field for protein-protein interactions based on experimental thermodynamic properties and to apply it to cancer-related S100A4 protein system. Our ultimate goal is to generate knowledge for a better understanding of the physical mechanisms responsible for the association of particular proteins in different environments. We studied the role of short and long-range interactions on the complexation of homo-associations. Furthermore, we analyzed the influence of the pH and its correlation with the charge regulation mechanism. We analyzed and refined the adjustable Lennard-Jones parameter for a mesoscopic model based on experimental second virial data for lysozyme, chymotrypsinogen, and ribonuclease A via Monte Carlo simulations. From of that, the S100A3 protein was used to test the new calibrated parameters. Finally, we evaluated the dimerization process of S100A4 proteins, observing the role of physical-chemistry variables involved in the thermodynamical stability of different oligomers. / Estudos teóricos dos mecanismos moleculares responsáveis pela formação e estabilidade dos complexos de proteínas vêm ganhando importância devido às suas aplicações práticas no entendimento da base molecular de várias doenças, em engenharia de proteínas e biotecnologia. O objetivo deste projeto é analisar criticamente e aperfeiçoar um campo de força de granulidade grossa para interação proteína-proteína com base em propriedades termodinâmicas experimentais e aplicá-lo ao sistema proteico S100A4 relacionado com o câncer. Nosso objetivo final é gerar conhecimento para uma melhor compreensão dos mecanismos físicos responsáveis pelas associações de proteínas particulares em diferentes ambientes. Estudamos o papel das interações de curto e longo alcance na complexação de homo-associações. Além disso, analisamos a influência do pH e sua correlação com o mecanismo de regulação de cargas. Por meio de simulações Monte Carlo, analisamos e refinamos o parametro ajustável de Lennard-Jones para um modelo mesoscópico, usando dados experimentais do segundo virial para a lisozima, o quimotripsinogênio e a ribonuclease A. A partir disso, a proteína S100A3 foi usada para testar os novos parâmetros calibrados. Finalmente, foi avaliado o processo de dimerização das proteínas S100A4, observando o papel de algumas variáveis físico-químicas envolvidas na estabilidade termondinâmica de diferentes oligómeros.

No description available.