The entropy of randomized network ensembles

Randomized network ensembles are the null models of real networks and are extensivelly used to compare a real system to a null hypothesis. In this paper we study network ensembles with the same degree distribution, the same degree-correlations or the same community structure of any given real network. We characterize these randomized network ensembles by their entropy, i.e. the normalized logarithm of the total number of networks which are part of these ensembles. We estimate the entropy of randomized ensembles starting from a large set of real directed and undirected networks. We propose entropy as an indicator to assess the role of each structural feature in a given real network.We observe that the ensembles with fixed scale-free degree distribution have smaller entropy than the ensembles with homogeneous degree distribution indicating a higher level of order in scale-free networks.Comment: (6 pages,1 figure,2 tables

Exploring the Hard X-/soft gamma-ray Continuum Spectra with Laue Lenses

The history of X-ray astronomy has shown that any advancement in our knowledge of the X-ray sky is strictly related to an increase in instrument sensitivity. At energies above 60 keV, there are interesting prospects for greatly improving the limiting sensitivity of the current generation of direct viewing telescopes (with or without coded masks), offered by the use of Laue lenses. We will discuss below the development status of a Hard X-Ray focusing Telescope (HAXTEL) based on Laue lenses with a broad bandpass (from 60 to 600 keV) for the study of the X-ray continuum of celestial sources. We show two examplesof multi-lens configurations with expected sensitivity orders of magnitude better ($\sim 1 \times 10^{-8}$ photons cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$ keV$^{-1}$ at 200 keV) than that achieved so far. With this unprecedented sensitivity, very exciting astrophysical prospects are opened.Comment: 4 pages, 10 figures, to be published in the Proc. of the 39th ESLAB Symosium, 19-21 April 200

Rhythmogenic neuronal networks, pacemakers, and k-cores

Neuronal networks are controlled by a combination of the dynamics of individual neurons and the connectivity of the network that links them together. We study a minimal model of the preBotzinger complex, a small neuronal network that controls the breathing rhythm of mammals through periodic firing bursts. We show that the properties of a such a randomly connected network of identical excitatory neurons are fundamentally different from those of uniformly connected neuronal networks as described by mean-field theory. We show that (i) the connectivity properties of the networks determines the location of emergent pacemakers that trigger the firing bursts and (ii) that the collective desensitization that terminates the firing bursts is determined again by the network connectivity, through k-core clusters of neurons.Comment: 4+ pages, 4 figures, submitted to Phys. Rev. Let

Structural determinants of Rab11 activation by the guanine nucleotide exchange factor SH3BP5

Rab11 GTPases are involved in various cellular processes but their activation by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) is not fully understood. Here, the authors present a structural and biochemical analysis of Rab11 bound to the GEF SH3BP5, providing insights how Rab-GEF specificity is achieved

Reactive oxygen species and cellular interactions between Mycosphaerella fijiensis and banana.

Globally, the banana plant (Musa spp) is the fourth most important crop after rice, wheat and corn (based on production in tons). It is cultivated in more than 100 tropical and subtropical countries, mainly by small producers and is a fundamental food source for millions of people. Black leaf streak disease (BLSD), caused by Mycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet (sexual phase) or Paracercospora fijiensis (Morelet) Deighton (asexual phase), is the main disease affecting the world's banana culture. This disease has a wide geographical distribution accounting for losses exceeding 50% of global banana production. We conducted a comparative histocytological study on the kinetics of the infection process using three banana genotypes with phenotypes that differ in resistance to BLSD: Grand Naine (Susceptible), Pisang Madu (Partially Resistant) and Calcutta 4 (Resistant). Experiments were conducted under controlled conditions with the objective of characterizing the cellular interaction processes between M. fijiensis and Musa acuminata. Conidia germination occurred 24 hours after inoculation. Germination rates were high (97%) and there were no significant differences between the three genotypes (P>0.147). The Peroxidase enzyme and H2O2 were associated with a hypersensitivity-like reaction in the resistant genotype Calcutta 4, indicating a possible role of the enzyme or its product as defense mechanisms against M. fijiensis in banana plants