BaNDyT: Bayesian Network modeling of molecular Dynamics Trajectories.

Bayesian network modeling (BN modeling, or BNM) is an interpretable machine learning method for constructing probabilistic graphical models from the data. In recent years, it has been extensively applied to diverse types of biomedical datasets. Concurrently, our ability to perform long-timescale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on proteins and other materials has increased exponentially.

A neurodevelopmental disorder mutation locks G proteins in the transitory pre-activated state.

Many neurotransmitter receptors activate G proteins through exchange of GDP for GTP. The intermediate nucleotide-free state has eluded characterization, due largely to its inherent instability. Here we characterize a G protein variant associated with a rare neurological disorder in humans.

Primary cervicothoracic melanoma of spinal cord: a case report and literature review.

A 53-year-old male patient presented progressive numbness and weakness in the right limbs for a 2-year duration. Magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed an intramedullary lesion crossed over cervical and thoracic levels accompanied by syringomyelia at the proximal end of the lesion. The patient underwent subtotal resection of the neoplasm.

Stabilization of interdomain interactions in G protein α subunits as a determinant of Gα subtype signaling specificity.

Highly homologous members of the Gα family, Gα, have distinct tissue distributions and physiological functions, yet their biochemical and functional properties are very similar. We recently identified PDZ-RhoGEF (PRG) as a novel Gα effector that is poorly activated by Gα. In a proteomic proximity labeling screen we observed a strong preference for Gα relative to Gα with respect to engagement of a broad range of potential targets.

Molecular annotation of G protein variants in a neurological disorder.

Heterotrimeric G proteins transduce extracellular chemical messages to generate appropriate intracellular responses. Point mutations in GNAO1, encoding the G protein α subunit, have been implicated in a pathogenic condition characterized by seizures, movement disorders, intellectual disability, and developmental delay (GNAO1 disorder). However, the effects of these mutations on G protein structure and function are unclear.

Stabilization of Interdomain Interactions in G protein α Subunits Determines Gα Subtype Signaling Specificity.

Highly homologous members of the Gα family, Gα, have distinct tissue distributions and physiological functions, yet the functional properties of these proteins with respect to GDP/GTP binding and regulation of adenylate cyclase are very similar. We recently identified PDZ-RhoGEF (PRG) as a novel Gα effector, however, it is poorly activated by Gα. Here, in a proteomic proximity labeling screen we observed a strong preference for Gα relative to Gα with respect to engagement of a broad range of potential targets.

Heterogeneous porous PLLA/PCL fibrous scaffold for bone tissue regeneration.

Bone tissue engineering has become one of the most promising therapeutic methods to treat bone defects. A suitable scaffolding material to regenerate new bone tissues should have a high specific surface area, high porosity and a suitable surface structure which benefit cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. In this study, an acetone post-treatment strategy was developed to generate heterogeneous structure.

Tunable Graphene/Nitrocellulose Temperature Alarm Sensors.

Tunable temperature alarm sensors were prepared using multilayer graphene and nitrocellulose (NC) to reliably monitor early high temperature risks. The graphene/NC alarm sensor keeps in a state of electrical insulation, however, turns electrically conductive at high temperatures, such as encountering a flame attack. Its response time is limited to only a few seconds because of a quick chemical reaction of NC.

Hierarchical Porous Poly(l-lactic acid) Nanofibrous Membrane for Ultrafine Particulate Aerosol Filtration.

Ultrafine particulate aerosols less than 100 nm diffuse randomly in the air and are hazardous to the environment and human health. However, no technical standards or commercial products are available for filtering particle sizes under 100 nm yet. Here, we report the development of a porous poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) nanofibrous membrane filter with an ultra-high specific surface area via electrospinning and a post-treatment process.

Rare Cervicothoracic Intramedullary and Extramedullary Lipoma.

We report a rare case of cervicothoracic intramedullary and extramedullary lipoma. Complete resection of the extramedullary lipoma and almost complete resection of the intramedullary lipoma were performed using a microscope, followed by posterior fusion and internal fixation from C4-T2 to maintain the stability of the cervicothoracic junction. Despite the high risk, it was still necessary to perform the decompression surgery and the surgical results were favorable.

Genome Sequences of Cluster K Mycobacteriophages Deby, LaterM, LilPharaoh, Paola, SgtBeansprout, and Sulley.

Mycobacteriophages Deby, LaterM, LilPharaoh, Paola, SgtBeansprout, and Sulley were isolated from soil using Mycobacterium smegmatis mc155. Genomic analysis indicated that they belong to subclusters K1 and K5. Their genomic architectures are typical of cluster K mycobacteriophages, with most variability occurring on the right end of the genome sequence.