sem Leasehold enfranchisement By www.eversheds.com Published On :: 2008-03-05 Enfranchisement of long leasehold buildings in commercial use may have become a real possibility as a result of a recent decision by the House of Lords. The Leasehold Reform Act 1967 gives long leasehold tenants the right to buy the freehold of the... Full Article
sem Easements, covenants and profits à prendre: reform is in the air By www.eversheds.com Published On :: 2008-06-10 The Law Commission has published a consultation paper proposing wide-ranging reforms to the law governing easements, covenants and profits à prendre. The changes suggested by the Law Commission include: the creation of a single new method ... Full Article
sem Buffett Gives A Seminar On Risk, Cash, Debt, Discipline And The Future Of Berkshire By seekingalpha.com Published On :: Mon, 04 May 2020 17:03:34 -0400 Full Article AAL BA DAL LUV UAL BRK.A BRK.B Jim Sloan
sem COVID-19 Donations: Lagos Assembly issues clarification, commends Sanwo-Olu By www.vanguardngr.com Published On :: Sat, 09 May 2020 13:23:29 +0000 The Lagos State House of Assembly has described the efforts of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his team in the fight against the spreading COVID-19 pandemic as worthwhile. The House, which commended the Executive Arm for its cooperation and unity of purpose, said at this period of a major health crisis, it can only take aRead More The post COVID-19 Donations: Lagos Assembly issues clarification, commends Sanwo-Olu appeared first on Vanguard News. Full Article News COVID-19 donations Lagos Assembly Sanwo-Olu
sem Semiconductor and Display Industries Set to Invest 52 Tril. Won by 2024 By english.hankyung.com Published On :: 2017-09-19 08:58 Chief executives of the nation's leading companies like Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and LG Display have made a request to the government to relieve the problem of labor shortage in the area of semiconductor and display. Kwon Oh-hyun, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics, said on September 18 in a discussion session held in Kensington Hotel in Seoul's Yoido presided over by Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy Baek Woon-gyu, "Skilled workers are in short supply in fast-growing industries... Full Article
sem Enjoy every second of the play-off semi-final win over Brighton today By article.wn.com Published On :: Sat, 09 May 2020 14:17 GMT Crystal Palace went into the second leg of the play-off semi-final against Brighton & Hove Albion without the Championship's top scorer, Glenn Murray. Murray had found the back of the net 30 times... Full Article
sem Covid-19: Tanzania's semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar records 29 new cases By www.theeastafrican.co.ke Published On :: 2020-05-08T09:13:39Z Sixteen are from Unguja while 13 are from Pemba, all Tanzanians. Full Article
sem Micro but mighty: Semiconductors remain the key to technology leadership By www.japantimes.co.jp Published On :: Sat, 09 May 2020 03:20:09 +0900 The U.S. needs a more expansive strategy to maintain its lead in this field, and that means working closely with its allies, especially Japan. Full Article Opinion China U.S. technology semiconductors
sem Coronavirus found in men's semen By www.monitor.co.ug Published On :: 2020-05-09T09:06:39Z COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets or contact and the virus has also been detected in faeces, saliva and urine Full Article
sem Guterres: Antisemitic conspiracies increased due to COVID-19 By www.jpost.com Published On :: Sat, 09 May 2020 15:12:17 GMT 'The pandemic continues to unleash a tsunami of hate and xenophobia, scapegoating and scare-mongering' Full Article United Nations antisemitism Coronavirus COVID-19
sem German monitor: antisemitic incidents have increased since Halle shooting By www.jpost.com Published On :: Sat, 09 May 2020 05:04:47 GMT In the Halle attack, two people were killed near the synagogue when the alleged gunman could not enter the building. Full Article synagogue diaspora antisemitism Halle
sem UN human rights commissioner calls for disembarkation of migrants held on ships By www.maltatoday.com.mt Published On :: Fri,08 May 2020 17:39:07 +0200 The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expresses ‘deep concern’ over reports of failure to assist and coordinate pushbacks of migrant boats in the central Mediterranean Full Article
sem KP Assembly speaker inspects corona arrangements By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Sat, 09 May 2020 06:00:00 +0500 PESHAWAR: Speaker Provincial Assembly Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani visited Khyber Teaching Hospital to take of situation with regard to coronavirus on Friday.He was received by Medical Director Prof Dr Aamir Azhar and the hospital’s media manager. The speaker was briefed by medical director on the... Full Article
sem KP Assembly speaker inspects corona arrangements By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Sat, 09 May 2020 06:00:00 +0500 PESHAWAR: Speaker Provincial Assembly Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani visited Khyber Teaching Hospital to take of situation with regard to coronavirus on Friday.He was received by Medical Director Prof Dr Aamir... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] Full Article
sem Trump knocks Biden for campaigning from basement amid virus By www.dailystar.com.lb Published On :: 2020-05-09T12:44:00.0000000 President Donald Trump needled his Democratic rival Joe Biden Friday for limiting his campaign appearances to virtual events from the basement of his home in Delaware. Full Article World
sem President visits National Assembly to review arrangements for session By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Sat, 09 May 2020 06:00:00 +0500 Islamabad : President Arif Alvi on Friday directed that social distancing should be maintained in the upcoming session of the National Assembly for the safety of the parliamentarians and staff against the threat of coronavirus.During a visit to the National Assembly, the president was apprised by... Full Article
sem SST Announces Qualification of Smartbit™ OTP NVM Technology for ON Semiconductor’s 110 nm CMOS Process By www.microchip.com Published On :: 5/24/2017 2:13:00 AM SST Announces Qualification of Smartbit™ OTP NVM Technology for ON Semiconductor’s 110 nm CMOS Process Full Article
sem Rep. McSally Visits Microchip Executives to Discuss Semiconductor Supply Chain Resilience in the U.S. Amid Defense Industrial Base Report Findings By www.microchip.com Published On :: 11/28/2018 12:53:09 PM Rep. McSally Visits Microchip Executives to Discuss Semiconductor Supply Chain Resilience in the U.S. Amid Defense Industrial Base Report Findings Full Article
sem Seminal fluid, not just sperm, can influence offspring's survival By www.newscientist.com Published On :: Fri, 31 Jan 2020 13:50:51 +0000 It’s not just about the sperm: the semen of male fish carries unidentified substances that influence how quickly the offspring develop and even how well they can swim Full Article
sem As Trump returns to the road, some Democrats want to bust Biden out of his basement By feeds.reuters.com Published On :: Sat, 09 May 2020 07:32:43 -0400 While President Donald Trump traveled to the battleground state of Arizona this week, his Democratic opponent for the White House, Joe Biden, campaigned from his basement as he has done throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Full Article topNews
sem Frozen bull semen may have unleashed bluetongue virus on farm animals By www.newscientist.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2020 19:00:40 +0000 The ongoing spread of bluetongue virus among European farm animals may have started when a cow was inseminated with infected bull semen stored from an earlier outbreak Full Article
sem More Than 4,000 U.S. Kids Hurt Each Year on Amusement Rides By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Sat, 9 May 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: More Than 4,000 U.S. Kids Hurt Each Year on Amusement RidesCategory: Health NewsCreated: 5/1/2013 10:35:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 5/1/2013 12:00:00 AM Full Article
sem FDA Cracks Down on Dangerous E-Cig Liquids That Resemble Cookies, Candy By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Sat, 9 May 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: FDA Cracks Down on Dangerous E-Cig Liquids That Resemble Cookies, CandyCategory: Health NewsCreated: 5/1/2018 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 5/2/2018 12:00:00 AM Full Article
sem Make Your Amusement Park Visits Safe By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Sat, 9 May 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: Make Your Amusement Park Visits SafeCategory: Health NewsCreated: 5/4/2018 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 5/4/2018 12:00:00 AM Full Article
sem Virus Found in Semen of COVID-19 Survivors By www.webmd.com Published On :: Thu, 07 May 2020 15:06:53 EST Infectious viruses commonly are found in semen, with Zika being one recent notable example. The Chinese researchers noted that 27 different viruses have been detected in human semen. Full Article
sem SARS-CoV-2 in Semen of COVID-19 Patients? By www.webmd.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 11:52:06 EST Researchers report evidence of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, in the semen of patients; the data raise the possibility of sexual transmission, but experts say there is no evidence of infectivity. Full Article
sem COVID-19 Daily: Male Vulnerability, Semen Study By www.webmd.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 13:08:15 EST These are the coronavirus stories you need to know about today. Full Article
sem Global Transcriptome Analysis Identifies a Diagnostic Signature for Early Disseminated Lyme Disease and Its Resolution By mbio.asm.org Published On :: 2020-03-17T01:30:14-07:00 ABSTRACT A bioinformatics approach was employed to identify transcriptome alterations in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of well-characterized human subjects who were diagnosed with early disseminated Lyme disease (LD) based on stringent microbiological and clinical criteria. Transcriptomes were assessed at the time of presentation and also at approximately 1 month (early convalescence) and 6 months (late convalescence) after initiation of an appropriate antibiotic regimen. Comparative transcriptomics identified 335 transcripts, representing 233 unique genes, with significant alterations of at least 2-fold expression in acute- or convalescent-phase blood samples from LD subjects relative to healthy donors. Acute-phase blood samples from LD subjects had the largest number of differentially expressed transcripts (187 induced, 54 repressed). This transcriptional profile, which was dominated by interferon-regulated genes, was sustained during early convalescence. 6 months after antibiotic treatment the transcriptome of LD subjects was indistinguishable from that of healthy controls based on two separate methods of analysis. Return of the LD expression profile to levels found in control subjects was concordant with disease outcome; 82% of subjects with LD experienced at least one symptom at the baseline visit compared to 43% at the early convalescence time point and only a single patient (9%) at the 6-month convalescence time point. Using the random forest machine learning algorithm, we developed an efficient computational framework to identify sets of 20 classifier genes that discriminated LD from other bacterial and viral infections. These novel LD biomarkers not only differentiated subjects with acute disseminated LD from healthy controls with 96% accuracy but also distinguished between subjects with acute and resolved (late convalescent) disease with 97% accuracy. IMPORTANCE Lyme disease (LD), caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, is the most common tick-borne infectious disease in the United States. We examined gene expression patterns in the blood of individuals with early disseminated LD at the time of diagnosis (acute) and also at approximately 1 month and 6 months following antibiotic treatment. A distinct acute LD profile was observed that was sustained during early convalescence (1 month) but returned to control levels 6 months after treatment. Using a computer learning algorithm, we identified sets of 20 classifier genes that discriminate LD from other bacterial and viral infections. In addition, these novel LD biomarkers are highly accurate in distinguishing patients with acute LD from healthy subjects and in discriminating between individuals with active and resolved infection. This computational approach offers the potential for more accurate diagnosis of early disseminated Lyme disease. It may also allow improved monitoring of treatment efficacy and disease resolution. Full Article
sem The Min System Disassembles FtsZ Foci and Inhibits Polar Peptidoglycan Remodeling in Bacillus subtilis By mbio.asm.org Published On :: 2020-03-17T01:30:15-07:00 ABSTRACT A microfluidic system coupled with fluorescence microscopy is a powerful approach for quantitative analysis of bacterial growth. Here, we measure parameters of growth and dynamic localization of the cell division initiation protein FtsZ in Bacillus subtilis. Consistent with previous reports, we found that after division, FtsZ rings remain at the cell poles, and polar FtsZ ring disassembly coincides with rapid Z-ring accumulation at the midcell. In cells mutated for minD, however, the polar FtsZ rings persist indefinitely, suggesting that the primary function of the Min system is in Z-ring disassembly. The inability to recycle FtsZ monomers in the minD mutant results in the simultaneous maintenance of multiple Z-rings that are restricted by competition for newly synthesized FtsZ. Although the parameters of FtsZ dynamics change in the minD mutant, the overall cell division time remains the same, albeit with elongated cells necessary to accumulate a critical threshold amount of FtsZ for promoting medial division. Finally, the minD mutant characteristically produces minicells composed of polar peptidoglycan shown to be inert for remodeling in the wild type. Polar peptidoglycan, however, loses its inert character in the minD mutant, suggesting that the Min system not only is important for recycling FtsZ but also may have a secondary role in the spatiotemporal regulation of peptidoglycan remodeling. IMPORTANCE Many bacteria grow and divide by binary fission in which a mother cell divides into two identical daughter cells. To produce two equally sized daughters, the division machinery, guided by FtsZ, must dynamically localize to the midcell each cell cycle. Here, we quantitatively analyzed FtsZ dynamics during growth and found that the Min system of Bacillus subtilis is essential to disassemble FtsZ rings after division. Moreover, a failure to efficiently recycle FtsZ results in an increase in cell size. Finally, we show that the Min system has an additional role in inhibiting cell wall turnover and contributes to the "inert" property of cell walls at the poles. Full Article
sem EspFu-Mediated Actin Assembly Enhances Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Adherence and Activates Host Cell Inflammatory Signaling Pathways By mbio.asm.org Published On :: 2020-04-14T01:31:22-07:00 ABSTRACT The translocation of effectors into the host cell through type 3 secretion systems (T3SS) is a sophisticated strategy employed by pathogenic bacteria to subvert host responses and facilitate colonization. Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) utilize the Tir and EspFu (also known as TccP) effectors to remodel the host cytoskeleton, culminating in the formation of attaching and effacing (AE) lesions on enterocytes. While some EPEC strains require tyrosine phosphorylation of Tir and recruitment of the host Nck to trigger actin polymerization, EHEC and certain EPEC strains, whose Tir is not phosphorylated, rely on the effector EspFu for efficient actin remodeling. Here, we investigated the role played by Tir-Nck and Tir-EspFu actin polymerization pathways during the infection of epithelial cells, as well as the host transcriptional response to the AE lesion formation induced by EPEC. We found that EspFu-mediated actin assembly promotes bacterial attachment and epithelial colonization more efficiently than Tir-Nck. Moreover, we showed that both actin polymerization mechanisms can activate inflammatory pathways and reverse the anti-inflammatory response induced by EPEC in epithelial cells. However, this activity is remarkably more evident in infections with EspFu-expressing EPEC strains. This study demonstrates the complex interactions between effector-mediated actin remodeling and inflammation. Different strains carry different combinations of these two effectors, highlighting the plasticity of pathogenic E. coli enteric infections. IMPORTANCE EPEC is among the leading causes of diarrheal disease worldwide. The colonization of the gut mucosa by EPEC results in actin pedestal formation at the site of bacterial attachment. These pedestals are referred to as attaching and effacing (AE) lesions. Here, we exploit the different molecular mechanisms used by EPEC to induce AE lesions on epithelial cells, showing that the effector EspFu is associated with increased bacterial attachment and enhanced epithelial colonization compared to the Tir-Nck pathway. Moreover, we also showed that actin pedestal formation can counterbalance the anti-inflammatory activity induced by EPEC, especially when driven by EspFu. Collectively, our findings provide new insights into virulence mechanisms employed by EPEC to colonize epithelial cells, as well as the host response to this enteric pathogen. Full Article
sem Genome Topology Control of Antigen Receptor Gene Assembly [BRIEF REVIEWS] By www.jimmunol.org Published On :: 2020-05-04T13:00:27-07:00 The past decade has increased our understanding of how genome topology controls RAG endonuclease-mediated assembly of lymphocyte AgR genes. New technologies have illuminated how the large IgH, Ig, TCRα/, and TCRβ loci fold into compact structures that place their numerous V gene segments in similar three-dimensional proximity to their distal recombination center composed of RAG-bound (D)J gene segments. Many studies have shown that CTCF and cohesin protein–mediated chromosome looping have fundamental roles in lymphocyte lineage- and developmental stage–specific locus compaction as well as broad usage of V segments. CTCF/cohesin–dependent loops have also been shown to direct and restrict RAG activity within chromosome domains. We summarize recent work in elucidating molecular mechanisms that govern three-dimensional chromosome organization and in investigating how these dynamic mechanisms control V(D)J recombination. We also introduce remaining questions for how CTCF/cohesin–dependent and –independent genome architectural mechanisms might regulate compaction and recombination of AgR loci. Full Article
sem Crystal Structure of African Swine Fever Virus pS273R Protease and Implications for Inhibitor Design [Structure and Assembly] By jvi.asm.org Published On :: 2020-05-04T08:00:47-07:00 African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious hemorrhagic viral disease of domestic and wild pigs that is responsible for serious economic and production losses. It is caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), a large and complex icosahedral DNA virus of the Asfarviridae family. Currently, there is no effective treatment or approved vaccine against the ASFV. pS273R, a specific SUMO-1 cysteine protease, catalyzes the maturation of the pp220 and pp62 polyprotein precursors into core-shell proteins. Here, we present the crystal structure of the ASFV pS273R protease at a resolution of 2.3 Å. The overall structure of the pS273R protease is represented by two domains named the "core domain" and the N-terminal "arm domain." The "arm domain" contains the residues from M1 to N83, and the "core domain" contains the residues from N84 to A273. A structure analysis reveals that the "core domain" shares a high degree of structural similarity with chlamydial deubiquitinating enzyme, sentrin-specific protease, and adenovirus protease, while the "arm domain" is unique to ASFV. Further, experiments indicated that the "arm domain" plays an important role in maintaining the enzyme activity of ASFV pS273R. Moreover, based on the structural information of pS273R, we designed and synthesized several peptidomimetic aldehyde compounds at a submolar 50% inhibitory concentration, which paves the way for the design of inhibitors to target this severe pathogen. IMPORTANCE African swine fever virus, a large and complex icosahedral DNA virus, causes a deadly infection in domestic pigs. In addition to Africa and Europe, countries in Asia, including China, Vietnam, and Mongolia, were negatively affected by the hazards posed by ASFV outbreaks in 2018 and 2019, at which time more than 30 million pigs were culled. Until now, there has been no vaccine for protection against ASFV infection or effective treatments to cure ASF. Here, we solved the high-resolution crystal structure of the ASFV pS273R protease. The pS273R protease has a two-domain structure that distinguishes it from other members of the SUMO protease family, while the unique "arm domain" has been proven to be essential for its hydrolytic activity. Moreover, the peptidomimetic aldehyde compounds designed to target the substrate binding pocket exert prominent inhibitory effects and can thus be used in a potential lead for anti-ASFV drug development. Full Article
sem Metal ions confinement defines the architecture of G-quartet, G-quadruplex fibrils and their assembly into nematic tactoids [Chemistry] By www.pnas.org Published On :: 2020-05-05T10:31:24-07:00 G-quadruplex, assembled from a square array of guanine (G) molecules, is an important structure with crucial biological roles in vivo but also a versatile template for ordered functional materials. Although the understanding of G-quadruplex structures is the focus of numerous studies, little is known regarding the control of G-quartet stacking... Full Article
sem PCARE and WASF3 regulate ciliary F-actin assembly that is required for the initiation of photoreceptor outer segment disk formation [Genetics] By www.pnas.org Published On :: 2020-05-05T10:31:24-07:00 The outer segments (OS) of rod and cone photoreceptor cells are specialized sensory cilia that contain hundreds of opsin-loaded stacked membrane disks that enable phototransduction. The biogenesis of these disks is initiated at the OS base, but the driving force has been debated. Here, we studied the function of the... Full Article
sem NRF3-POMP-20S Proteasome Assembly Axis Promotes Cancer Development via Ubiquitin-Independent Proteolysis of p53 and Retinoblastoma Protein [Research Article] By mcb.asm.org Published On :: 2020-04-28T08:00:17-07:00 Proteasomes are essential protease complexes that maintain cellular homeostasis, and aberrant proteasomal activity supports cancer development. The regulatory mechanisms and biological function of the ubiquitin-26S proteasome have been studied extensively, while those of the ubiquitin-independent 20S proteasome system remain obscure. Here, we show that the cap ’n’ collar (CNC) family transcription factor NRF3 specifically enhances 20S proteasome assembly in cancer cells and that 20S proteasomes contribute to colorectal cancer development through ubiquitin-independent proteolysis of the tumor suppressor p53 and retinoblastoma (Rb) proteins. The NRF3 gene is highly expressed in many cancer tissues and cell lines and is important for cancer cell growth. In cancer cells, NRF3 upregulates the assembly of the 20S proteasome by directly inducing the gene expression of the 20S proteasome maturation protein POMP. Interestingly, NRF3 knockdown not only increases p53 and Rb protein levels but also increases p53 activities for tumor suppression, including cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis. Furthermore, protein stability and cell viability assays using two distinct proteasome inhibitor anticancer drugs, the 20S proteasome inhibitor bortezomib and the ubiquitin-activating enzyme E1 inhibitor TAK-243, show that the upregulation of the NRF3-POMP axis leads to ubiquitin-independent proteolysis of p53 and Rb and to impaired sensitivity to bortezomib but not TAK-243. More importantly, the NRF3-POMP axis supports tumorigenesis and metastasis, with higher NRF3/POMP expression levels correlating with poor prognoses in patients with colorectal or rectal adenocarcinoma. These results suggest that the NRF3-POMP-20S proteasome assembly axis is significant for cancer development via ubiquitin-independent proteolysis of tumor suppressor proteins. Full Article
sem Basement-cover relationships and deformation in the Northern Paraguai Belt, central Brazil: implications for the Neoproterozoic-early Paleozoic history of western Gondwana By jgs.lyellcollection.org Published On :: 2020-05-04T02:10:48-07:00 The Northern Paraguai Belt, at the SE border of the Amazonian Craton, central Brazil, has been interpreted as a Brasiliano–Pan-African (c. 650–600 Ma) belt with a foreland basin, recording collisional polyphase tectonism and greenschist-facies metamorphism extending from the late Precambrian to the Cambrian–Ordovician. New structural investigations indicate that the older metasedimentary rocks of the Cuiabá Group represent a Tonian–Cryogenian basement assemblage deformed in two contemporaneous fault-bounded structural sub-domains of wrench-dominated (rake <10°) and contraction-dominated (rake ~30–40°) sinistral transpression, with tectonic vergence towards the SE. The younger late Cryogenian to early Cambrian sedimentary rocks lying to the NW of the Cuiabá Group are non-metamorphic and display only pervasive brittle transtension characterized by normal-oblique faults, fractures and forced drag folds with no consistent vergence pattern. Our analyses suggest that an unconformity separates the metasedimentary Cuiabá Group basement of the Northern Paraguai Belt from the unmetamorphosed sedimentary cover. It is proposed that the latter units were deposited during a post-glacial marine transgression (after c. 635 Ma) in a post-collisional basin. The Paraguai Belt basement and its post-collisional sedimentary cover share a number of significant geological similarities with sequences in the Bassarides Belt and Taoudéni Basin in the SW portion of the West African Craton. Full Article
sem Correction to "Probing the Assembly of HDL Mimetic, Drug Carrying Nanoparticles Using Intrinsic Fluorescence" [Erratum] By jpet.aspetjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-13T13:53:50-07:00 Full Article
sem Plakophilin 3 phosphorylation by ribosomal S6 kinases supports desmosome assembly [RESEARCH ARTICLE] By jcs.biologists.org Published On :: 2020-04-16T04:24:24-07:00 Lisa Müller, Katrin Rietscher, Rene Keil, Marvin Neuholz, and Mechthild Hatzfeld Desmosome remodeling is crucial for epidermal regeneration, differentiation and wound healing. It is mediated by adapting the composition, and by post-translational modifications, of constituent proteins. We have previously demonstrated in mouse suprabasal keratinocytes that plakophilin (PKP) 1 mediates strong adhesion, which is negatively regulated by insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) signaling. The importance of PKP3 for epidermal adhesion is incompletely understood. Here, we identify a major role of epidermal growth factor (EGF), but not IGF1, signaling in PKP3 recruitment to the plasma membrane to facilitate desmosome assembly. We find that ribosomal S6 kinases (RSKs) associate with and phosphorylate PKP3, which promotes PKP3 association with desmosomes downstream of the EGF receptor. Knockdown of RSKs as well as mutation of an RSK phosphorylation site in PKP3 interfered with desmosome formation, maturation and adhesion. Our findings implicate a coordinate action of distinct growth factors in the control of adhesive properties of desmosomes through modulation of PKPs in a context-dependent manner. Full Article
sem Dynein-mediated microtubule translocation powering neurite outgrowth in chick and Aplysia neurons requires microtubule assembly [RESEARCH ARTICLE] By jcs.biologists.org Published On :: 2020-04-24T07:56:32-07:00 Kristi McElmurry, Jessica E. Stone, Donghan Ma, Phillip Lamoureux, Yueyun Zhang, Michelle Steidemann, Lucas Fix, Fang Huang, Kyle E. Miller, and Daniel M. Suter Previously, we have shown that bulk microtubule (MT) movement correlates with neurite elongation, and blocking either dynein activity or MT assembly inhibits both processes. However, whether the contributions of MT dynamics and dynein activity to neurite elongation are separate or interdependent is unclear. Here, we investigated the underlying mechanism by testing the roles of dynein and MT assembly in neurite elongation of Aplysia and chick neurites using time-lapse imaging, fluorescent speckle microscopy, super-resolution imaging and biophysical analysis. Pharmacologically inhibiting either dynein activity or MT assembly reduced neurite elongation rates as well as bulk and individual MT anterograde translocation. Simultaneously suppressing both processes did not have additive effects, suggesting a shared mechanism of action. Single-molecule switching nanoscopy revealed that inhibition of MT assembly decreased the association of dynein with MTs. Finally, inhibiting MT assembly prevented the rise in tension induced by dynein inhibition. Taken together, our results suggest that MT assembly is required for dynein-driven MT translocation and neurite outgrowth. Full Article
sem Ecological and Ontogenetic Components of Larval Lake Sturgeon Gut Microbiota Assembly, Successional Dynamics, and Ecological Evaluation of Neutral Community Processes [Microbial Ecology] By aem.asm.org Published On :: 2020-05-05T08:00:35-07:00 Gastrointestinal (GI) or gut microbiotas play essential roles in host development and physiology. These roles are influenced partly by the microbial community composition. During early developmental stages, the ecological processes underlying the assembly and successional changes in host GI community composition are influenced by numerous factors, including dispersal from the surrounding environment, age-dependent changes in the gut environment, and changes in dietary regimes. However, the relative importance of these factors to the gut microbiota is not well understood. We examined the effects of environmental (diet and water sources) and host early ontogenetic development on the diversity of and the compositional changes in the gut microbiota of a primitive teleost fish, the lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), based on massively parallel sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Fish larvae were raised in environments that differed in water source (stream versus filtered groundwater) and diet (supplemented versus nonsupplemented Artemia fish). We quantified the gut microbial community structure at three stages (prefeeding and 1 and 2 weeks after exogenous feeding began). The diversity declined and the community composition differed significantly among stages; however, only modest differences associated with dietary or water source treatments were documented. Many taxa present in the gut were over- or underrepresented relative to neutral expectations in each sampling period. The findings indicate dynamic relationships between the gut microbiota composition and host gastrointestinal physiology, with comparatively smaller influences being associated with the rearing environments. Neutral models of community assembly could not be rejected, but selectivity associated with microbe-host GI tract interactions through early ontogenetic stages was evident. The results have implications for sturgeon conservation and aquaculture production specifically and applications of microbe-based management in teleost fish generally. IMPORTANCE We quantified the effects of environment (diet and water sources) and host early ontogenetic development on the diversity of and compositional changes in gut microbial communities based on massively parallel sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes from the GI tracts of larval lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens). The gut microbial community diversity declined and the community composition differed significantly among ontogenetic stages; however, only modest differences associated with dietary or water source treatments were documented. Selectivity associated with microbe-host GI tract interactions through early ontogenetic stages was evident. The results have implications for lake sturgeon and early larval ecology and survival in their natural habitat and for conservation and aquaculture production specifically, as well as applications of microbe-based management in teleost fish generally. Full Article
sem The STELVIO trial, a game changer for bronchoscopic lung volume reduction in patients with severe emphysema By breathe.ersjournals.com Published On :: 2020-03-18T06:44:39-07:00 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation, which is caused by small airway disease (bronchiolitis) and alveolar destruction (emphysema) [1]. Patients primarily suffering from severe emphysema are often limited in exercise capacity due to the consequences of hyperinflation [2]. Full Article
sem Antiviral Properties and Mechanism of Action Studies of the Hepatitis B Virus Capsid Assembly Modulator JNJ-56136379 [Antiviral Agents] By aac.asm.org Published On :: 2020-04-21T08:01:10-07:00 Capsid assembly is a critical step in the hepatitis B virus (HBV) life cycle, mediated by the core protein. Core is a potential target for new antiviral therapies, the capsid assembly modulators (CAMs). JNJ-56136379 (JNJ-6379) is a novel and potent CAM currently in phase II trials. We evaluated the mechanisms of action (MOAs) and antiviral properties of JNJ-6379 in vitro. Size exclusion chromatography and electron microscopy studies demonstrated that JNJ-6379 induced the formation of morphologically intact viral capsids devoid of genomic material (primary MOA). JNJ-6379 accelerated the rate and extent of HBV capsid assembly in vitro. JNJ-6379 specifically and potently inhibited HBV replication; its median 50% effective concentration (EC50) was 54 nM (HepG2.117 cells). In HBV-infected primary human hepatocytes (PHHs), JNJ-6379, when added with the viral inoculum, dose-dependently reduced extracellular HBV DNA levels (median EC50 of 93 nM) and prevented covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) formation, leading to a dose-dependent reduction of intracellular HBV RNA levels (median EC50 of 876 nM) and reduced antigen levels (secondary MOA). Adding JNJ-6379 to PHHs 4 or 5 days postinfection reduced extracellular HBV DNA and did not prevent cccDNA formation. Time-of-addition PHH studies revealed that JNJ-6379 most likely interfered with postentry processes. Collectively, these data demonstrate that JNJ-6379 has dual MOAs in the early and late steps of the HBV life cycle, which is different from the MOA of nucleos(t)ide analogues. JNJ-6379 is in development for chronic hepatitis B treatment and may translate into higher HBV functional cure rates. Full Article
sem Erratum for Asempa et al., "In Vitro Activity of Imipenem-Relebactam Alone or in Combination with Amikacin or Colistin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa" [Errata] By aac.asm.org Published On :: 2020-04-21T08:01:09-07:00 Full Article
sem Distinct Mechanisms of Dissemination of NDM-1 Metallo-{beta}-Lactamase in Acinetobacter Species in Argentina [Epidemiology and Surveillance] By aac.asm.org Published On :: 2020-04-21T08:01:09-07:00 A 4-year surveillance of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp. isolates in Argentina identified 40 strains carrying blaNDM-1. Genome sequencing revealed that most were Acinetobacter baumannii, whereas seven represented other Acinetobacter spp. The A. baumannii genomes were closely related, suggesting recent spread. blaNDM-1 was located in the chromosome of A. baumannii strains and on a plasmid in non-A. baumannii strains. A resistance gene island carrying blaPER-7 and other resistance determinants was found on a plasmid in some A. baumannii strains. Full Article
sem World Thalassemia Day: बच्चों के लिए खतरनाक बीमारी है थैलेसीमिया, जानें इसके लक्षण, कारण और उपाय By www.amarujala.com Published On :: Thu, 07 May 2020 11:37:47 +0530 थैलेसीमिया मुख्यत: एक जेनेटिक यानी अनुवांशिक बीमारी है जो माता-पिता से उनके बच्चों में होती है। इस बीमारी में बच्चों में खून की कमी होने लगती है, जो कि सेहत के लिए बहुत हानिकारक होता है। Full Article
sem How Joe Biden Can Defeat Trump From His Basement By www.realclearpolitics.com Published On :: Sat, 09 May 2020 06:52:11 -0500 If he can win the battle for our screens, he can benefit from the death of the traditional presidential campaign. Full Article AM Update
sem The 3 Advantages of Assembled Cables By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Tue, 20 Aug 2019 19:21:00 GMT Ready-to-connect readycables® save you time on cable assembly and are guaranteed to last 36 months Full Article robotics robotics/robotics-software Sponsored
sem Deep, Perennial or Semi-Perennial Rivers Flowed on Early Mars By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Thu, 07 May 2020 15:24:54 +0000 While the present-day Martian surface is generally dry and cold, its sedimentary rocks contain compelling evidence for the former presence of liquid water. According to a new analysis of orbital images of 3.7-billion-year-old sedimentary layers at Izola mensa, an outcrop in the northwestern rim of the Hellas impact crater on Mars, deep rivers were active [...] Full Article Planetary Science Space Exploration Face on Mars Hellas basin Hellas Planitia HiRISE Izola mensa Mars Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter NASA Noachian River Solar System Water
sem As Trump returns to the road, some Democrats want to bust Biden out of his basement By feeds.reuters.com Published On :: Sat, 09 May 2020 07:32:43 -0400 While President Donald Trump traveled to the battleground state of Arizona this week, his Democratic opponent for the White House, Joe Biden, campaigned from his basement as he has done throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Full Article domesticNews
sem As Trump returns to the road, some Democrats want to bust Biden out of his basement By feeds.reuters.com Published On :: Sat, 09 May 2020 07:32:43 -0400 While President Donald Trump traveled to the battleground state of Arizona this week, his Democratic opponent for the White House, Joe Biden, campaigned from his basement as he has done throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Full Article politicsNews