Zero temperature landscape of the random sine-Gordon model

Proceeding of: 16th Annual International Conference of the Center for Nonlinear Studies, Los Alamos, NM, USA, 13–17 May 1996We present a preliminary summary of the zero temperature properties of the two-dimensional random sine-Gordon model of surface growth on disordered substrates. We found that the properties of this model can be accurately computed by using lattices of moderate size as the behavior of the model turns out to be independent of the size above certain length (~ 128 x 128 lattices). Subsequently, we show that the behavior of the height difference correlation function is of (log r) 2 type up to a certain correlation length (~ ~ 20), which roles out predictions of log r behavior for all temperatures obtained by replica-variational techniques. Our results open the way to a better understanding of the complex landscape presented by this system, which has been the subject of very many (contradictory) analyses.CICyT (Spain) under grant no. MAT95-0325.Publicad

Plasma and Fecal Metabolite Profiles in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with hallmark behavioral manifestations including impaired social communication and restricted repetitive behavior. In addition, many affected individuals display metabolic imbalances, immune dysregulation, gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction, and altered gut microbiome compositions. Methods: We sought to better understand non-behavioral features of ASD by determining molecular signatures in peripheral tissues through mass spectrometry methods (LC/MS and DMS-MS) with broad panels of identified metabolites. Herein, we present the global metabolome of 231 plasma and 97 fecal samples from a large cohort of children with ASD and typically developing (TD) controls. Results: Differences in amino acid, lipid, and xenobiotic metabolism discriminate ASD and TD samples. Our results implicate oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, hormone level elevations, lipid profile changes, and altered levels of phenolic microbial metabolites. We also reveal correlations between specific metabolite profiles and clinical behavior scores. Furthermore, a summary of metabolites modestly associated with GI dysfunction in ASD are provided, and a pilot study of metabolites that can be transferred via fecal microbial transplant into mice were identified. Conclusions: These findings support a connection between metabolism, GI physiology, and complex behavioral traits, and may advance discovery and development of molecular biomarkers for ASD

Whole genome comparison of a large collection of mycobacteriophages reveals a continuum of phage genetic diversity

The bacteriophage population is large, dynamic, ancient, and genetically diverse. Limited genomic information shows that phage genomes are mosaic, and the genetic architecture of phage populations remains ill-defined. To understand the population structure of phages infecting a single host strain, we isolated, sequenced, and compared 627 phages of Mycobacterium smegmatis. Their genetic diversity is considerable, and there are 28 distinct genomic types (clusters) with related nucleotide sequences. However, amino acid sequence comparisons show pervasive genomic mosaicism, and quantification of inter-cluster and intra-cluster relatedness reveals a continuum of genetic diversity, albeit with uneven representation of different phages. Furthermore, rarefaction analysis shows that the mycobacteriophage population is not closed, and there is a constant influx of genes from other sources. Phage isolation and analysis was performed by a large consortium of academic institutions, illustrating the substantial benefits of a disseminated, structured program involving large numbers of freshman undergraduates in scientific discovery

Avifauna del parque estatal Cerro de la Tortuga, Morelos, México

Los patrones de distribución y extinción de la biodiversidad subrayan la necesidad urgente de proteger los hábitats. El estado de Morelos alberga más de 400 especies de aves, 35.6% de la diversidad total nacional. El parque estatal cerro de la tortuga, área natural protegida del estado de Morelos, es de los últimos remanentes de vegetación del centro-sur del estado. Hasta ahora no se conocía la avifauna presente en esta región, por lo cual, este estudio representa el primer listado y análisis de la diversidad avifaunística presente en esta área natural protegida. Realizando muestreos mensuales de marzo a octubre del 2017, a través de puntos de conteo, redes de niebla y búsquedas intensivas, procurando registrar el mayor número de especies presentes. Se registraron un total de 125 especies de aves, que se agruparon en diferentes gremios tróficos, categorías de residencia, endemismo y amenaza. De las 125 especies de aves presentes en el área natural protegida, 11 se encuentran bajo alguna categoría de amenaza y 22 con alguna categoría de endemismo. El cerro de la tortuga, a pesar de ser un área de poca extensión territorial, representa un área de importancia para la conservación de la avifauna mexicana en el estado de Morelos

AVIFAUNA DEL PARQUE ESTATAL CERRO DE LA TORTUGA, MORELOS, MÉXICO

Patterns of distribution and extinction of biodiversity underscore the urgent need to protect habitats. The state of Morelos has more than 400 species of birds, 35.6% of the total national diversity. The Cerro de la Tortuga State Park, protected natural area of the state of Morelos, is one of the last remnants of vegetation in the center-south of the state. Until now, the avifauna present in this region was not known, for which reason, this study presents a list and analysis of avifauna diversity present in this protected natural area. Monthly samplings were carried out, from March to October 2017, through counting points, mist nets and intensive searches, trying to register the largest number of species present. A total of 125 bird species were recorded, grouped into different trophic guilds, residence categories, endemism and threat. Of the 125 species of birds present in the protected natural area, 11 are under some category of threat and 22 with some category of endemism. The Cerro de la Tortuga, despite being an area of little territorial extension, represents an area of importance for the conservation of the Mexican avifauna in the state of Morelos.Los patrones de distribución y extinción de la biodiversidad subrayan la necesidad urgente de proteger los hábitats. El estado de Morelos alberga más de 400 especies de aves, 35.6% de la diversidad total nacional. El Parque Estatal Cerro de la Tortuga, área natural protegida del estado de Morelos, es de los últimos remanentes de vegetación del centro-sur del estado. Hasta ahora no se conocía la avifauna presente en esta región, por lo cual, este estudio representa el primer listado y análisis de la diversidad avifaunística presente en esta área natural protegida. Realizando muestreos mensuales de marzo a octubre del 2017, a través de puntos de conteo, redes de niebla y búsquedas intensivas, procurando registrar el mayor número de especies presentes. Se registraron un total de 125 especies de aves, que se agruparon en diferentes gremios tróficos, categorías de residencia, endemismo y amenaza. De las 125 especies de aves presentes en el área natural protegida, 11 se encuentran bajo alguna categoría de amenaza y 22 con alguna categoría de endemismo. El Cerro de la Tortuga, a pesar de ser un área de poca extensión territorial, representa un área de importancia para la conservación de la avifauna mexicana en el estado de Morelos

Plasma and Fecal Metabolite Profiles in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with hallmark behavioral manifestations including impaired social communication and restricted repetitive behavior. In addition, many affected individuals display metabolic imbalances, immune dysregulation, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and altered gut microbiome compositions. Methods: We sought to better understand nonbehavioral features of ASD by determining molecular signatures in peripheral tissues through mass spectrometry methods (ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) with broad panels of identified metabolites. Herein, we compared the global metabolome of 231 plasma and 97 fecal samples from a large cohort of children with ASD and typically developing control children. Results: Differences in amino acid, lipid, and xenobiotic metabolism distinguished ASD and typically developing samples. Our results implicated oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, hormone level elevations, lipid profile changes, and altered levels of phenolic microbial metabolites. We also revealed correlations between specific metabolite profiles and clinical behavior scores. Furthermore, a summary of metabolites modestly associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction in ASD is provided, and a pilot study of metabolites that can be transferred via fecal microbial transplant into mice is identified. Conclusions: These findings support a connection between metabolism, gastrointestinal physiology, and complex behavioral traits and may advance discovery and development of molecular biomarkers for ASD

Gene gain and loss during evolution of obligate parasitism in the white rust pathogen of Arabidopsis thaliana

Biotrophic eukaryotic plant pathogens require a living host for their growth and form an intimate haustorial interface with parasitized cells. Evolution to biotrophy occurred independently in fungal rusts and powdery mildews, and in oomycete white rusts and downy mildews. Biotroph evolution and molecular mechanisms of biotrophy are poorly understood. It has been proposed, but not shown, that obligate biotrophy results from (i) reduced selection for maintenance of biosynthetic pathways and (ii) gain of mechanisms to evade host recognition or suppress host defence. Here we use Illumina sequencing to define the genome, transcriptome, and gene models for the obligate biotroph oomycete and Arabidopsis parasite, Albugo laibachii. A. laibachii is a member of the Chromalveolata, which incorporates Heterokonts (containing the oomycetes), Apicomplexa (which includes human parasites like Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii), and four other taxa. From comparisons with other oomycete plant pathogens and other chromalveolates, we reveal independent loss of molybdenum-cofactor-requiring enzymes in downy mildews, white rusts, and the malaria parasite P. falciparum. Biotrophy also requires ‘‘effectors’’ to suppress host defence; we reveal RXLR and Crinkler effectors shared with other oomycetes, and also discover and verify a novel class of effectors, the ‘‘CHXCs’’, by showing effector delivery and effector functionality. Our findings suggest that evolution to progressively more intimate association between host and parasite results in reduced selection for retention of certain biosynthetic pathways, and particularly reduced selection for retention of molybdopterinrequiring biosynthetic pathways. These mechanisms are not only relevant to plant pathogenic oomycetes but also to human pathogens within the Chromalveolata

Recent and historical pollution legacy in high altitude Lake Marboré (Central Pyrenees): A record of mining and smelting since pre-Roman times in the Iberian Peninsula

16 pags., 7 figs., 2 tabs.We have analyzed potential harmful trace elements (PHTE; Pb, Hg, Zn, As and Cu) on sediment cores retrieved from lake Marboré (LM) (2612 m a.s.l, 42°41′N; 0° 2′E). PHTE variability allowed us to reconstruct the timing and magnitude of trace metal pollutants fluxes over the last 3000 years in the Central Pyrenees. A statistical treatment of the dataset (PCA) enabled us to discern the depositional processes of PHTE, that reach the lake via direct atmospheric deposition. Indeed, the location of LM above the atmospheric boundary layer makes this lake an exceptional site to record the long-range transport of atmospheric pollutants in the free troposphere. Air masses back-trajectories analyses enabled us to understand the transport pathways of atmospheric pollutants while lead isotopic analyses contributed to evaluate the source areas of metal pollution in SW Europe during the Late Holocene. PHTE variability, shows a clear agreement with the main exploitation phases of metal resources in Southern Europe during the Pre-Industrial Period. We observed an abrupt lead enrichment from 20 to 375 yrs CE mostly associated to silver and lead mining and smelting practices in Southern Iberia during the Roman Empire. This geochemical data suggests that regional atmospheric metal pollution during the Roman times rivalled the Industrial Period. PHTE also increased during the High and Late Middle Ages (10–15 centuries) associated to a reactivation of mining and metallurgy activities in high altitude Pyrenean mining sites during climate amelioration phases. Atmospheric mercury deposition in the Lake Marboré record mostly reflects global emissions, particularly from Almadén mines (central Spain) and slightly fluctuates during the last three millennia with a significant increase during the last five centuries. Our findings reveal a strong mining-related pollution legacy in alpine lakes and watersheds that needs to be considered in management plans for mountain ecosystems as global warming and human pressure effects may contribute to their future degradation.Financial support has been received by the Sobrarbe Geoparkhrough the project“Reconstrucción de la minería histórica en la Comarca del Sobrarbe y su impacto ambiental durante el Antropoceno”and by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness(MINECO) project MEDLANT (CGL2016-76215-R). This work is also supported by the FEDER funds through the INTERREG V-A Spain-France-Andorra (POCTEFA 2014-2020, REPLIM project, Ref. EFA056/15